First-Hand PCR DNA Testing Information - TheBody.com's Bulletin Boards

Some of this is a repost, some of it isn't. It occurs to me that like me, there may be someone out there who is interested in a PCR DNA test and who, for whatever reason, isn't able to find a local medical authority they can pursue it with. It happens. So, based on my single and probably non-typical experience, here's who I contacted, what it involved, and what it cost.

* I called the CDC a couple of weeks ago and inquired about PCR DNA testing. I talked to a really nice guy who only reluctantly gave me a contact phone number *after* he talked to me for several minutes about it not being FDA approved. He was not aggressive or condescending, he just strongly emphasized that it's not FDA approved FOR DIAGNOSIS.
* I waited about two weeks to call, mostly because I thought I was handling the stress of not knowing up until that point.
* I decided that the cost was worth knowing, RIGHT NOW, whether or not I needed to be concerned. I don't handle "wait and see" very well.....
* I did as much research as I could on PCR DNA testing, decided that it was for me.
* Called the number the CDC gave me. The phone number is 800 584 8183, the line is answered "Confidential AIDS Testing." They also operate as "Specialized Testing."
* The person who took the call actually tried to talk me OUT of the test, to a slight degree. "Doesn't sound like you need this, but it's also obvious that you won't be comfortable until you get it." Sound familiar?
* Quest Diagnostics handles all of their testing.
* You can test under a name or an ID. My state requires testing by name, the person on the phone made it absolutely clear that I could use any name I chose to. No ID was required when I went to have my blood drawn.
* Tested on a Monday, was told that I could have the results in 5 - 6 business days. Called to check status as instructed on Wednesday, was told that the results would be in possibly as late as the following Monday.
* Called Thursday, found out that my results were in.
* Cost for the test was $395. Thoughts on this: It's more than Quest charges for their OWN test, and more than some other labs charge as well. There were several reasons I chose to go the totally anonymous route, the one thing I was NOT concerned about was the price of the test. I considered the extra $100 or so in terms of a doctor's referral, time spent at the doctor's office, etc, and called it a fair trade.
* I was handled very well, and would have no reluctance to recommend this as one resource to be considered.
* If you can get it done less expensively, power to you.

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