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FAQs

  • What will my report tell me?
    Your report includes: Presence/absence of infection Specific pathogen(s) detected Specific antibiotic resistant genes present. Most effective antibiotic to eradicate infection Our detailed reporting contains three sections: Section One: Pathogen Report The pathogen reporting section lists all the specific pathogens present in your sample. For each bacteria, a qualitative measurement (low, medium, or high) and a qualitative measurement (reported in CFU/mL) will be included. Because our reports are completed in units of CFU/mL, your provider should have no trouble interpreting your report. Section Two: Antibiotic Resistance Genes The antibiotic resistance genes section lists specific genes found in your sample in addition to their resistance to particular classes of antibiotics. Section Three: Antibiotic Treatment Guidance This section provides a list of recommended antibiotics that would be effective at eradicating infection.
  • Can I use my health insurance or an HSA/FSA to purchase a test kit?
    We welcome the use of health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA) as a means for purchasing our test kits. However, at this time we cannot guarantee purchase coverage of our at-home test kits using health insurance, as our test kits are not specifically covered under health insurance plans. We encourage you to check with your insurance provider to determine eligibility for reimbursement. Please feel free to contact our team if you would like further assistance.
  • How will my package arrive?
    We ship our test kits via FedEx in packaging that protects your privacy. Our product containers (test kits) will be shipped inside of an envelope or box with no mention of the test kit. In other words, test kit types (e.g., UTI, STI, etc.) will NOT be printed on the outside of the package. The only visible information will be the packaging label which will contain our sender information (i.e., Promus Direct) and our company address.
  • Do you have more information about UTI?
    Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs) According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, published in JAMA Network, 55.9 percent of antimicrobial therapy prescribed to patients for treatment of pneumonia or urinary tract infection (UTI) was unsupported – defined as the use of antimicrobial to which a pathogen is not susceptible or without supporting microbiological data. Optimizing the use of antimicrobials is a major component of slowing the spread of resistant pathogens as antibiotic resistance is among the 10 greatest public health threats today, leading to an estimated 2 million infections and 23,000 deaths per year in the United States. (WHO.int) Traditional testing for a UTI involves a culture, which takes days to complete. Additionally, traditional cultures have low sensitivity and accuracy. Without accurate identification of a pathogen, healthcare providers are unable to treat the patient with an evidence-based course of antibiotics, leaving patients susceptible to persistent UTI, recurrent UTI, and antimicrobial resistance.
  • Why should I choose a Promus Direct UTI test kit?
    Promus Direct provides a better solution for identifying pathogens responsible for UTI using real-time RT-PCR technology. Your test kit sample is tested in one of our state-of-the-art PCR machines which simultaneously tests all relevant pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes. The results from our testing provide healthcare providers clear and robust guidance for medical therapy.
  • Why should I choose a Promus Direct STI test kit?
    Promus Direct provides a better solution for identifying pathogens responsible for STI using real-time RT-PCR technology. Your test kit sample is inserted into one of our state-of-the-art PCR machines which simultaneously tests all relevant pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes. The results from our testing provide healthcare providers clear and robust guidance for medical therapy.
  • Do you have more information about STI?
    Sexually transmitted infections are relatively common in the general population. Per the World Health Organization, there are over 1 million STIs diagnosed daily, with most being asymptomatic. Additionally, over 500 million individuals 15-49 years old are infected with herpes simplex virus (HPV). The WHO also reports that human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with over 311,000 cervical cancer fatalities annually. For more information please visit WHO.int. Traditional testing for an STI involves a culture, which takes days to complete. Additionally, traditional cultures have low sensitivity and accuracy. Without accurate identification of a pathogen, healthcare providers are unable to treat the patient with an evidence-based course of antibiotics, leaving patients susceptible to persistent STI, recurrent STI, and antimicrobial resistance.
  • What is antibiotic resistance?
    Antibiotic resistance refers to the ability of a bacterial infection to resist the effects of antibiotics. The effort among providers, hospitals, laboratories, and government agencies to address antibiotic resistance and prevent overuse or misuse of antibiotics is called “antibiotic stewardship.” According to the CDC, at least 2.8 million antibiotic-resistance infections occur, leading to more than 35,000 fatalities annually. (CDC.gov) Antibiotic resistance may arise from the misuse of antibiotics – either by prescribing incorrect antibiotic coverage, prescribing incorrect antibiotic dosage, administering antibiotics when when no infection is present, or by patients being unable to take their antibiotic for the proper duration. Whatever the cause, the World Health Organization continues to report antibiotic resistance as a top-10 threat to global public health. (WHO.int) Antibiotic resistance gene testing is an essential tool in modern medicine, especially as antibiotic resistance poses a significant global health challenge.
  • What is antibiotic resistance gene testing?
    Antibiotic resistance gene testing is an essential tool in modern medicine, especially as antibiotic resistance poses a significant global health challenge. Antibiotic resistance gene testing is a type of genetic testing used to identify specific genes in bacteria that make them resistant to antibiotics. Bacteria can acquire resistance to antibiotics through various mechanisms, including the presence of certain genes that provide them with the ability to evade the effects of antimicrobial drugs. We complete antibiotic resistance gene testing from the urine sample that you provide. The genetic material from the bacteria is then analyzed to detect the presence of specific genes that are known to confer antibiotic resistance. This information is crucial for healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate and effective antibiotic treatment for bacterial infections. By identifying antibiotic resistance genes in bacterial samples, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about which antibiotics to prescribe and avoid using drugs that are unlikely to be effective. This helps to reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections and ensures better patient outcomes.
  • Will my results be shared with anyone else?
    As a HIPAA-compliant medical lab, we never share your test results with any third-party, state or federal agency unless required by law. Click here for more information. All results are stored in a secure HIPAA-compliant patient portal. We do NOT communicate results via email, physical mail, or text message.
  • Can I share my report with my doctor?
    Yes! Our report is designed to be interpreted by both you and your provider. Our at-home Test Kits provide valuable insight into your health, including the detection of specific pathogens. Sharing these results with your healthcare provider allows them to make informed decisions about your care, and prescribe treatment when necessary. It enables your doctor to assess the test findings in the context of your medical history, symptoms, and overall health, leading to a more accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Remember, while the test provides essential information, it is not a definitive diagnosis, and your doctor's expertise is crucial in providing comprehensive care. Open communication with your healthcare provider empowers you to take proactive steps towards managing your urinary health effectively.
  • How do I access my results?
    When your results are ready to view, you will receive an email or text message notification. Upon receipt of this email or text message notification you will be able to access your report on your account dashboard in PDF format.
  • Where is my test performed?
    All laboratory testing is performed at our CAP-accredited and CLIA-certified laboratory, Promus Diagnostics, located in Southlake, Texas.
  • How do I get treatment?
    Should you have a result that requires a prescription to be sent to your pharmacy, you will be able to connect with our virtual health services. Additionally, you have the option to take your report to a provider of your choice for review and therapeutic management.
  • How long will it take for me to get my results?
    Your results will typically be ready to view within 24 hours from the time our laboratory receives your specimen.
  • How do I register my test kit?
    To register a test kit, please visit the Register Test Kit page found at the top of our website.
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