Personalized Medicine

Achieving Your Genetic Potential

Functional Testing

Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired?

Have you seen many doctors, attended many specialized clinics, had every test, study and imaging scan done to locate and explain the reason for your illness? Have you been left with unsatisfactory answers and results? Have you been told that you are fine and there is nothing more we can help you with? You are not alone, in fact you are part of the majority of people who have experience this unfortunate problem in healthcare today. The discovery of the underlying cause of your illness maybe found in the next step you take!

Why should I consider Functional testing?

Functional testing differs from conventional laboratory testing in that conventional laboratory testing searches for the markers of a present disease process, whereas, functional testing discovers the underlying cause of your illness and disease by assessing organ function, not organ disease. Many illnesses are cause by organ dysfunction, rather than organic disease processes. Once the underlying cause is discovered, a targeted, personalized researched-science validated therapeutic intervention can be formulated to correct the underlying dysfunction and return you to optimal health and wellness. Below are descriptions of the Functional testing we offer at our center.

Assessment Categories

Gastrointestinal Assessments

Gastrointestinal Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis evaluates digestion and absorption, bacterial balance and metabolism, yeast and immune status. For patients with irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, malabsorption, and other GI-related problems. Separate panels also available.

Comprehensive Parasitology Profile evaluates stool for presence of parasites and levels of beneficial flora, imbalanced flora, pathogenic bacteria, and yeast. For patients with abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, and other GI-related symptoms.

Intestinal Permeability Assessment analyzes urine for the clearance of two non-metabolized sugars, lactulose and mannitol. Identifies "leaky gut" and malabsorption.

Lactose Intolerance Breath Test, a simple, non-invasive test, detects lactose intolerance, a condition affecting more than 50 million Americans. Proper detection enables effective treatment of lactose maldigestion and malabsorption to help alleviate chronic symptoms of bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Bacterial Overgrowth of the Small Intestine Breath Test is a simple, non-invasive test that detects bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, a common condition that often underlies chronic symptoms of maldigestion and malabsorption, including bloating, gas, diarrhea, irregularity, and abdominal pain.

Heliobacter pylori Antibody Assay assays blood for IgG antibodies to H. pylori, the leading cause of peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis, and increased risk of gastric cancer.

Vaginosis Profile uses a new DNA probe to identify clinically significant levels of Candida, Gardnerella, and Trichomonas. The profile also evaluates levels of beneficial flora and yeast, cytosis, leukocytes, and RBCs. A measurement of eosinophils may also be included.

Immunology Assessments

Comprehensive Antibody Assessment combines Food Allergy and Inhalants profiles. Semi-quantification, using ELISA technology, of serum levels of total IgE and IgG antibodies for 145 of the most commonly encountered types of food (including vegetarian foods), spices and environmental allergens. Includes customized True Relief™ rotation diet plan.

Nutritional Assessments

Elemental Analysis examines hair, blood and urine samples for levels of toxic and nutrient elements. Toxicities and nutrient insufficiencies are identified, allowing for precise intervention. Information on the Toxic Element Exposure Profile and Toxic Element Clearance Profile are located in this section.

Amino Acids Analysis examines fasting blood or 24-hour urine samples for 40+ amino acids. Results can provide valuable biochemical information about many disorders, including chronic fatigue, learning disabilities, depression and immune problems.

Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acids Analysis evaluates the level of red cell membrane or plasma fatty acids, imbalances which significantly affect inflammatory and other disorders. By knowing the various fatty acid levels, one can reestablish a balance using nutritional intervention.

Endocrinology Assessments

Women's Hormonal Health Assessment provides a focused overview of hormonal balance in both pre- and post-menopausal women, using a single serum sample to evaluate dynamics of sex steroid metabolism that can profoundly affect a woman's health throughout her lifetime.

Estrogen Metabolism Assessments, Urine or Serum evaluate how estrogen is being processed in the body. The tests yield clinical insight into many estrogen-dependent conditions and provide important tools for monitoring dietary, lifestyle and hormone therapies.

Comprehensive Thyroid Assessment is a comprehensive analysis of thyroid hormone secretion and metabolism, including central thyroid regulation and activity, peripheral thyroid function, and thyroid autoimmunity. This serum test allows the practitioner to pinpoint commonly occurring imbalances that underlie a broad spectrum of chronic illness.

Bone Resorption Assessment is a simple, direct urinary assay of pyridinium and deoxypyridinium crosslinks, useful in identifying current rate of bone loss, lytic bone disease, and efficacy of bone support therapies.

Glucose/Insulin Tolerance Test employs a glucose challenge and blood samples over a four-hour period to assess the relationship of insulin and glucose. The test provides important information about hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance.

Adrenocortex Stress Profile is a salivary assay of cortisol and DHEA, imbalances of which are associated with ailments ranging from obesity and menstrual disorders to immune deficiency and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Male Hormone Profile analyzes four saliva samples over a 24-hour period for levels of testosterone. Elevated levels suggest androgen resistance, while decreased levels can result from such causes as hypogonadism, hepatic cirrhosis, lipid abnormalities and aging. The comprehensive profile includes the Adrenocortex Stress Profile and the Comprehensive Melatonin Profile to reveal how testosterone is influenced by cortisol, DHEA, and melatonin.

Female Hormone Profile analyzes eleven saliva samples over a 28-day period for the levels of ß-estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, providing clues about menstrual irregularities, infertility, endometriosis, breast cancer, and osteoporosis. The comprehensive profile includes the Adrenocortex Stress Profile and the Comprehensive Melatonin Profile to reveal how the sex hormones are influenced by cortisol, DHEA, and melatonin.

Menopause Profile examines three salivary samples over a 5-day period to determine levels of ß-estradiol, estriol, estrone, progesterone, and testosterone for women who are menopausal. The comprehensive profile includes the Adrenocortex Stress Profile and the Comprehensive Melatonin Profile to reveal how the sex hormones are affected by the influences of cortisol, DHEA, and melatonin.

Comprehensive Melatonin Profile analyzes three saliva samples for the secretion pattern of this important hormone. Melatonin imbalance has been associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder, infertility, sleep disorders, and compromised immune function. IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 or Somatomedin C) (serum) mediates many of the in vivo cell division and metabolic effects of growth hormone. IGF-1 is a valuable diagnostic tool for the evaluation of suspected growth hormone disorders. A special collection kit is provided.

Metabolic Assessments

Metabolic Analysis Profile assesses urine metabolites to evaluate four critical areas of metabolism: gastrointestinal function, cellular energy production, neurotransmitter processing, and amino acid-organic acid balance. Test results can be used to address chronic systemic complaints: fatigue and mood disorders to headaches, muscular/joint pain, and digestive problems. Cellular

Energy Profile evaluates fourteen organic acids that play a pivotal role in the generation of cell energy. Using a urine sample, the test can reveal metabolic distress associated with generalized pain and fatigue, which may arise in response to toxic exposure, nutrient imbalances, digestive dysfunction, and other causes. The profile also analyzes mitochondrial dysfunction and acquired errors of organic acid metals.

Metabolic Dysglycemia Profile includes two-hour pre- and post-prandial analyses of glucose and insulin tolerance, salivary assessment of bioavailable DHEA and cortisol, and fasting blood assays of hemoglobin A1c, fructosamine, and IGF-1. Available with an optional add-on lipid profile.

Comprehensive Detoxification Profile analyzes saliva, blood, and after- challenge doses of caffeine, aspirin, and acetaminophen in order to assess the Phase I and Phase II functional capacity of the liver to convert and clear toxic substances from the body. This profile includes markers for oxidative stress and important antioxidants. The standard profile analyzes saliva and urine to assess the Phase I and Phase II functional capacity of the liver to convert and clear toxic substances from the body.

Oxidative Stress Analysis (Blood & Urine) identifies markers of hydroxyl radical activity, urine lipid peroxides, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, following a challenge dose of aspirin and acetaminophen. Offered by itself or included in the Comprehensive Detoxification Profile. Especially useful in cases of chronic fatigue, xenobiotic exposure, and chronic illnesses.

Comprehensive Cardiovascular Assessment analyzes blood for levels of HDL, LDL and total cholesterol, ratios, triglycerides, lipoprotein(a), homocysteine, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein. Together, these markers provide a thorough assessment of cardiovascular health status.

Cotinine Assay examines urine to determine the presence of this nicotine metabolite, an indicator of exposure to second-hand smoke. Useful in cases of recurrent infections or allergy in children of smokers.