Special investigations, including laboratory tests, can be useful in assisting us with arriving at a diagnosis or probing the health risk factors a patient may carry. Most of our testing is sent to laboratories like Lancet, Ampath and Pathcare, but we do also request testing that goes to smaller, specialised labs. We cover the usual blood tests a medical practitioner may request in practice. Below is a small selection of the laboratory testing we order when necessary.
A quality diet is a foundation for health. But our chosen diet can sometimes cause diet-induced health problems. We offer specialised testing related to digestive symptoms. Digestive problems can also cause other symptoms, such as skin rashes, headaches, brain fog, mood dysregulation, joint pain etc., depending on the individual. Depending on the presenting symptoms we may choose to test for any of the following: faecal calprotectin and/or occult blood, food allergy and/or food hypersensitivity testing, celiac antibodies or genes and gluten intolerance testing.
IgE-type allergy reactions occur immediately after ingestion of a certain foods or contact with a particular inhalant such as pollen or animal dander. Levels of IgE in the blood can indicate whether one has an immediate type allergy and how severe it is. Food hypersensitivity testing is designed to detect elevated IgG antibodies to specific food proteins. Research suggests that eliminating these foods could result in significant improvements in a variety of conditions like migraine, IBS, Crohn’s disease, and obesity.
Apart from relatively standard hormone blood tests, we may also suggest a DNA oestrogen test or a Hormone Metabolism Test. Some metabolites of oestrogen increase the risk of breast cancer, whereas others are protective. In the Hormone Metabolism Test, breakdown products of biological oestrogen that are excreted in the urine are measured. By determining the relative levels of these metabolites, DNA-damaging metabolites can be assessed. Click here to learn more about menopause.
The heavy metal urine challenge test is an invaluable tool for the assessment of the retention of toxic metals in the body. Toxic metals adversely affect almost every organ system and disrupt the homeostasis of nutrient elements. Acute metal poisoning is rare, but more common, however, is a chronic, low-level exposure to toxic metals, the retention of which is associated with a vast array of adverse health effects and chronic disease.
Your DNA code reveals everything about you and small variations can play a role in the health challenges you face. Through analysis of specific genes, we can learn what areas we need to focus on to optimise your health. Choose between specific tests to learn more about how your variations may affect your general health, diet, mental well-being, sports performance, pregnancy preparation, oestrogen metabolism, dental health and your body’s potential for metabolising certain drugs. Click here to learn more.
Compromised detoxification and antioxidant status are implicated in many modern illnesses. This test assesses the Phase I and Phase II biotransformation pathways, as well as the oxidative stress status and antioxidant capacity, are assessed. We only request this test when indicated, often in diseases such as multiple chemical sensativity syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome.
