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 an adrenal test and morning body temperature readings together will give a much bigger picture of what is malfunctioning with the endocrine system.
Here at The Clinic of Natural Medicine 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.
Clinic Phlebotomy Service
Some lab tests require blood samples and blood draws can be arranged to be done by our very well qualified nurse phlebotomist Becky Dallender, either here in clinic or by a mobile service where she can come to your home. Becky is based in Lancaster, Lancashire.
Clinic visit £35 Home visit £45, dependent upon milage.
Sometimes you may be able to attend a local outpatient unit at your local hospital for a fee. There are also a number of private phlebotomy clinics throughout the country where you can access a blood draw service as long as you take along the kit that we have ordered via the clinic and of course pay the appropriate fee again. Some GP clinics may also be able with a phlebotomy service.
Toxic Metal Analysis
Tri test (blood, urine and hair). Purely for the assessment of mercury in the body. £344 plus £9.50 laboratory handling and shipping fee.
The Quicksilver Mercury Tri-Test is the only clinical test that utilizes mercury speciation analysis, a patented advanced technology that separates methyl mercury from fish sources, from inorganic mercury, from amalgam fillings and measures each directly. Quicksilver Scientific's instruments are sensitive enough to measure ambient mercury levels in the body without the need for challenge testing. This technique provides unprecedented information for the healthcare practitioner, allowing them to assess the patient's exposure sources, body burden and ability to excrete each form of mercury. This detailed information helps build an informed picture and allows the clinician to plan a rational approach to successful detoxification strategy for the patient.
Full toxic metal panel and essential minerals test (urine only). £119
With this test there is no detailed analysis of mercury as with the above test, just a level. Due to mercury being the key toxic metal that disturbs the body the most, this is the one that is analysed the most. If we suspect that your methylation pathways (your detoxification ability) are compromised due to genetics or other factors then the above test would be the first test to do and then use the toxic panel test to check to see how well the body is detoxifying these pernicious agents over a period of time.
Hormone Analysis
Female Hormones
The Comprehensive Hormone Panel Plus (4 x saliva samples) for female hormones. £190
The Comprehensive Panel Plus includes oestrone (E1), oestriol (E3) and the Estrogen Quotient (EQ) in addition to the analytes covered by the Comprehensive Hormone Panel (Cortisol and DHEA). EQ is a simple ratio of the cancer protective oestrogen E3 to the proliferative oestrogens E1 and E2. The EQ provides a risk assessment of breast cancer, and other hormone responsive cancers, with a lower number (< 1.0) indicating an increased risk and a higher number (> 1.0) signifying a lower risk. For maximum protection an optimal EQ is (> 1.5). Unfortunately, this test is not advised for men because the research on EQ has only been carried out on women. This panel is indicated for hormonal imbalance, a history of hormone sensitive cancers, personal or family history of autoimmune disease and PCOS. Usually we suggest to use this test at first (as it is cheaper than the Dutch test) and then retest in 6 months.
- Testosterone
- Progesterone
- Estrone (E1)
- Estriol (E3)
- Estradiol (E2)
- DHEA (saliva)
Male Hormones
Dutch Test Male (urine sample) £183
Dutch complete can help identify the root causes of sex hormone and adrenal imbalances in men. It covers the same as the female test above but without certain female metabolites It can provide insights into conditions such as infertility, weight gain, fatigue, low libido, sleep issues, mood disorders and prostate issues in men. Again the test can be used to gather baseline measurements for the administration and monitoring of hormone replacement therapy for men.
Thyroid hormones
Thyroid Plus (blood sample) £160
Genova diagnostics lab that covers TSH, FreeT4, Free T3, rT3 and auto-antibodies.
Nutritional Profiles
Vitamin D Finger Prick Test (Blood) £30
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 (Blood) £51
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.
Anaemia Profile (Blood) £96
Includes serum ferritin, folic acid and Vitamin B12. Also a full blood profile of other elements.
Urine Iodine (urine sample) £74
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. This test is not performed as a loading test but can be used to establish existing levels or to monitor iodine supplementation.
Gastrointestinal Profiles
Organic acid test (urine sample) £300
The Organic acid test analyses 76 urinary metabolites, revealing insights into metabolic function, nutrient deficiencies, and health conditions. It includes biomarkers for intestinal microbial overgrowth, neurotransmitters, and detoxification. Urine analysis, preferred for its higher concentration of organic acids, aids in identifying underlying causes of chronic illness.
Specialist Genomic Predisposition Testing
Genovations tests are only available to medically trained doctors or practitioners who are appropriately trained in genetics testing.
Cardio Genomic Plus Profile £325
The test uncovers potential genetic susceptibility to:
- Hypercholesteremia
- Artherosclerosis
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Coronary artery disease
- Myocardial infarction (Heart Attack)
- Thrombosis
- Endothelial dysfunction
- Stroke
Estro Genomic Profile £499
Blood sample required. The test uncovers potential genetic susceptibility to:
- Breast cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Thrombosis
- Stroke
- Atherosclerosis
- Heart disease
Immuno Genomic Profile £231
Potential genetic susceptibility to:
- Asthma
- Certain cancers
- Infectious diseases
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Helicobacter pylor infection (cause of ulcers)
- Autoimmune disorders
- Allergy
- Bone inflammation
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Osteopenia
Neuro Genomic Profile £351
The test uncovers potential genetic susceptibility to:
- Neurodegenerative disorders
- Mood disorders
- Detoxification capacity
- Developmental issues
- Oxidative stress
Detoxi Genomic Profile £355
The test uncovers potential genetic susceptibility to:
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Alcoholism
- Bipolar disease
- Lung, colon, bladder or head and neck cancers
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Neurodegenerative disorders
Also the ability of the liver to deal with detoxification of all environmental toxins including pesticides, herbicides, pollutants, solvents and pharmaceutical drugs as well as nutritional supplements and many of the body's own waste products, including steroid hormones.
Other Tests
Melatonin Profile (Saliva) £77
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, behavioural changes, mood disorders, and stress among others.
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