Nutritional and Functional Pathology Testing
A range of pathology testing is available to ensure a targeted approach to treatmentPathology Testing
Pathology testing may be appropriate in helping to investigate your health concerns more fully. Naturopaths can request a variety of different pathology tests ranging from standard blood tests to a comprehensive range of functional and nutrition-related pathology testing done via laboratories in both Australia and internationally. At times, and with your consent, Madeleine prefers to integrate a your GP or medical specialist into your treatment for diagnosis and managment.
We are offer a wide range of functional pathology testing options. These are some examples:
Hormones (endocrinology)
Female Hormone Profile: This test examines a woman’s reproductive hormones. These hormones regulate menstruation and fertility. They are also involved in mood, anxiety, acne, bone density, libido, weight, and other areas.
Male Hormone Profile: This test examines a man’s reproductive hormones and can provide insight into a wide range of concerns, such as reduced libido and muscle mass, cardiovascular disease, mood, anxiety and other hormone related imbalances.
Comprehensive Thyroid Testing: This hormone test is designed to provide a comprehensive analysis of thyroid hormone metabolism. It includes central thyroid gland regulation and activity, thyroid production and secretion, peripheral thyroid conversion, and thyroid autoimmunity.
Adrenocortex Stress Profile: This test is a marker of the stress response and a tool for revealing adrenal imbalances. Physical and psychological stress put constant demands on the adrenal glands. If they become depleted adrenal insufficiency may occur. Fatigue, anxiety, depression and poor congitive funtion can be associated with adrenal insufficiency.
Oestrogen Metabolites: This test detects the urinary products of oestrogen metabolism. An imbalance in oestrogen metabolism has been associated with osteoporosis, high blood pressure and some types of cancer (breast, endometrial, prostate, thyroid).
environmental
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis: Hair analysis measures nutrient and toxic metal content of hair. Heavy metal toxicity can be caused by exposure to pollution, chemicals and poisons and can also lead to numerous health concerns including those affecting the cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, muscle, skeletal, skin and nervous systems.
Organic Acids – Environmental Pollutant Panel: The organic acids test is a simple urine test that looks at biomarkers from various metabolic pathways. This test measures metabolites such as those of: benzene, xylene, phthalates, and others.
digestion/gut health
Comprehensive Stool Analysis: A comprehensive assessment of the microbiological environment of the gut. It includes macroscopy, commensal bacteria, pathogenic bacteria, parasites and yeast/fungus. The efficiency of digestion and absorption is also evaluated by macroscopic evaluation of the sample.
The Complete Microbiome Mapping Test (GI Map Test): Assesses the gut microbiome with particular attention to microbes that cause disease or that disrupt normal microbial balance and contribute to perturbations in the GI flora. It screens for pathogenic bacteria, commensal bacteria, opportunistic pathogens, fungi, viruses, and parasites.
SIBO Breath Test: Detects bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, often referred to as small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). SIBO is a common gastrointestinal disorder that often underlies chronic gastrointestinal symptoms of maldigestion and malabsorption, including diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.
food intolerances or sensitivities
Food Intolerance Test: Food intolerences or sensitivities can cause a wide range of symptoms and concerns. Elimination diets are considered the gold standard for detecting food sensitivities, however, these can be difficult to do. Also foods that cause delayed reactions are often difficult to diagnose because of the time between consumption and the physical reaction. The IgG food sensitivity test offers a useful tool for detecting the foods causing this response.
Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular Profile Comprehensive: This test in addition the the conventional tests for cholesterol, also includes biomarkers such as LDL-subfraction analytes, lipoprotein (a), apolipoproteins A & B, homocysteine, fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP).
genetics
Gluten Sensitivity Genetic Test: The test detects the genes that control the immune system’s reaction to gluten.
MTHFR Genetic Test: The MTHFR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. The MTHFR gene test is a useful assessment to obtain information for a variety of health conditions.
Nutrigenomic Profile: Provides personalised nutrition advice, based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the metabolism of vitamins A, C, D and B12 as well as folate, glutathione and coenzyme Q10.
Hormones and Fertility Profile: Includes single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that provide critical insights into oestrogen, progesterone, thyroid and luteinising hormone function, as well as SNPs that indicate for the MTHFR gene.
Methylation Profile: Tests for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that may influence and impair the function of key metabolic pathways including methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), folate and B12 metabolism, transsulfuration and homocysteine
Mood and Cognition Profile: Tests for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the production, function and metabolism of key neurotransmitters including dopamine, serotonin, histamine and GABA.
Detoxification Profile: Identifies single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with phase 1 and 2 detoxification pathways, oxidative stress responses and cell oxygenation.
