How do you test for foodborne illness

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What are common foodborne illnesses?

Every year, almost 1 in 10 people get sick from some type of foodborne illness.  Many cases resolve themselves, either on their own or with medication, without causing any serious long-term complications.  However, over 400,000 deaths per year worldwide are attributed to consuming contaminated food or water.  Recognizing the symptoms of foodborne illness and identifying it can help to prevent serious health issues.  Some of the most common illnesses include Campylobacter, E. coli, Salmonella, Norovirus, Staphylococcus, Hepatitis A, and Listeria.  

What causes foodborne illness?

Eating or drinking something that has been contaminated can cause a variety of illnesses.  Foodborne illnesses can come from many sources including bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins, and chemicals.  It is easy for bacteria to grow on food that is not stored at proper temperatures and moisture levels.  Packaged food products can also be contaminated when they are not properly sealed.  When food is handled or prepared by someone who has not properly washed or sterilized their hands or instruments, they can pass pathogens to others.  Chemicals from industrial pollution can contaminate soil or water which can in turn infect the people who consume them.

What are the symptoms of foodborne illnesses?

The symptoms of foodborne illnesses can vary depending on the type of exposure. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, and pain in the joints. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Sometimes symptoms will appear quickly.  In some cases, they may take days to appear.  This can make it difficult to properly identify the type of illness or the source of the exposure.

How do you get tested for foodborne illness?

Foodborne illnesses can cause similar symptoms which make them difficult to identify.  If symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to get testing done that can help to find out the type of infection.  Since many foodborne diseases affect the digestive and gastrointestinal systems, stool testing can often help to find the cause of a person's illness.  Request A Test is a national provider of direct-to-consumer lab testing.  This means you can order the tests you need without having to first visit a doctor or get approval from an insurance provider.  We offer a full selection of stool tests including testing for Giardia, C difficile, Yersinia, and Stool Culture (E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter.)  We also offer blood testing for diseases such as Hepatitis A and Toxoplasmosis.  You can order a test and go to a lab the same day to submit your sample.  Request A Test is committed to making lab testing affordable, fast, and easy.  To get started visit us online or call our team at 888-732-2348.

Why Choose Us?

• Since 2002, we have had a proven track record of offering excellent customer service, affordable pricing with no hidden fees, and our enduring commitment to protecting your personal information.
• No doctor's order? (No problem!) Our national physician network provides the required doctor's order for the lab. Insurance is not needed to order lab testing nor will your insurance company be billed.
• We are partnered with two of the largest CLIA-certified labs in the US, to offer you the latest lab testing technology with prompt and accurate results. (These are the same labs used by hospitals and physicians.)
• With over 3,600 lab locations to choose from and same-day collection, we make lab testing quick and convenient. No appointment is needed. Find your local lab with our location finder.
• We offer an extensive and detailed test menu. Ordering can be done online or over the phone. Not finding a test? Simply give us a call.

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