Lab Tests
Bloodwork
We conduct standard blood tests to determine physiological and biochemical states such as disease, mineral content, and organ function. These tests provide a tremendous amount of information to the practitioner. Standard blood tests are performed as a screening. More specific tests can be ordered if necessary.
These tests include blood count, blood chemicals, lipids (cholesterol), blood glucose, prostate specific antigen (PSA), iron levels, food allergy testing, vitamin and mineral status.
Heavy Metal Assessment and Environmental Pollutant testing
Toxic metals used in industrial processes have increased human exposure dramatically during the last 50 years. Toxic metals have detrimental effects, even at minute levels, but the effects vary with the mode and degree of exposure and with the individual metabolism and detoxification. The utility of tissue heavy metal analysis for diagnosis and treatment applications has been increasing as the medical understanding of the relationship between nutrient and heavy metal toxicity develops. The preferred method to test heavy metals is via urine analysis.
Salivary testing
Salivary hormone testing is most useful for uncovering hormone imbalance. Once a hormone imbalance has been uncovered, naturopathic therapies can be used. Saliva hormone levels measure delivery of hormone to tissue (cells) from the various reservoirs in the blood, and it better reflects the actual tissue (bio-available) hormone levels.
Testing may include: Melatonin-Cortisol index, female or male hormone panels, adrenal function, 2-point and 4- point Cortisol and DHEA-S.
Stool analysis
A stool analysis is a series of tests done on a stool (feces) sample to help diagnose certain conditions affecting the digestive tract. These conditions can include infection (such as from parasites, viruses, bacteria), poor nutrient absorption, or cancer. The stool may be examined for hidden (occult) blood, fat, meat fibers, bile, white blood cells, and sugars. The pH of the stool is also often measured.
Urinalysis
Testing is done via dipstick to determine possible renal pathology, liver and gallbladder disease, vaginal infections, proteinuria, hematuria (blood), glucosuria (sugar), starvation and fever. Each of these results can help the ND determine if more tests are necessary.