Functional Lab Testing

The Power of Knowledge in Healthcare

Functional laboratory testing and evaluation is a critical component in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of how your body is functioning. Having the ability to test for instead of just guess what biochemical, nutrient, microbial, hormonal and other imbalances are present is invaluable to creating the most targeted, individualized, effective therapeutic strategy.

Knowledge is power, and having the knowledge of why a particular disease state is present might be the most important factor in achieving optimal wellness. When we understand the “why,” we can employ a variety of approaches to correct the underlying imbalances. If we can correct the cause, whether by an herb, a diet, or a medication, the end result is restored balance and optimal health.

Beyond Standard Testing

We utilize both conventional and “functional” laboratory testing to provide the most comprehensive assessment of your health. Even when conventional blood testing is ordered, we often interpret the results with a functional or holistic perspective.

In addition to standard blood testing, functional laboratory testing through specialty labs may be recommended to provide further understanding of why dysfunction is occurring, and elucidate effective strategies to restore balance and improve symptoms and disease. Functional laboratory testing may include blood, stool, urine, saliva or hair samples to provide information about a variety of systems including metabolic, nutritional, endocrine, gastrointestinal, hormonal, immune, genetic, detoxification, and others.

Comprehensive Testing Options

With so many testing options available, it is possible to not only identify what disease is present, but to obtain reliable and reproducible information to explain “why” and “what” led to the present state of dis-ease. Understanding what factors contribute to a given condition allows for individualized and targeted treatment recommendations.

Our Functional Testing Services

Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis

Looking at conventional blood markers and assessing based on optimal levels. Too often people fall into “normal” ranges on their blood work performed by their doctors, and although they feel sick, they are told everything is normal. By taking a deeper look, and combining regular blood work with additional functional markers, a more comprehensive assessment can be made regarding one’s health now and in the future.

Micronutrient Testing

Micronutrient testing measures how micronutrients (vitamins, amino acids, minerals, antioxidants) are actually functioning within your white blood cells (primary immune cells). These tests allow nutritional assessment for a broad variety of clinical conditions, general wellness and the prevention of chronic diseases including arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular risk, diabetes, various immunological disorders and metabolic disorders.

Hormone Level Assessment

Most often blood samples are used for testing, though urine or saliva testing may be indicated. Comprehensive hormone testing is indicated for patients experiencing any hormonal imbalances including conditions benefitting from bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.

Adrenal Stress Index Test

This saliva test evaluates the health of the adrenal glands by measuring the levels of the stress hormone cortisol at 4 different points during a given day. This information helps determine normal or abnormal cortisol rhythm, and can differentiate between overactive or underactive adrenal function which often have similar presentations. This test is very helpful in patients with excessive fatigue, inflammatory conditions, hormone imbalance, weight issues, chronic illness, and chronic stress.

Digestive and Gut Function Analysis

This comprehensive stool test provides extensive information related to digestive tract function and health. The panel includes information about:

• Digestion – enzyme level markers, stool pH, detection of undigested food particles
• Intestinal Absorption
• Intestinal Metabolism
• Microbiology – detection of pathogenic bacteria, levels of normal/beneficial bacteria
• Mycology – levels of yeast
• Macroscopic Observations – observation of fecal color, detection of pus, mucus and occult blood
• Gut Immune Function – sIgA levels

From this information you will know whether, for example, you need to improve digestive function by supplementing digestive enzymes, whether you have a dysbiosis situation needing treatment with antimicrobials and/or probiotics, and if your immune system is functioning effectively to control pathogenic organisms in the intestines.

Heavy Metal Testing

Urine elements are traditionally used to evaluate exposure to potentially toxic elements and wasting of nutrient elements. Additionally, the comparison of urine element concentrations before and after administration of a chelator can be used to estimate net retention of potentially toxic elements. Subsequent urine element analyses, also following the administration of a chelator, are useful for monitoring the efficacy of metal detoxification therapy.

This test is useful for conditions including:

• Toxic element exposure
• Alopecia and bone density issues
• Cardiovascular disease and hypertension
• Depression and fatigue
• Dermatitis or poor wound healing
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Immune function and inflammation
• Impaired glucose tolerance and infertility
• Kidney function and nutritional deficiencies
• Parkinson’s-like symptoms