DIAGNOSTIC
LABORATORY TESTING
In order to assess the health treatment needs of a patient, sometimes, as in modern allopathic medicine, a laboratory test may need to be used. These will usually require either blood, urine or saliva samples and can help the practitioner decide upon which course of treatment will be best.
For example, just using blood test results for thyroid function from a naturopathic perspective may not give enough information and so a urine thyroid test, an adrenal test and morning body temperature readings together will give a much bigger picture of what is malfunctioning with the endocrine system ( responsible for hormone production and distribution).
Here at Thame Therapy Clinic any lab test can be accessed if necessary but the following are the most commonly used at the practice.
Five different laboratories are used for analysis but the main ones are Genova Diagnostics and Biolab Medical Unit, London, both recognised by the CQC and CPA as registered labs.
ENDOCRINE PROFILES (HORMONE ANALYSIS)
Thyroid 24 hr urine test T4 and T3 plus conversion
The elevation of thyroid hormone levels in urine, assesses tissue exposure to thyroid hormones over a 24-hour period. The urine thyroid test therefore serves as a valuable tool for detecting those patients that are suffering from thyroid dysfunction, particularly low grade hypothyroidism who might otherwise go undetected through standard blood tests.
Total Thyroid Screen
This test analyses serum levels of TSH, total T4, free T4, free T3, anti-TG antibodies, and anti-TPO antibodies to assess central and peripheral thyroid function, as well as thyroid auto-immunity.
Adrenal Stress Profile
This saliva test can detect imbalances in the daily circadian secretions of the stress hormones cortisol and DHEA. Imbalances in these hormones can indicate an inappropriate response that can negatively impact energy levels, emotions, and many other health complaints. These include anxiety, chronic inflammatory conditions, allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia, depression, migraines, headaches, recurrent infections, menstrual difficulties and infertility.
Comprehensive Adrenal Stress Profile
The Comprehensive Adrenal Stress Profile comprises of the standard Adrenal Stress Profile (which assesses cortisol and DHEA levels) and Secretory IgA (SIgA). Imbalances of cortisol, DHEA and SIgA can lead to the most common health complaints of the 21st century. Both excesses and deficiencies of DHEA and cortisol have been implicated in the aetiology of various illnesses and immune suppression.
Chronic Fatigue Screen
This test combines the Adrenal Stress Profile and Metabolic Analysis tests to provide a comprehensive analysis of various factors that may be implicated in chronic fatigue and other related conditions.
Urine Iodine
Iodine is an essential trace element, vital for healthy thyroid function. Adequate levels are required to enable the production of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, whilst also being required in other areas of health. Deficiencies can lead to impaired heat and energy production, mental function and slow metabolism. Urine iodine is one of the best measures of iodine status.
Melatonin Profile
Melatonin is a hormone that controls the daily circadian rhythm and is best known for its role in helping to initiate sleep. Imbalances can also include depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), behavioural changes, mood disorders, and stress among others.
Rhythm: Female Hormone Profile
As well as assessing the monthly fluctuations in Oestradiol and Progesterone through the female hormone panel, this panel also assesses Melatonin and the Adrenal Hormones, Cortisol and DHEA.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILES
Vitamin D Finger Prick Test
Vitamin D has a hormone like effect, which has a high prevalence of deficiency and insufficiency, even in normal populations. There is growing evidence that vitamin D is involved in an increasing number of chronic diseases including bone disease, cancer, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, chronic fatigue and mental health problem.
Serum Ferritin, a marker for anaemia
Ferritin is the most sensitive marker for an iron deficiency as it is the main storage form of iron in the body. This test measures serum levels.
GASTROINTESTINAL PROFILES
Digestive Stool Analysis – comprehensive test for gastrointestinal function
This test 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. Additionally, Genova offers a parasitology component with the CDSA that evaluates for parasites using microscopic examination and EIA testing. This must be ordered as the CDSAP
Helicobacter Pylori Breath Test
Helicobacter pylori is believed to be the only bacteria able to withstand the acidity of the stomach and has been shown to be the single biggest cause of gastric and duodenal ulcers and gastritis. It is now believed that virtually all-abdominal ulcers, apart from drug-induced forms, are caused by a Helicobacter pylori infection. The breath procedure is a highly accurate and non-invasive diagnostic tool utilising a C13 powder to detect the presence of an active H.pylori infection.
URINE ANLYSIS FOR TOXIC METALS
Toxic elements (aluminium, antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, thallium, tin and zinc).
Home test kits: Osumex labs heavy metal test – general assessment of metals giving a reading of presence of a series of heavy metals but no quantitative results
Home test kits: Osumex labs heavy metal test – quantitative results of specific heavy metals
Lab test kits: Genova Labs heavy metal test kits – specific individual heavy metals eg mercury or a full panel of all toxic elements, again quantitative. NB Quantitative means that you are given a specific quantity reading for a given toxic metal.
