Functional Health Lab Testing
The best health is attained by having the best information.
Traditional blood work focuses on pathology of disease and is typically not useful unless disease is present. Why not focus testing on the suboptimal functioning before disease can be identified where symptoms are viewed in relationship to one another instead of being separated?
We offer testing that looks at some basic signals that can prelude chronic disease. Remember that “prevention today means longevity tomorrow!”
Advanced Testing for Cardiovascular Risk
LPP+ with Homocysteine and High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein is the most advanced lipoprotein test currently available. Unlike traditional cholesterol tests, Spectracell’s LPP™ directly measures both the size and number of several classes of lipoprotein particles, including critical risk factors as cited by the National Cholesterol Education Program, giving an accurate assessment of cardiovascular risk.
Many patients understand that not all cholesterol is the same. There is the “good” HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol and the “bad” LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol. However, different types of HDL and LDL exist and some are much more dangerous than others. The LPP™ test determines the specific number of particles in each lipoprotein subclass (HDL and LDL) for a much more accurate assessment of risk. For example, the LPP™ test measures RLP (remnant lipoprotein) and Lp(a), both very atherogenic, but with very different effective treatment options. A standard cholesterol test does not give this information, putting the clinician at a disadvantage when deciding the most effective clinical treatment for their patient.
Moreover, since it is the actual lipoproteins (not the cholesterol inside them) that contribute to cardiovascular disease, the LPP™ test is more advanced than standard cholesterol testing or other advanced cholesterol testing technologies. The LPP™ test measures the lipoprotein particles directly, giving a precise evaluation of their size and density. Armed with this information, a clinician is empowered to make the best possible decisions regarding their patients’ care when it comes to reducing cardiovascular risk. learn more
Advanced Testing for Nutritional Deficiencies
SpectraCell’s FIA™ is a clinically effective diagnostic tool for the prevention and management of chronic disease conditions. There is overwhelming evidence confirming that nutrient deficiencies have been shown to suppress immune function contributing to chronic disease process including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer’s. Do the prescription drugs you take deplete your nutritional status? learn more
Food Allergy & Chemical Sensitivity/Intolerance Test
The ALCAT Test differs from other food allergy or intolerance tests as it accurately and objectively measures leukocyte cellular reactivity in whole blood, which is a final common pathway of all mechanisms. The test utilizes electronic, state of the art, hematological instrumentation. Standard allergy tests, such as skin testing or RAST are not accurate for delayed type reactions to foods and chemicals. They measure only a single mechanism, such as the effect of mast cell release of histamine or the presence of allergen specific IgE molecules. Delayed reactions to foods and chemicals are NOT IgE mediated. The ALCAT Test also differs from standard IgG tests in that they rely exclusively on one immune pathway, serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG). In fact, high food specific IgG titers are indicative only of exposure, not necessarily intolerance.
The ALCAT Test reproducibly measures the final common pathway of all pathogenic mechanism; whether immune, non-immune, or toxic. It is the only test shown to correlate with clinical symptoms by double blind oral challenges, the gold standard. learn more
An increased cortisol level, a decreased DHEA-S level, or a decrease in the DHEA-S cortisol ratio is an indication of a chronically stressful physical or mental condition.
Stress is a major underlying cause of many chronic illnesses, from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to food and environmental allergy. A stressful lifestyle can lead to consistently high levels of cortisol and low levels of DHEA (dehydoepiandosterone), which can be damaging to the brain and other tissues. Cortisol elevation also impacts immune responses, such as secretory IgA (sIgA) and antigliadin antibody (AGA) production. The Adrenal Stress Plus Profile is a measure of an individual’s response to stress. It is also an important tool for pointing to adrenal imbalances that may be impacting a patient’s health.
The adrenocortical hormones, cortisol and DHEA, are steroids that affect carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. They also serve as modulators of thyroid function and help the body manage stress. When levels of DHEA and cortisol change, it may indicate significant variations in adrenal function that can impact an individual’s energy levels, emotions, and even disease resistance.
Secretion of cortisol, regulated by the sleep-wake cycle, is characterized by a steep increase in the early morning, followed by a gradual tapering off until late evening. Stress causes elevated cortisol levels, which continue as long as the stressor is present. Stress also overrides negative feedback of cortisol in the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenocortex (HPA) axis. Prolonged stress, causing increased secretion of cortisol, may over time lead to hypertrophy of the adrenal cortex.
Among other functions, DHEA serves as a metabolic intermediate in the pathway for synthesis of testosterone, estrone, and estradiol in the adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes. Since DHEA in plasma has a very short half-life, most of circulating DHEA is in the sulfate form (DHEA-S). DHEA-S provides a ready source of DHEA for the production of estrogens and androgens.
The Adrenal Stress Profiles from Metametrix use a non-invasive salivary procedure to monitor the activity of the adrenal cortex and its ability to react to stress. The procedure monitors the circadian variation of cortisol and DHEA-S levels. An increased cortisol level, a decreased DHEA-S level, or a decrease in the DHEA-S/ cortisol ratio is an indication of a chronically stressful physical or mental condition. learn more
Why Test Fatty Acids?
Essential Fatty Acids Profile learn more
Increased Consumption of Fatty Acid Supplements
Evidence of the adverse effects of fatty acid deficiencies has led to sharply increased consumption of essential fatty acid supplements. When incorporated into the cell membranes of the body, these omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids function as precursors for eicosanoids that control a host of cellular functions and responses. The balance between the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids is influenced in large part by the balance of fatty acids we consume. Since inflammation has now been shown to be integral to so many disease processes, nutrients which counteract inflammation can have profound health benefits. But your patients need an answer to a critical question about their fatty acid supplementation– are they taking too little to be effective or such an excess that they are causing other health problems?
Anti-inflammatory and Pro-inflammatory Eicosanoids
Cold water fish oils contain a high concentration of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). EPA is the precursor for the Series 3 eicosanoids, which have potent anti-inflammatory effects. The oil from certain plant seeds, particularly borage, evening primrose, and black currant, have high concentrations of the omega-6 fatty acid GLA (gamma linolenic acid), the precursor to the anti-inflammatory Series 1 eicosanoids.
The omega-6 fatty acid AA (arachidonic acid) is found in high concentration in the fat of red meats. AA is converted to the pro-inflammatory Series 2 eicosanoids, increasing the risk for various disease and inflammatory processes in the body. The Bloodspot™ Fatty Acid Profile can guide patients to the right balance of FA intake.
Statins Negatively Impact Fatty Acids Status
Recent research has shown that HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (“statins”) can increase the relative amounts of AA in the blood, resulting in an increase in the AA:EPA ratio.1 “High fish oil consumption is now recommended for individuals at high risk for heart disease, and our findings suggest that increased dietary n-3 FAs—LNA, EPA, and DHA—may result in a more favorable FA profile during statin treatment.” Routine monitoring of the AA:EPA ratio—an early marker of inflammation—would be particularly important for patients on these cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Excessive Intake of PUFAs Induces Free Radical Production
The free radical pathology induced by excessive intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) develops insidiously. Researchers found that PUFA-induced lipid peroxidation is common among patients who supplement high doses of fatty acids without adequate antioxidant protection.2 Clinical management of fatty acid and antioxidant supplementation is aided by testing for fatty acid balance and measuring markers of oxidant damage.
Immunosuppressive Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
As a result of all of the positive research on the health benefits of fish oil and/or GLA rich oils, the nutrition industry has seen an explosive growth in consumption of these supplements. But taking too much and in the wrong balance is potentially dangerous, a fact not well appreciated or understood. The anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids can actually suppress immune function, leading to increased infections, poor wound healing, and possible tumor growth.3 The EPA:DGLA ratio in the Bloodspot™ Fatty Acid Profile can help fine tune intake of these Series-1 and -3 eicosanoid precursors.
Amino Acids: The Body’s Fundamental Building Blocks learn more
Amino acids make up proteins found in every tissue of the body. They play a major role in nearly every chemical process that affects both physical and mental function. As a result, amino acids have more diverse functions than any other nutrient group, including:
- Cellular energy production
- Formation of ligaments, tendons, and bones
- Formation of antibodies
- Formation and regulation of enzymes and blood transport proteins
Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis
This test evaluates digestion, absorption, gut flora, and the colonic environment, and is indicated for all chronic GI problems, for acute bowel pattern changes, and for many systemic diseases. Additionally, Genova offers a parasitology component with the CDSA 2.0 that evaluates for parasites using microscopic examination and EIA testing. The profile is indicated for all chronic GI problems, for acute bowel pattern changes, and for many systemic diseases and provides a sensitivity panel for treating pathogenic flora. learn more
