Pathology And Functional Testing Services

Pathology and functional testing

The ordering of blood work or functional testing to gain a deeper understanding of a patient's individual biochemistry and nutritional needs. These tests can provide information on a patient's nutrient deficiencies, metabolic imbalances, and gastrointestinal health, affecting overall health and well-being. Functional testing can also help identify underlying conditions, such as food sensitivities, contributing to symptoms such as fatigue, digestive issues, and skin problems. By identifying these issues through functional testing, a nutritionist can create a personalized nutrition plan that addresses the patient's specific needs rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. Additionally, functional tests can help track patients' progress over time and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.

Commonly ordered testing

Comprehensive Thyroid testing

This thyroid panel provides more in-depth screening of thyroid function and looks for evidence of autoimmune disease with a thyroid antibodies test.

The hormones produced by the thyroid regulate metabolism - the rate at which the body uses energy. The body has a feedback system that turns thyroid hormone production on and off and maintains a stable amount of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream. When thyroid antibodies interfere with this process, it can lead to chronic conditions such as Hashimoto thyroiditis or Graves' disease.

MTHFR CHECK

As much as half of the population may have an MTHFR gene test mutation which has been linked to anxiety, insomnia, fatigue and depression.

The MTHFR gene provides instructions to produce the MTHFR enzyme. This enzyme is needed to activate folate in the body which is essential for:

Cell division, heart function, DNA synthesis, brain function and memory.
Converting homocysteine into methionine which the body needs for proper metabolism and muscle growth.
The process of methylation which enables the body to detoxify itself.

Female hormone imbalance check

The female body produces many different hormones, but certain types have a bigger role to play in the body's health and well-being. When your hormones are in proper balance they help the body thrive, but small problems with hormones can cause serious and life-altering symptoms. Specifically, imbalances of sex hormones, thyroid hormones and adrenal hormones, as well as insulin resistance are common problems that can contribute to a host of chronic health issues.

This saliva hormone test includes:

FEMALE FERTILITY CHECK

Hormones communicate to create the right environment for conception, such as the maturation and properly timed release of healthy eggs from the ovaries, and preparation of the uterus lining for implantation. A hormone imbalance can significantly disrupt this delicate system reducing the chance of a successful pregnancy. Sadly many women waste months or even years trying to conceive before they discover a hormone imbalance. This fertility test can give you the answers now so you won’t need to waste precious time before taking action.

This fertility test measures: Oestradiol, FSH, LH, FSH to LH ratio, and testosterone.

MALE HORMONE IMBALANCE CHECK

This hormone blood test measures levels of the key hormones and androgens that play an important role in governing masculinity and fertility. Thyroid, Insulin and Adrenocortex Function (serum) are also tested

Hormones exert powerful effects on the body and have a significant role to play in health and wellbeing. Understanding these roles is important if you’re seeking to proactively manage your health.

This test measures: Testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, oestradiol, FSH, luteinising hormone, progesterone, prolactin, insulin, TSH, T4, T3, cortisol, DHEA-S.

TESTOSTERONE CHECK

It’s not always obvious what could be causing issues such as a lack of energy, mood swings, low sex drive and abdominal fat. We often put these issues down to diet, lack of sleep or stress but there could be other underlying issues. This simple testosterone test can be used to identify a testosterone imbalance or provide insight into the onset of andropause (male menopause).

FOOD INTOLERANCE CHECK

A food intolerance response takes place in the gut, and it occurs when you are unable to properly breakdown the food. This could be due to enzyme deficiencies, sensitivity to food additives or reactions to naturally occurring chemicals in foods. Often people can eat small amounts of the food without causing problems.

The Food Intolerance Check assesses your response to 96 foods. Your blood is screened for IgG antibodies to these foods using the scientifically validated ELISA method.

This is a finger-prick blood spot test that doesn't require a visit to a collection centre.

Microbiome Check

Dysbiosis is an unhealthy imbalance in the gut microbiome which not only affects bowel function (causing irritable bowel symptoms), but can also lead to inflammatory and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, and even mental health problems. This comprehensive digestive stool analysis will show you if you have an undergrowth or overgrowth in specific gut microbes.

SIBO Check - Glucose + Lactulose

The large intestine is packed with bacteria, whilst the small intestine typically contains very few bacteria. If the small intestine becomes overgrown with bacteria it can lead to malabsorption of key nutrients, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, fatigue, malabsorption of nutrients and weight loss. SIBO is also thought to be a possible factor in some cases of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The breath test measures: Peak hydrogen increase over baseline and peak methane excretion over baseline. Hydrogen increase over baseline by 60 mins and OCTT (oro-caecal transit time)

IRON STUDIES

*Payment is made directly to the testing facility.

Testing is recommended to either confirm or rule out health concerns and it is up to the client to accept the referral.

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