Laboratory Testing

Laboratory tests can help detect a condition before symptoms occur, determine a diagnosis, plan treatment, check to see if treatment is working, or monitor the condition over time. It is a procedure in which a small sample of blood, urine, or other body fluid is taken and sent for analysis.

Below are the offered laboratory tests. Following a visit, we will determine which one(s) are appropriate for you.

 

Common Laboratory Tests

  • CBC checks red blood cell function to assess for anemias (including hemoglobin, hematocrit, and other markers) and white blood cell function to assess the immune system (including neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and basophils), and checks for platelets that play an important role in blood clotting.

  • The complete metabolic panel lab test checks:

    • blood sugar (glucose)

    • kidney markers, including blood, urea, nitrogen, and creatinine

    • electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide, and anion Gap

    • minerals, including calcium and phosphorous

    • proteins, including albumin and globulin

    • liver markers, including lactic acid dehydrogenase, AST/ SGOT, and ALT/ SGPT

    • gall bladder markers, including bilirubin

  • There are numerous other functional lab tests that will help determine diagnosis.

    • GGT ( Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) is an enzyme used to evaluate the liver, kidney, intestine, heart, brain, pancreas, and spleen.

    • Uric Acid is an end product of protein metabolism and is elevated in gout.

    • ESR - (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) monitors the course of chronic inflammatory conditions.

    • CRP - (C-Reactive Protein) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation

    • CRPhs - (C-Reactive Protein-high-sensitivity) is a marker of inflammation specific to cardiovascular inflammation (vessels in the heart & brain)

  • The conventional lipid (cholesterol) panel lab test checks:

    • Cholesterol -An alcohol-sterol, and is used by the body in the production of hormones and bile acids for cell membranes.

    • Triglycerides - Blood fats or esters of glycol, and like cholesterol are vital sources of energy for the body.

    • HDL - High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol is an indicator of how well the body utilizes fats.

    • LDL- Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol is an indicator of a patient’s risk for atherosclerosis.

Specialty Laboratory Tests

Specialty laboratory tests can offer detailed information of your overall health. It is a good way to target specific health concerns in order to create personalized treatment plans.

  • The lipoprotein profile tests for cholesterol particle size that may indicate an evaluated the risk of heart attack or stroke.

  • There are several different nutritional panels assessed in laboratory testing, which are designed to test for amino acids, minerals, micro-nutrients, and vitamins.

    Results from your specific nutritional profile can provide insight that will allow your doctor to tailor supplementation most efficiently. This can include improvements to:

    • Cognitive Function

    • Women’s Health

    • Diabetes

    • Heart-Disease

    • Neurology

    • Sport Performance

    • Weight

  • Assessment of adrenal function is crucial as adrenal stress or exhaustion can be at the root of numerous physical and mental health concerns.

    Adrenal stress tests provide a comprehensive 24-hour assessment of adrenal function. Adrenal function can be assessed both in blood and saliva tests.

  • Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a serious digestive disturbance that can be treated effectively, but only if it is accurately diagnosed. The small intestinal bowel overgrowth lab test checks patients’ breath samples for levels of hydrogen, methane, or both to assess for SIBO. After ingesting a substrate packet, the patient produces breath samples every 20 minutes over a 3-hour period.

  • The comprehensive digestive analysis stool test will assess for chronic or underlying causes of disease and indicate where the treatment plan needs adjustment.

    Beneficial bacteria live in us naturally and help each of our body functions. Harmful bacteria, or even overgrowth of beneficial bacteria, cause imbalances that disrupt normal body function and health.

    Once levels are determined, a treatment plan is created to address any issues.

  • Individuals with candidiasis can experience symptoms such as fatigue, vaginitis, allergies, foggy brain, and other symptoms.

    The candida lab test checks for candidiasis, by checking the balance of intestinal flora. Candida albicans is a healthy organism that lives in our GI tract. The normal balance of intestinal flora can be disrupted by the aggressive use of antibiotics, high sugar intake, and certain types of medications, illnesses, and diabetes.

    We can effectively treat candidiasis based on accurate testing.

  • A hormone lab test can diagnose multiple symptoms through the measurement of specific hormonal levels, along with the function of different glands in your body.

    Hormone testing includes thyroid hormones, adrenal hormones, and male and female hormones.

    When additional hormone testing is necessary, a 24-hour urine hormone panel is available.

  • The food allergy panel lab test can test for causative agents that lead to inflammation, gas, bloating, coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms.

  • Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in many emotional and physiological functions in your body. Neurotransmitter testing can assess for any deficiencies in neurotransmitters that are often associated with conditions such as anxiety and depression.