Functional Medicine laboratory testing can be an extremely useful tool, especially when working with Digestive, Endocrine and Autoimmune conditions, it helps me to clarify, hone in and target the areas which are out of balance, in a precise and much more effective way. In addition testing provides an excellent way to monitor your progress, especially with Endocrine issues such as the Thyroid in particular.
Please Note:
I only recommend tests where I feel they are needed and work on a very individual basis.
I do not order tests without a Consultation as it is important to work with each person and apply the results of any tests together with an understanding of the individual including symptoms and past medical history as well as lifestyle and dietary habits.
The Laboratories I work with are professional, reliable and use the latest technology. They are utilised by Doctors as well as Nutritional Therapists, Medical Herbalists and Functional Medicine Practitioners.
Some of the more common tests I use in my practice
Microbiome test with Health Markers:
This is an extremely useful and in-depth test as it gives an excellent overview of the gut health and as we know, gut health impacts our whole health.
This is a Stool Test which checks the following:
- The most common beneficial aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as well as any unbalanced and dysbiotic ( Toxic) Bacteria.
- Candida species and other Yeasts ( mycology)
- H.Pylori
- Markers of Digestion: Pancreatic Elastase Enzyme which is a marker of digestive pancreatic function.
- SIgA an important marker of the Intestinal Immune System and our first line of defence. When this is very low we may have issues with frequent infections or we may develop food intolerances, when it is high it may be a sign of inflammation or infection.
- Marker of Inflammation Calprotectin.
- Zonulin, a protein indicating intestinal permeability ( leaky gut)
- Parasitology
SIBO Breath Test:
I have been trained in the art of interpreting the breath test for SIBO ( Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth) and find this a very useful test when looked at in conjunction with presenting symptoms.
The Organic Acid Test or OAT:
This is a very enlightened test which is incredibly useful for complex and chronic conditions.
I have undertaken advanced training in the interpretation and understanding of this test.
A Urine sample is sent to the lab where they check metabolites for many biochemical pathways including mitochondrial energy production, detoxification pathways, neurotransmitter turnover ( Dopamine and Serotonin) markers for oxidative stress and inflammation, mitochondrial B12 and folate levels, and markers for bacteria and yeast in the gut.
We can use this test also to give us an idea of where the bacteria is in the gut – large intestine or small intestine, helping me to decide on the best next step.
- DNA testing ( Nutri genomics):
This fascinating & extremely useful modality has really enhanced my practice.
I exclusively work with the UK company Lifecode GX and have undertaken the practitioner training for the following reports: ( click on the links for further information on each report) - Methylation
- Hormones
- Nervous System
- Detoxification
- Histamine
- Nutrient Core
Vitamin D:
By blood, in clinic or at home. A very important Vitamin with deficiency linked with many immune and autoimmune disorders as well as Hypertension.
Adrenal Stress Index:
Checks the levels of Cortisol and DHEA in the Saliva. Test performed at home, timed samples required. Kit provided by lab.
Complete Thyroid Screen:
This is a blood test which looks in depth at the thyroid function and checks Free T4, Free T3, TSH, Reverse T3 as well as the autoimmune antibodies present in Hashimotos and Graves Disease.
Female Hormone Panels:
A variety of tests available to check status of hormone levels in menstruating women as well as peri menopausal and menopausal women. Useful where there are fertility issues, PMS, Endometriosis, irregular or heavy/painful bleeding. The most common form of Female Hormone Test I use is the Dutch Test which is a urine spot, checking the metabolites of hormones found in the urine. This is a very sensitive and accurate test.
Vitamins and Minerals:
I have access to many more Vitamin and Nutrient tests, see the blood test order page.
Stomach Acid (HCL):
Tests the level of ones stomach acid relating to digestion and impacting further systems. A simple test that is done at home at meal times, see the Stomach Acid (HCL) page..
Most kits are sent directly to you from the Laboratory once I have referred you, payment is made directly to the lab and the results are returned to me.
