Re: Monthly Certification
Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2010 9:41 pm
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.
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.