LABS

While routine lab work provides the necessary foundation for our initial and ongoing assessments together, sometimes we need to employ functional testing to dig a little deeper.

Your Labs are ALL normal but you feel unwell? Trust your gut - don't take, "you're fine",  as the final answer.

Routine or conventional lab work

Comprehensive

Sometimes it can be a challenge to get a complete work up via your family physician. In order to help keep our health care costs under control, they may not always be able to test for markers such as vitamin D, a full thyroid panel, or fasting insulin. Although this can feel upsetting for patients, some proactive care and health optimization may need to (rightly so) fall into your responsibility.

*Lab work ordered via a naturopathic doctor is payed for out of pocket, although many extended health insurance plans will cover the expense under your annual naturopathic benefits.

Normal vs optimal

Falling within the normal range on lab work is the first check point, but for some lab markers, normal is not optimal. This is something we review and discuss together, so you can get informed and educated on the sometimes important differences.

Functional lab work

Functional lab testing may include blood, stool, urine, or saliva sampling to provide information about a variety of body systems including metabolic, nutritional, endocrine (hormonal), gastrointestinal, immune, genetic, detoxification, and more.

Functional lab testing differs from routine or conventional testing because it helps evaluate how well your body is (or isn’t) functioning on a spectrum of health rather than just diagnosing a disease. Many people without any diagnosable disease still don’t feel well. 

Functional lab testing can provide deeper insight into the root cause(s) of your health challenges so we can help you feel your best whether you have a chronic disease or before you develop one. 



daniel + mary

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kallie + Robert

We are ecstatic with how our engagement session went and how beautiful the images came out! Thank you Hamilton for capturing us so authentically.

mary Rose

Goodness! I am absolutely in love with my photos - they are STUNNING. And the Henderson pair were so easy to work with! Totally recommend!

Lab tests I offer:

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) testing

Comprehensive digestive stool analysis

Food sensitivity testing 

Salivary and urinary metabolic hormone panels

Comprehensive nutritional testing

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There are plenty of scenarios where functional lab testing is necessary, but not in every case.


I say this because a detailed history is still the foundation of determining what ails you.
Doctors should take a thorough history and only order functional testing when it will significantly change their diagnosis and alter the course of care.

I sometimes must sway patients away from functional medicine testing that they come in requesting. Not all tests are created equal, nor necessary.

I always treat you, the patient, not your labs. There are no pre-determined cookie-cutter protocols here. Your individuality is always considered.

Also, we will always work within your budget, so don't let the thought of testing deter you from seeking out consultation. There is a whole lot to assess without lab work.



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