Laboratory Testing

Advanced Cardiovascular Disease Testing

The standard lipid panel reveals only a small part of the story regarding your cardiovascular risk.  It is not uncommon to hear of people who suffered a heart attack in spite of normal range lipids.  This occurs because the standard lipid panel does not assess the seven different LDL and five different HDL molecule sizes assessed using Advanced Lipid Testing.  These subclass ratios tell the quality and function of your HDL and LDL, allowing us to identify risk and to provide more specific therapeutic adjustments.  Another shortcoming of the standard lipid profile is the LDL reported is calculated.  ApoB testing is a direct measurement of the LDL number.  A high ApoB indicates higher heart disease risk in spite of a normal LDL. 

The ApoE Genotype is a genetic test provided to determine how the dietary fats you eat influence your LDL particle size.  People with an apoE4 genotype have an increased risk of heart disease. 

Additional markers include Lp-PLA₂ and high sensitive C-reactive protein for cardiovascular inflammation, homocysteine level for methionine metabolism, fibrinogen for increased clotting, and Lipoprotein (a) to further stratify cholesterol. 

Adrenal Stress Index (Cortisol Testing)

Stress is endemic and has many for reaching consequences.  Stress often manifest as insomnia, irritability and anger, poor concentration and foggy thinking, weight gain, poor digestion and heartburn, chronic fatigue, recurrent respiratory infections, headaches and musculoskeletal pain.  Stress is even considered a risk factor for poor cardiovascular health and heart attacks.  Humans and other mammals are equipped with the stress hormone cortisol.  It is secreted by the adrenal gland, a small structure that rest on top of our kidneys during times of stress.  Its output is increased during brief episodes of stress such as happens in an emotional argument and in prolonged stress such as when attempting the meet the demands of daily life.  Cortisol’s normal daily rhythm is disturbed by stress.  Because the symptoms of adrenal fatigue can mimic other conditions an adrenal stress index test using your saliva can be performed to determine if adrenal fatigue is the cause.  Appropriate therapy can then be prescribed.

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Scanning by HeartSmart IMTplus

One third of all heart attacks occur in people who have normal cholesterol levels.  HeartSmart IMTplus is a newly available diagnostic method for the early detection of heart disease.  It assesses the presence and progression of cardiovascular disease at its earliest stages and is the most predictive test available for calculating an individual’s likelihood of suffering a heart attack or stroke. 

The test requires only ten minutes, is safe; and utilizes an ultrasound measurement of the carotid artery.  After the test you will receive a detailed report that classifies the health of the carotid arterial wall.  If heart disease is detected your doctor will develop a plan to reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.  When you aggressively work to manage your risk factors, you can make a vital difference in stopping, slowing or reversing the progression of heart disease. 

Conventional Lab Testing

Routine lab testing is invaluable for annual screening of organ dysfunction and common diseases.  These tests are also required for monitoring conditions and evaluating progress.  Testing includes studies for blood counts, electrolytes, kidney and liver function, cholesterol and autoimmune panels.  Diagnostic imaging such as ultrasounds and x-rays may be ordered when indicated.    

Comprehensive Stool Analysis

A stool analysis test is the most useful test for assessing overall gut health and function.  Many parameters are measured such as quality of digestion and nutrient absorption, which if compromised results in nutrient deficiencies.  Intestinal inflammation and “leaky gut syndrome” related to autoimmune disease, allergies, imbalances in gut bacteria, yeast overgrowth, or parasitic infections are also assessed.  In cases where initial measures to resolve chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome fail, a comprehensive stool analysis may reveal an easily treatable source.  Appropriate care and treatment of the gastrointestinal system is the cornerstone of health and natural health care.  Once intestinal issues are addressed other seemingly unrelated symptoms typically resolve.

Food Allergy Testing

Many people are “allergic” to foods they eat everyday.  More of a sensitivity than true allergy, these regularly consumed foods can contribute to weight gain or the inability to lose weight, irritability, fatigue, headaches, gas, indigestion, constipation, seasonal allergies, and skin rashes like dermatitis and others.   The food allergy test is performed with a blood sample collected in the office.  The laboratory will measure the activity of a blood protein called IgG against ninety six common foods.  Elevations in IgG against any food suggest sensitivity to that food.  A food elimination program specific to the foods you are sensitive will be instructed.

Neurotransmitter Testing

Neurotransmitters are chemical signals the brain and nervous system use to communicate to the body.  Neurotransmitters are made primarily from amino acids and vitamin co-factors.  Imbalances in neurotransmitters can result from poor diet, stress, genetics and chemical toxicity.  Many psychiatric and emotional disturbances are associated with imbalances in these neurotransmitters.   Some examples of neurotransmitter imbalances include low serotonin in depression and insomnia or low GABA in anxiety and hyperactivity.  Neurotransmitter testing gives us a direct window to specific neuro-chemical imbalances.  A combination amino acid, botanical and vitamin formula can then be provided to address your unique imbalance.  Testing can be repeated to monitor progress and determine need for change in therapy. 

Urinary Hormone Testing

While blood and serum samples contain total hormone levels, they only give us a glimpse into the total hormone picture, because they do not show what fraction of these hormones is active or “bio-available”.  Urinary testing reliably identifies hormone imbalances in males and females, and is the most accurate means of testing steroid hormones including cortisol, estrogen, progesterone  &  testosterone.  Urinary testing also allows us to identify harmful and toxic metabolites made in our body that can increase cancer risk and hormone related symptoms.

Hormones by their very nature have peaks and troughs and the only way to measure this is through a 24 hour urinary sample.  Urinary testing allows us to not only assess your unique hormone availability but is the only way to monitor hormone treatment once begun.