Conventional Labs
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Laboratory Testing
CBC (Complete Blood Count) checks
- red blood cell function to assess for anemias (includes hemoglobin, hematocrit and other markers)wrhite blood cell function to assess the immune system (includes: neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils)
- platelets that play an important role in blood clotting
CMP (Complete Metabolic Panel) checks:
- blood sugar (glucose)
- kidney markers including blood urea nitrogen and creatinine)
- electrolytes including sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide, anion Gap
- minerals including calcium and phosphorous
- proteins including albumin and globulin
- liver markers includinglactic acid dehydrogenase, AST/ SGOT and ALT/ SGPT
- gall bladder markers including bilirubin
Other Conventional Lab Tests
- 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)
Conventional Lipid (Cholesterol) Panel
- Cholesterol ~ Is an alcohol-sterol and is used by the body in the production of hormones and bile acids for cell membranes.
- Triglycerides ~ Are 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.
See below for Advanced Cholesterol Testing
Specialty Labs
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Advanced Cholesterol Testing (Lipoprotein Profile)
The conventional lipid panel is limited in that it only assess the “total” LDL and HDL. However… it’s really the size of the lipid particles that matters. To really assess for risk of heart attack or stroke a Lipoprotein Particle Test would reveal more information.
There are five major subgroups of Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL): IDL (intermediate density lipoprotein), I, II, III and IV. IDL is the largest, least dense and most buoyant, while LDL-IV is the smallest and most dense. LDL particles that are small are also dense and these terms are often used interchangeably. The smaller the LDL particle, the more dangerous it is. In fact, small dense LDL (LDLI-II and LDL-IV) is three times more atherogenic than buoyant LDL.
According to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), only about half of the variability in coronary heart disease risk can be attributed to conventional risk factors (i.e. LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels). Other, more specific risk factors, enhance predictive power of cardiovascular disease in individuals. Small – dense LDL is one of these specific risk factors that may be independent of other lipid-related risk factors. Lipoproteins transport cholesterol throughout the body. But it is the actual lipoprotein particle, not the cholesterol within them, that penetrates the arterial wall and causes heart disease. That is why it is necessary to know the number of small LDL particles.
Why is small-dense LDL so harmful?
Smaller particles of LDL can more easily penetrate the arterial wall than large LDL particles simply due to their size. Therefore, the smaller the LDL particle, the more likely it is to enter the arterial endothelium, where it becomes oxidized, is taken up by a macrophage cell which then becomes a foam cell, which eventually stick together to build plaque within the arteries. Evidence also suggests that small-dense LDL is associated with vascular dementia.
It is also important to know how many LDL particles are present, in addition to their size. Just as small LDL particles can fit through the arterial lining more easily than large LDL particles, the more LDL particles there are, the more likely they will enter the arterial intima, regardless of size. It is therefore imperative to measure both the size (density) and number of LDL particles.
NEW RISK FACTORS:
- Small, dense LDL: these atherogenic particles are easily oxidized and penetrate the arterial endothelium to form plaque
- Lp(a): this small, dense LDL is involved in thrombosis
- RLP (Remnant Lipoprotein): is very atherogenic, has a similar composition and density of plaque, is believed to be a building block of plaque and does not need to be oxidized like other LDL particles
- HDL2b: positively correlates with heart health because it is an indicator of how well excess lipids are removed
Nutritional Testing
- There are several different nutritional panels. They are designed to test for amino acids, minerals, micro-nutrients and vitamins.
- By finding your specific nutritional profile your doctor can tailor supplementation most efficiently.
- Understanding the role of nutrients in:
Adrenal Stress Testing
- Adrenal stress tests provide a comprehensive 24 hour assessment of adrenal function, which is crucial as adrenal stress and/or exhaustion can be at the root of numerous physical and mental health concerns. There are many causes of fatigue and often more than one is present.
SIBO Testing (Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth)
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a serious digestive disturbance which can be treated effectively, but only if it is accurately diagnosed.
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth can easily be diagnosed by testing patients’ breath samples for levels of hydrogen, methane, or both. After ingesting a substrate packet, the patient produces breath samples every 20 minutes over a 3-hour period.
- Download Test Specifications and Instruction Manual
Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis
- Comprehensive digestive stool analysis 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 over growth 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.
Candida Testing
- Candida albicans is a normal organism that lives in our GI tract. The normal balance of intestinal flora can be disrupted by aggressive use of antibiotics, high sugar intake, and certain types of medications, illness and diabetes. With candidiasis, symptoms can include fatigue, vaginitis, allergies, foggy brain and other symptoms. We are able to effectively treat candidiasis based on accurate testing.
Advanced Vaginitis Testing
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV I & HSV II)
Advanced HPV Testing (Abnormal Pap)
- HPV Testing
- HPV Typing
- oncoFISH Advanced HPV Testing
Hormone Testing
- Diagnose multiple symptoms through the measurement of specific hormonal levels, along with the function of different glands in your body. Your doctor may run tests to determine thyroid function, growth hormone function, reproductive hormones (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA, etc.), bone density, mineral metabolism and adrenal function, based on your symptoms.
- Most hormones can be assessed with conventional blood tests – usually these are covered by insurance.
- When additional hormone testing is necessary a 24-hour urine hormone panel is available.
Food Allergy Panel
- Food sensitivities are a common underlying cause of many chronic conditions.
- Discover causative agents that lead to inflammation, gas, bloating, coughing, wheezing and other symptoms.
- This is a non-conventional blood test not usually covered by insurance.
Neurotransmitter Testing
- Neurotransmitters play a key role in many emotional and physiological functions in your body. By determining these levels, we are able to determine the basic deficiencies found in many conditions such as anxiety and depression, and can then treat accordingly.
Advanced Breast Cancer Testing - Videssa Test
- Videssa Breast helps indicate patients who may warrant further evaluation, by providing a biochemical signature which complements anatomical imaging views. This integrative approach allows for improved diagnostic accuracy and greater confidence when clinical assessment is challenging. Videssa – Visual Aid and Videssa FAQ.
Are your medications depleting your nutrients?
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Understanding your Labs
Conventional Reference Range
- Comparison of your laboratory test results with a “normal” reference range is important in medical decision making and diagnosis.
- However the conventional reference ranges have rather wide cut-offs for disease.
- What about someone that is “pre-diabetic” but told they are “normal”?
"Normal" vs "Optimal" Lab Values
- Naturopathic medicine has much to offer in the prevention and reversal of chronic disease.
- Wellness is achieved through “optimizing” your physiology.
- Instead of settling for “normal” metabolism work with your doctor to achieve “optimal lab values.”
