Laboratory Testing

RELATED CONDITIONS & TREATMENTS

Food Allergy testing (IgG/IgE antibodies) We offer this testing in a variety of panels to suit your unique diet. General food panels and vegetarian are offered. This test is done through a simple blood draw in the clinic.

Seasonal/environmental Allergy testing – (IgE antibodies) these panels are chosen to be specific for the north west region where we live and contain the most common environmental allergens including trees and grasses, pollen, dust, animal danders and types of moulds. This test is done through a simple blood draw at the clinic and can be combined with your food allergy testing if you wish.

Candida antibody testing – (IgG, IgA, IgM antibodies) this test gives an in-depth look at acute and also chronic candida infections, particularly when it has colonized the gut lining. Candida systemically may cause symptoms such as recurrent vaginal yeast infections, itching skin, brain fog, generalized fatigue, headaches and general non-specific gut symptoms such as bloating and loose stool. This test is done through a simple blood sample collected at the clinic.

Why do we test for hormones? Hormones play a role in almost every biological process that our bodies perform each day. The most common reason people seek out hormone testing is for: improving energy, increasing libido, optimizing fertility, treatment of painful or irregular periods, to seek out the cause of unexplained weight gain, to reduce peri-menopausal symptoms, to support mood, to improve muscle mass, the list goes on!

General serum testing: progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, DHEA, bioavailable testosterone, SHBG, TSH, FSH, LH, prolactin, AMH among others can be ordered through a simple serum test done here at the clinic or at a Life Labs location.

DUTCH testing (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) The multiple metabolites for estrogen, progesterone, androgens (testosterone, DHT, DHEA-s), adrenal hormones (cortisol, melatonin and organic acids) as well as markers/metabolites that can give information on B12, B6, glutathione and anti-oxidant status. This test is done with dried urine samples over a 12-14 hour time period at home.

Salivary hormone testing: this is another way we can examine sex hormone profile (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, androstenedione) which can be done from a single saliva sample or multiple samples collected over an entire menstrual cycle for women to provide a good estimation of the fluctuation of hormones over a period of time. Adrenal hormones can also be tested in the saliva (4-point cortisol, DHEA, DHEA-s, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, secretory IgA, insulin) which gives good insight into the effects of chronic and acute stress on our bodies.

There are many ways to investigate digestive function. Breath testing, stool, urine, saliva and blood tests are the most commonly used.

This includes analyses of bacterial balance, digestion, absorption, yeast and parasites. These tests may be used for patients with any gastrointestinal related symptoms, such as indigestion, candida/yeast overgrowth, constipation, diarrhea, Crohn’s and colitis and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). A test kit can be given to the patient for saliva, stool or urine testing and the collection is done at home. The kit is then brought back to the clinic and sent to the lab for analyses. Results take about 1-2 weeks to receive.

Comprehensive Micronutrient testing is used to help you understand your individual diet needs by evaluating your overall nutritional status, assessing your functional need for vitamins and minerals, and to aid the doctor in providing recommendations for supplementation. This is a simple blood test, done in our clinic and then send to the lab for analyses. Results are back within 10-12 business days.

Heavy metals testing designed to identify the load of heavy metals in the body. Urine element analysis is intended primarily for: diagnostic assessment of toxic element status, monitoring detoxification therapy, and identifying or quantifying renal wasting conditions. This is often done prior to chelation therapy. This urine collection is done over a 6 hour period following a post provocation IV. The collection is then brought back to the clinic for processing and shipping to the lab. Results can take up to two weeks to receive.

We offer a wide variety of other tests such as routine bloodwork done at a lab, lipoprotein testing, pap smears and metabolic testing. Metabolic testing includes testing proteins, liver and kidney enzymes as well as electrolytes. This is done via blood testing and is used to address chronic systemic complaints. These can include tiredness/fatigue, headaches, mood disorders, muscular and joint pain as well as digestive issues. These tests can be done in-clinic or at lifelabs. Results can take 3-5 days to receive, depending on the test.

If you have extended medical benefits for naturopathic medicine, please check with your insurance provider to see if the cost of your testing is covered.