Functional Medicine Lab Testing 

Conventional Medical Doctors are trained to follow certain standard procedures that involve matching sets of symptoms to particular lab tests and pharmaceutical prescription drugs. If you don’t fall into this conventional model, your doctor might say that specific tests are not warranted. You can ask for them but if ordered will likely not be justified by insurance and you would end up with a large bill for uncovered testing. For this reason, functional medical doctors have partnered together to create a Co-Op allowing patients to get the lowest cost available testing. Now we can order the labs that we deem important for a cost that is roughly one tenth of the insurance fees for the same labs. You can expect this discount to transfer directly to you as we do not mark up any of the bloodwork ordered so that you can get the tests needed at an affordable price.



 

Initial Functional Medicine Blood Tests:

Have you ever had bloodwork done and your doctor said everything is normal yet you don’t feel well? That is because in Conventional Medicine the ranges that they look at are not for healthy people but an average of sick people in the specific demographics for where that test was ordered. For this reason, in Functional Medicine, we have developed standardized “Optimal” ranges so we can catch disease before it fully develops and find the underlying causes of symptomatic presentation. Each new patient of this practice will begin with a full functional medicine bloodwork panel and be given their own personalized Functional Health Report. Click here to see an example.

  • ->Complete Blood Count (CBC): Including Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells, and Platelets.

    ->Metabolic Panel: Measuring sugar (glucose) level, electrolyte and fluid balance, kidney function, and liver function.

    ->Lipid Panel: Measuring Total Cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides.

    * Some Conventional Medicine Doctors may add in additional markers like Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) to screen for Thyroid function (But TSH is often the last marker to change with a thyroid condition as it is a marker from the Pituitary), Vitamin D if you ask or have a bone density problem, Iron if your CBC is off, and a basic Urinalysis.

  • ->CBC with differentials: Looking at the breakdown percentage of WBC we can see if you are fighting an infection and whether it is bacterial or viral. We can also see patterns pointing towards an underlying gut infection or intestinal parasite that warrants stool testing.

    ->Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: In addition to what is traditionally tested, we add in:

    ->Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral needed in every cell in the body to function; cofactor involved in over 600 reactions including energy production, protein formation, gene maintenance, muscle movements, and nervous system regulation. Helps with stress management, sleep, bowel function, and blood pressure.

    ->Phosphorus: Phosphorus is the second most plentiful mineral in your body next to calcium. It assists the body in the utilization of vitamins and the conversion of food to energy. Additionally, phosphorus is needed for blood clotting, bone growth, cell growth, contraction of the heart muscle, normal heart rhythm, and kidney function.

    ->Lipid Panel: In Functional Medicine we look at the lipid panel from a different perspective. More important than total cholesterol is the breakdown and ratios; and if LDL is elevated we would run a LDL Particle test to determine the cause and severity of your elevated LDL cholesterol. Updated research has now shown that low cholesterol is more problematic than high cholesterol; one reason for this is the fact that cholesterol is the precursor to all hormones in the body. Additionally Triglycerides to total Cholesterol (which should be a 1:2 ratio) tells us if you are properly digesting your fast or if you have insulin resistance.

    ->Iron, Total Iron-binding Capacity, and Ferritin: If someone is anemic then not much else we do will matter till we can get proper oxygen to the cells to function. Iron deficiency is often the root cause of chronic fatigue, but also the indicator of an underlying gut infection. Ferritin is the main storage form of iron in the body, and will often become low before there are changes in iron levels which is why this is checked in the initial workup.

    ->High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein: A marker to test for systemic Inflammation.

    ->Hemoglobin A1c, Fasting Insulin, and Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase: Markers to check for Blood Sugar Dysregulation including Diabetes, Prediabetes, Insulin Resistance, and Hypoglycemia.

    ->Full Thyroid Panel including Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH), T4, Free T4, T3, Free T3, T3 update, Reverse T3, and Thyroid Antibodies. In traditional medicine often a TSH is run as a screen, yet it is not uncommon for someone to have Antibodies to their thyroid before changes in their TSH are noted. Thyroid physiology is complex and regulated by input from multiple endocrine glands, the immune system, the gut, and many cell-signaling molecules. With these markers, we can uncover the underlying cause of thyroid dysfunctions and reverse them before they progress.

    ->Vitamin D: Fat-soluble vitamin that also has properties of a hormone. Required for the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus. It is also very important in regulating the immune system. There is a direct correlation between low Vitamin D and depression, which is why sessional depression is so common when the sun is not shining. According to a PubMed review, 41.6% of adults in the United States are deficient, yet it is not a standardized test in the conventional medical system.

    ->Vitamin B12 and Folate: Essential nutrients that your body needs for processes like DNA synthesis, energy production, and central nervous system function. The most common form of supplementation with B12 is cyanocabalamin because it is a cheap synthetic chemical, yet it is not easily absorbed in the body. The most effective form is methyl cobalamin which is commonly used in Functional Medicine to return levels to optimal range.

    ->Homocysteine: An amino acid broken down by Vitamin B12, and folate and helps us see if you are properly methylating these vitamins. Elevated homocysteine is associated with increased risk for osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, heart attack, coronary artery disease, stroke, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.

    ->DHEA: DHEA is a key hormone produced by the adrenal glands and can provide a valuable incite into adrenal fatigue which is very common in our society with chronic life stresses. Optimizing DHEA helps with hormonal balance, adrenal function, bone health, mood, cognitive function, and energy levels.

    ->Testosterone: Plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and overall vitality; assessing its levels can help us address various symptoms and overall health.

    ->Histamine is an add-on marker we check for those with allergies, sinus issues or congestion. This guides us on the source of your symptoms and how to better manage them with diet, lifestyle and supplementation.

    ->ANA stands for Antinuclear antibodies and is a great initial screen for any Autoimmune Diseases. In Functional Medicine we use diet and supplementation to stop the attack and heal the body.

    ->Urinalysis with Microscopic Examination: Screen for dehydration, UTI, kidney disease, diabetes, and more.

Specialty Lab Testing:

Gut Health

  • GI MAP Comprehensive Stool Test: Have you heard the saying “All disease begins in the gut”? Gut and Digestive health is at the foundation of Functional Medicine because if you aren’t properly absorbing your nutrients from the food you eat, then your body will not be able to heal. We use this test to check for: Bacterial and Viral Pathogens, Parasites, H, Pylori Infection, Dysbiosis/Bacterial Overgrowth, Candida overgrowth, Potential Autoimmune Triggers, Intestinal Health Markers, and Leaky Gut/Intestinal Hyperpermeability. Testing kits are shipped directly to patients for collection and then returned to the lab for processing. Click HERE to view a sample report.

  • SIBO Breath Test: Gold standard test for diagnosing Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) which is a condition that results in excessive bloating and gas, especially after meals, as well as other IBS symptoms. This non-invasive SIBO breath test can detect the gases that are produced by the bacteria. Once diagnosed, we can then eliminate the overgrowth with herbal antimicrobials and a specialized diet. Click HERE to view a sample report.

Food Sensitivity Testing

* See my BLOG POST to learn the difference between food sensitivities, allergies, and intolerances as well as how they affect your health.

  • The KBMO FIT 176 test is a comprehensive food sensitivity test designed to identify potential food triggers that may contribute to inflammation, digestive issues, and various other health concerns. This advanced test measures sensitivities to 176 different foods, additives, and substances by detecting IgG antibody responses and immune complexes in your blood. Included in the FIT 176 test is the newly enhanced Gut Barrier Panel, which checks for leaky gut syndrome and candida overgrowth, providing a deeper understanding of your gut health. The test also offers personalized dietary recommendations through the patented FIT Test Report, helping you make informed decisions to optimize your well-being and achieve better health outcomes. Click HERE to view a sample report.

  • Mediator Release Test (MRT) through Oxford Biomedical Technologies: This test is known as the most innovative and clinically useful test for hidden inflammatory responses to foods and food chemicals. We strongly recommend this test for those dealing with any chronic pain conditions or with an elevated C-Reactive Protein lab test showing signs of inflammation. It was specifically developed and refined over a decade on thousands of IBS, Migraine, and fibromyalgia patients. Click HERE to view a sample report.

Hormone Testing

  • The Adrenal Stress Index (ASI) test from DiagnosTechs is a non-invasive, comprehensive assessment of adrenal gland function and overall stress response. This saliva-based test measures cortisol and DHEA levels at four key points throughout the day, providing a detailed insight into your body's diurnal rhythm and how it responds to stress. By evaluating the balance of these critical hormones, the ASI test helps identify issues such as adrenal fatigue, chronic stress, and hormonal imbalances that can affect energy levels, sleep quality, immune function, and overall well-being. With this information, you can work on personalized strategies to manage stress, support adrenal health, and restore balance in your life. Click HERE to view a sample report.

  • DUTCH Complete: DUTCH stands for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones. This advanced hormone testing was developed to improve on available hormone testing options. DUTCH offers the most extensive profile of sex and adrenal hormones along with their metabolites. Additionally, the daily pattern of free cortisol is included, along with melatonin (6-OHMS), 8-OHdG, and six organic acids. This unique combination of clinical information is not available by any other method. This test requires clinician interpretation due to the complexity of the Steroid Pathways. Click HERE to view a sample report.

  • Cycling Female Hormone Panel: Due to the change in hormones throughout the cycle, this is the most comprehensive way to measure hormones in a menstruating female. 11 separate samples are taken throughout the entire monthly cycle in order to gain a better understanding of what may be contributing to your symptoms. Your hormone levels are measured from your saliva, which can be collected easily and painlessly at your convenience. This test is useful in women struggling with infertility, PCOS, painful or heavy periods. Click HERE to view a sample report.

  • Male Hormone Panel: This is a noninvasive saliva test used to evaluate levels of various hormones involved in male reproductive and sexual function. These panels include tests for nine different hormones in order to give a comprehensive picture of male hormonal balance that is valuable when evaluating for conditions related to infertility, sexual dysfunction, and andropause—an age-related decline in male hormone levels. Click HERE to view a sample report.

Toxicity TEsting

  • The Mosaic Mycotoxin test is a cutting-edge diagnostic tool designed to detect the presence of mycotoxins—harmful toxins produced by mold—in your body. Mycotoxins can contribute to a wide range of health issues, including chronic fatigue, respiratory problems, cognitive difficulties, and immune system suppression. This comprehensive urine test screens for multiple mycotoxins, providing a clear picture of your body's exposure to mold and its toxins. With the Mosaic Mycotoxin test, you gain valuable insights into the potential environmental and dietary sources of mold exposure, enabling you to take targeted steps to detoxify your body and restore optimal health. Click HERE to view a sample report.

  • The Total Tox Burden test by Vibrant Wellness is an advanced diagnostic tool that provides a comprehensive assessment of your body’s exposure to environmental toxins. This urine-based test screens for a wide range of toxic substances, including heavy metals, pesticides, mold mycotoxins, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can negatively impact your health. By identifying these toxins, the Total Tox test helps you understand the burden these harmful substances may be placing on your body, contributing to symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and hormonal imbalances. Armed with this information, you can take targeted steps to detoxify and protect your body, supporting your journey toward optimal health and vitality. Click HERE to view a sample report.

Nutritional TEsting

  • Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis: This is an affordable test that gives us a plethora of information including graphic results of 20 nutritional and toxic mineral levels, comprehensive interpretation in layman terms (usually 26 pages), stage of stress, organs and systems patterns, metabolic patterns and trends, electrolyte patterns, digestion patterns, and recommendations for foods and supplements. Click HERE to view a sample report.

  • NutraEval: This is both a blood and urine test that evaluates over 125 biomarkers and assesses the body's functional need for 40 antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, digestive support, and other select nutrients. Click HERE to see a sample report.

Ready to get started unraveling the root cause of your health issues? Click below to schedule today!