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Functional medicine laboratory testing
Uncovering the root causes of your health concerns can be helped dramatically by specialized laboratory tests.
These cutting-edge tests are typically not offered in a conventional medical setting.
They are however available in most countries with the help of a qualified practitioner.
Information on the tests most commonly offered can be found below and include test instructions and a sample report.
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Many have strict pre-test instructions but can be completed at home over a weekend and couriered on the Monday. It is best to avoid testing around public holidays as some tests are time sensitive.
All test kit purchases are non-refundable once your specimen has been received for testing. Prices are subject to change and admin or courier fees may be additional.
Stool testing
Stool analysis is particularly useful for those with:
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Gastrointestinal and Digestive Symptoms
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Irritable bowel syndrome
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease
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Autoimmune Disease
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Inflammation
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Food Allergies and Sensitivities
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Nutritional Deficiencies
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Joint Pain
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Chronic or Acute Diarrhea
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Bloody Stool
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Mucosal Barrier Dysfunction
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Abdominal Pain
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Fever and Vomiting
It can:
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assess the gut microbiome and compare against published normobiotic reference population.
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identify bacteria, viruses, parasites, and yeasts that may be contributing to symptoms.
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assess stool chemistry by looking at inflammatory, immune, intestinal health, and digestive markers.
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with susceptibility testing, determine the most appropriate natural treatment to address any pathogenic infection found.
Doctor's Data offers my preferred stool analysis as it utilizes MALDI-TOF laser technology and can identify more than 1400 organisms. It also offers accurate parasite testing with 3 consecutive stool samples and PCR analysis (multiplex DNA technology).
There are cheaper options but they are not as comprehensive.
H Pylori testing can be added to the GI 360 test for $99 NZD.
SIBO Breath Test
Used to evaluate for a Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) which is an underlying cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in approximately 50% - 78% of sufferers.
Other symptoms of SIBO can include:
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Bloating/abdominal distension with associated discomfort, particularly after eating
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Gas and belching
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Food Intolerances
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Constipation (generally associated with methanogenic bacteria)
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Diarrhea (generally associated with hydrogenic bacteria)
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Immune activation (e.g. food sensitivities)
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Nutrient deficiencies i.e. vitamin B12 & Iron
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Weight loss / weight gain
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Fatigue or brain fog
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Fibromyalgia
A restricted diet is required for 24 hours in preparation.
Following a collection of a baseline breath sample, either a lactulose or glucose test substrate is consumed.
The bacteria may ferment the lingering substrate and produce hydrogen and/or methane. These gases are absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled through the breath. Breath samples are collected every 15-20 minutes (depending on the substrate used) for up to 3 hours and analysed for the amount of Hydrogen, Methane and CO2 produced.
SIBO tests are pre-paid with the kit.
SIBO Breath Test - Lactulose
Most popular, but may produce more false positives.
Better able to detect SIBO in the lower small intestine.
Not a good option if have rapid intestinal transit or a true milk allergy.
Is typically preferred by natural health practitioners as it assesses the entire small intestine. Also best if experience pain in right lower abdomen.
Price:
$215 NZ
$150 US approx
SIBO Breath Test - Glucose
Most accurate at detecting SIBO in the upper intestines. It generally will not detect distal SIBO though. It is not suitable for those with diabetes or blood sugar issues. Is preferred by gastroenterologists due to it having fewer false positives but it can miss distal SIBO.
Price:
$215 NZ
$150 US approx
Food allergy and sensitivity testing - blood spot testing
A blood test measuring IgG, IgG4 and complement (C3d) reactions to common foods found in the diet is currently the best way to assess food sensitivities. If the test includes IgE then food allergies are also included.
Overt IgE-mediated food allergies can lead to hives, anaphylaxis, or digestive issues, while delayed food sensitivities (IgG and IgG4) are linked to sinus problems, acne, gas, bloating, fatigue, constipation, autism, irritable bowel syndrome, and even depression.
Many food sensitivity tests do not measure the complement marker C3D or C1q, but this additional measurement gives a more complete look at the patient’s response and reaction level to that specific food. Reaction to the specified food will worsen and greatly increase inflammation if C3d activation is present along with an IgG antibody response.
Measurement of total IgG and IgG4 is also recommended, which some tests do not provide.
Whole blood testing was considered to be more accurate than blood spot, however, the technology is improving. Also, it pays to note that live cell analysis or hair testing is not a scientifically accepted sign of true food sensitivity or allergic reaction. ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) is thought to provide a more reliable, reproducible semi-quantitative measurement. Both options below use ELISA technology, and both include complement testing.
The P88 Dietary antigen test now has a DIY blood spot test option. It includes both allergy and sensitivity testing. The KBMO FIT is also a blood spot test but does not include any IgE allergy measurements. However, a much larger range of food sensitivities can be tested (up to 176) with the KBMO FIT.
D.U.T.C.H. Hormonal & Adrenal Stress Testing
Precision Analytical has one of the most advanced and comprehensive models for testing steroid and adrenal hormones.
Collection at home is easy with dried urine and/or saliva samples.
These tests are useful for those with concerns of chronic fatigue, adrenal exhaustion, PCOS, acne, period-related issues, insomnia, weight gain, low sex drive, infertility, PMS, hormonal cancer concerns, migraines and depression/anxiety.
There are dietary, supplement and medication restrictions for these tests, so it's important to read the instructions fully prior to testing.
DUTCH COMPLETE
This urine only test is a comprehensive assessment of sex and adrenal hormones and their metabolites. It also includes the daily, free cortisol pattern, organic acids, melatonin (6-OHMS), and 8-OHdG.
Samples are taken around days 19-21 of a women's cycle if pre-menopausal, or anytime with men or menopausal women.
Price:
$580 NZ
$338 US approx
DUTCH
PLUS
The DUTCH Plus adds salivary measurements of the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) to the DUTCH Complete which functions as a "mini stress test" & is useful for those with insomnia.
It uses five dried urine samples and five saliva samples. These samples are collected over the course of one day, from waking to bedtime.
An additional insomnia salvia cortisol can be added if waken in the night.
Price:
$811 NZ
$473 US approx
DUTCH CYCLE MAPPING
For women with irregular cycles, no menses (and premenopausal), infertility issues, fluctuating hormone symptoms, & PCOS. (See info sheet).
Add DUTCH complete for an extra $231 NZ.
Or get the comprehensive PLUS version that includes CAR saliva tests & full hormone metabolites for an additional $405 NZ.
Price:
$754 NZ
$440 US approx
Organic Acids Testing (O.A.T.)
The Organic Acids Test (OAT) offers a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of a patient’s overall health with over 70 markers.
It can give an evaluation of:
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Intestinal yeast and bacteria (certain markers are associated with irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropsychiatric disorders, autism, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and more)
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Vitamin and mineral levels
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Oxidative Stress and antioxidant levels (an indicator of chronic inflammation and ability to detoxify effectively)
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Neurotransmitter levels (impacts brain, nervous system, and mood)
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Oxalate levels (high levels are associated with kidney stones, vulvodynia, and oxalate toxicity symptoms)
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Fatty acid metabolism (high level of fatty acids metabolites can indicate protein malnutrition, type I diabetes, severe GI Candida overgrowth, various genetic disorders, and cause low blood sugar and lethargy)
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Mitochondrial function (mitochondria are our energy powerhouse)
It is therefore particularly useful for those with:
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Chronic fatigue
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Chronic pain and inflammation
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Fibromyalgia
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Gut or digestive issues
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Depression and/or anxiety
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Autism
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ADD/ADHD
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Neuropsychiatric or behavioural disorders
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Seizure disorders
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Kidney stones, vulvodynia, chronic joint pain and other symptoms of oxalate toxicity
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Brain fog or poor concentration/focus
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Chronic headaches and migraines
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Suspected Clostridia infection
There are also Organic acids tests for mycotoxins (GPL- Mycotox) if mould toxicity is suspected. It screens for eleven different mycotoxins, from 40 species of mould, in one urine sample and costs $535 NZ.
Toxic nonmetal chemicals (GPL-TOX) screens for 172 different environmental pollutants using 18 different metabolites. Add it to a standard OAT test for $276 NZ or complete it on its own for $370 NZ.
