Monthly Certification

[Andy Mann]

Acumen (formerly know as Medilab) have been around for years, they are used by some of the top producers/models in the UK.

I have been going there for 4 years or so, the fact that their website is not up and running is irrelevant, they did have a very informative site previously as I did some research before I first had an appointment. I think Dave explained this was due to technical issues.

From what I understand (thanks to the internet and google!), the reason no swabs are necessary is because your DNA is tested through urine and blood samples. As far as I am aware DNA testing is 99.9 per cent accurate (much more accurate than any other method of testing). I remember someone actually posting an article in relation to this specific method of testing samples as this issue of swabs being necessary has come up before. I am sure Dave or somebody at Acumen can enlighten us in laymens terms.

As he also pointed out, NHS Staff, Sportsmen and Women (Boxers in particular) and the Police Force use Acumen. I know as I have sat and chatted to some of them in the waiting room! I can only assume that is because it is the best form of testing, not anything to do with the length of time that it takes for the results to come back, although that could be a factor in some cases (for example a boxer fighting the next day and needing a quick turnaround).

I would highly recommend them as the NHS have never been anything but trouble when it comes to getting an appointment and waiting for my results etc. That is just my personal experience though, I am sure it isn't the same for everyone, probably just depends on your local clinic.

[Acumen]

The test we carry out on a screen are:

HIV 1&2 and P24 antigen screen (not finger prick)
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C

Chlamydia trachomatis
N. gonorrhoea
Mycoplasma genitalium
Ureaplasma genitalium
Trichomonas vaginalis
Gardnerella vaginalis
Herpes simples I/II

All our tests are carried out on a venepuncture sample or first catch urine.
We use a medically led laboratory, one of the largest in the country.
We do not offer the finger prick testing as we offer quality service in an aim to proactively protect the health and wellbeing of our clients.
Within our service we also discuss a wide range of other health issues and preventative health measures to promote not only their sexual health and wellbeing, but their overall health.
Our clients are able to have contact with a health professional out of hours should they have any issues or concerns, in order that they can discuss these and appropriate advice can be given, and action taken.
To date, and we have been offering our services a number of years, we have had no complaints from our clients, about either the service or the standard of the certification. Our clients work worldwide in this industry.

[videokim]

To many labs now claim to do full tests without oral ,genital swaps that are just as important.
My NHS clinic does the full works for a small fee so surely to put adult performers minds at rests can't you include these, there are a lot of mickey mouse clinics out there doing half measure tests & passing them on as 'Full tests' so you can see our consern on the matter.
I am not sure if you will get much luck on here as most including ourselves stay clear of clinics doing half measures as its our lives at stake.

[Andy Mann]

I think you are missing the point Kim, DNA Testing cuts out the need to grow cultures by swabbing, it is a complete and thorough test of your DNA and therefore it is not necessary to collect swab samples. Surely the NHS staff, Doctors and Nurses that choose to use Acumens testing over their own as it is a more accurate service or am I being silly? It is an alternative method but just as valid in terms of Health Certificates. I have worked for 2 leading female producers who as far as I am aware have the biggest porn sites in the UK and they were both tested at Acumen (then Medilab) themselves when they were going to do a scene, and were more than happy for me to have my tests done there, actually, happier for me to go there than to the NHS. Not knocking what the NHS do, but they are clearly not set up in most regions to deal with workers in the Adult Industry (with the exception of the Working Mens Project in St Marys London, who I also use occasionally if I can get down there from Manchester). Medilab and other private clinics are offering a service that is invaluable to the likes of myself and others.

[Andy Mann]

Sorry meant to say Acumen, not Medilab (still getting used to the name change lol)