Functional Medical Testing
We use the following functional tests to help us better understand what is happening on a molecular level inside the body. Unfortunately, these tests are not subsidised by the government nor do we have the facilities in Australia or New Zealand to analyse such tests and most have to be sent to the US. This is reflected in the costs for each test (no mark-up is added), but they can provide invaluable information into what is needed for your health journey.
Food Sensitivity Test $510
Sample Required: Blood-spot | Test Type: Allergy
Gain meaningful insights about your health with this easy-to-understand test result. This test measures your immune system's IgG reactivity to foods, which can help guide a temporary elimination diet (provided).
Key Advantages:
Related Symptoms:
Key Advantages:
- Measures - IgG reactivity to 132 common foods and additives plus Candida
- Collection Method - Finger prick done at clinic
- Take the guess-work out of food sensitivities
Related Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Gastrointestinal (GI) distress/diseases
- Headaches/Migraines
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Skin conditions
- Auto-immune conditions
Metabolism & Nutritional Test $380
Sample Required: Urine | Test Type: Hormone & Metabolism
The 'Organic Acids Test (OAT)' is a comprehensive metabolic (via urine) and nutritional snapshot of your overall health with 75 markers. It does not measure absolute values of nutrients but provides insights into metabolic products (organic acids) which gives a view into your body’s cellular metabolic processes. Identifying metabolic blocks that can be treated nutritionally allows individual tailoring of interventions that maximise your response to treatment and leads to improved health outcomes.
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Mineral / Heavy Metal Testing $175-$280
Sample Required: Hair/urine | Test Type: Toxicity
The following 2 tests are carried out for both heavy metal testing and nutritional status of certain minerals. Your personal reason for testing will determine which test is better suited for you:
- Hair test $175 - The 'Hair Essential and Toxic Mineral Analysis' provides information regarding recent and ongoing exposure to potentially toxic metals, especially methylmercury and arsenic plus time-averaged status of specific nutrient elements. This non-invasive screening test requires only 0.25 grams of hair (as close to the scalp as possible).
- Urine test $280 - 'Urine Toxic and Essential Elements Analysis' is an invaluable tool for the assessment of the net retention of toxic metals in the body and the status of essential nutrient elements. Toxic metals do not have any useful physiological function, adversely affect almost every organ system, and disrupt the homeostasis of nutrient elements.
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Key Advantages & Reason for Testing:
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Complete Thyroid Test $195
Sample Required: Blood | Test Type: Hormone
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The Complete Thyroid Profile measures thyroid gland activity, peripheral conversion of thyroid hormone and thyroid autoantibodies.
Why Test Thyroid Function? Thyroid dysfunction is one of the most under-addressed conditions in healthcare. There are thyroid receptors on every tissue in the body, demonstrating its necessity for all systems. Thyroid hormones impact energy production, cognitive function, mood, emotions, concentration, memory and attention. According to the Journal of Endocrinology, standard measures of thyroid function may miss up to half the population. However in New Zealand typically only TSH is measured - which would suggest our rate of missing a positive diagnosis would be much higher. That being said, some GPs occasionally request the assessment of T3 and T4 (but is not standard practice). To ensure that the entire pathway of thyroid function is working effectively however, each step within thyroid function must be assessed. Unfortunately, since these other markers are not requested by GPs, they must be paid for privately. |
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Key Advantages & Reason for Testing:
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- TSH - thyroid stimulating hormone
- Total T4 - total amount of thyroxine
- Free T4 – unbound levels of thyroxine
- Total T3 - total amount of triiodothyronine
- Free T3 - unbound levels of triiodothyronine
- Reverse T3 - converted by the liver from the stored T4
- TPO Abs - thyroid peroxidase antibody
- TG Abs - thyroglobulin antibody
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Depression
- Dry skin and brittle nails, or hair loss
- Feeling tired or weak
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Heavy or irregular menstrual cycles
- Obesity
- Joint Pain
- Infertility
- Constipation
- Memory issues or unclear thinking
- Hashimoto’s
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Nervous or moody
- Shaky hands, fast heartbeat
- Sensation of being hot and sweaty
- Increased bowel movements
- Fine, thin hair, and hair loss
- Weight loss without a change in eating patterns
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep problems or restlessness
- Goiter or thyroid nodules
- Weak, tired, fatigued
Toxic Non-Metal Chemical Profile $380
Sample Required: Urine | Test Type: Toxicity
Every day, we are exposed to hundreds of toxic chemicals through products like pharmaceuticals, pesticides, packaged foods, household products and environmental pollution. As we have become more exposed to chemical-laden products and to toxic chemicals in food, air and water, we have been confronted with an accelerating rate of chronic illnesses like cancer, heart disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, chemical sensitivity, autism spectrum disorders, ADD/AD(H)D, autoimmune disorders, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
The GPL-Tox test is a toxic (non-metal) chemical profile that screens for the presence of 172 different toxic chemicals including organophosphate pesticides, phthalates, benzene, xylene, vinyl chloride, pyrethroid insecticides, acrylamide, perchlorate, diphenyl phosphate, ethylene oxide, acrylonitrile and more. This profile also includes Tiglylglycine (TG), a marker for mitochondrial disorders resulting from mutations of mitochondrial DNA. These mutations can be caused by exposure to toxic chemicals, infections, inflammation and nutritional deficiencies.
The GPL-Tox test is a toxic (non-metal) chemical profile that screens for the presence of 172 different toxic chemicals including organophosphate pesticides, phthalates, benzene, xylene, vinyl chloride, pyrethroid insecticides, acrylamide, perchlorate, diphenyl phosphate, ethylene oxide, acrylonitrile and more. This profile also includes Tiglylglycine (TG), a marker for mitochondrial disorders resulting from mutations of mitochondrial DNA. These mutations can be caused by exposure to toxic chemicals, infections, inflammation and nutritional deficiencies.
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environmental mould Toxicity $545
Sample Required: Hair/urine | Test Type: Toxicity
Mycotoxins are some of the most prevalent toxins in the environment. Mycotoxins are metabolites produced by fungi like mould, which can infest buildings, vehicles and foodstuffs. A majority of mycotoxin exposures are through food ingestion or airborne exposure. In the European Union, 20% of all grains harvested have been found to be contaminated with mycotoxins. Unfortunately, mycotoxins are resistant to heat and many processing procedures.
Fungi are able to grow on almost any surface, especially if the environment is warm and wet. Inner wall materials of buildings, wall paper, fibreglass insulation, ceiling tiles and drywall (Gyprock) are all good surfaces for fungi to colonise.
These fungi then release mycotoxins into the environment which may cause symptoms of many different chronic diseases.
Fungi are able to grow on almost any surface, especially if the environment is warm and wet. Inner wall materials of buildings, wall paper, fibreglass insulation, ceiling tiles and drywall (Gyprock) are all good surfaces for fungi to colonise.
These fungi then release mycotoxins into the environment which may cause symptoms of many different chronic diseases.
Key Advantages:
- GPL-MycoTOX screens for eleven different mycotoxins, from 40 species of mould, in one urine sample.
- GPL-MycoTOX uses the power of advanced mass spectrometry (MS/MS), which is necessary to detect lower levels of these fungal toxins. This test is optimal for follow up testing to ensure that detoxification therapies have been successful.
- GPL-MycoTOX pairs perfectly with the Organic Acids Test (OAT), GPL-TOX (Toxic Non-Metal Chemical Profile), Phospholipase A2 Activity Test (for inflammation) and the Glyphosate Test. This gives you comprehensive testing to assess exposure to common environmental toxins and the damage that may be caused by this exposure.
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Related Symptoms:
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Glyphosate Test $159
Sample Required: Urine | Test Type: Toxicity
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Glyphosate is the world’s most widely produced herbicide and is the primary toxic chemical in Roundup™, as well as in many other herbicides. It is a broad-spectrum herbicide that is used in more than 700 different products from agriculture and forestry to home use. Glyphosate was introduced in the 1970s to kill weeds by targeting the enzymes that produce the amino acids tyrosine, tryptophan and phenylalanine. The enzymes of many bacteria are also susceptible to inhibition by this chemical, thus altering the flora of many animals. Usage of glyphosate has since amplified, after the introduction of genetically modified (GMO) glyphosate-resistant crops that can grow well in the presence of this chemical in soil.
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In addition, toxicity of the surfactant commonly mixed with glyphosate, polyoxyethyleneamine (POEA), is greater than the toxicity of glyphosate alone. In 2014 Enlist Duo™, a herbicide product which contains a 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) salt and glyphosate, is approved for use in Australia. In Canada and the U.S. it is used on genetically modified soybeans and genetically modified maize, both of which have been modified to be resistant to both 2,4-D and glyphosate. 2,4-D has many toxic effects of its own and can be measured in the GPL-TOX test.
Comprehensive Hormone Test $410
Sample Required: Urine | Test Type: Hormone & Metabolism
The 'DUTCH' test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) is a comprehensive hormone profile that evaluates your reproductive and adrenal hormones. It is a urine test, dried on collection, that is currently the most comprehensive adrenal and reproductive hormone test available for both men and women. Hormones measured (35 in total) include DHEA, Progesterone, Oestrogen (3 forms), Testosterone, Cortisol, Cortisone, Melatonin as well as their metabolites. 8OHdG – a validated marker for oxidative damage to DNA – is also measured. Daily free cortisol patterns give insight regarding stress loading and cortisol response, which we compare to normal diurnal patterns.
Key Advantages:
Related Symptoms:
Key Advantages:
- More comprehensive than serum, saliva or 24-hour urine testing
- Easy collection
- Unparalleled adrenal testing (diurnal free cortisol pattern with cortisol metabolites)
- Accurate and comprehensive testing of sex hormones and metabolites (including 2,4,16-OH oestrogens)
- Effective monitoring of hormone replacement (improved clinical accuracy for many scenarios)
- 8 separate lab methods (GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS) to ensure the most accurate methods for each test
- One simple test to bring you unrivalled clinical information and confident clinical conclusions
Related Symptoms:
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Memory loss
- Weight gain
- Chronic allergies
- Bone loss
- Irregular periods
- Breast tenderness
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Low libido
- Heart disease risk
- Breast cancer risk
SiBO Breath Test $225
Sample Required: Breath | Test Type: Immunity
Normally, bacteria are found in the trillions in the large intestine, where they perform various functions for the human body. SIBO is defined as an increase in the number of bacteria, and/or changes in the types of bacteria present in the small intestine. In most patients, SIBO is not caused by a single type of bacteria, but an overgrowth of the bacteria that should normally be found in the colon.
Prevalence estimates are based on a percentage of the population with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This is 11-14% of the population globally and 17% in New Zealand. It is the most common gastrointestinal diagnosis in primary care although it is thought that up to 50% of people with symptoms of IBS do not consult their GP. Studies also show that over 50% of patients diagnosed with IBS actually have SIBO.
Prevalence estimates are based on a percentage of the population with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This is 11-14% of the population globally and 17% in New Zealand. It is the most common gastrointestinal diagnosis in primary care although it is thought that up to 50% of people with symptoms of IBS do not consult their GP. Studies also show that over 50% of patients diagnosed with IBS actually have SIBO.
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Common symptoms of SIBO:
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comprehensive stool profile $650
Sample Required: Stool | Test Type: Immunity
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Our comprehensive and clinically-applicable stool profile (called the GI360 Profile by Doctor’s Data) includes 6 component test bundles that together give you a 360-degree functional assessment of the GI system.
The summary of the 6 parts:
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In a little more detail, the GI360 Profile:
Indications for analysis:
- Utilises multiplex PCR molecular technology coupled with growth-based culture and ID by MALDI-TOF, sensitive biochemical assays and microscopy to detect and assess the status of pathogens, viruses, parasites and bacteria that may be contributing to acute or chronic gastrointestinal symptoms and disease.
- It is a gut microbiota DNA analysis tool that identifies and characterises the abundance and diversity of more than 50 targeted analytes that peer-reviewed research has shown to contribute to dysbiosis and chronic disease.
- Can identify the presence of 15 pathogenic viruses, bacteria and parasites using multiplexed, real-time PCR. Viruses are the primary cause of acute diarrhoea, and least commonly tested. The identification of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and parasites improves treatment strategies and patient outcomes.
Indications for analysis:
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms
- Autoimmune Disease
- IBD/IBS
- Inflammation
- Food Sensitivities
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Joint Pain
- Acute or Chronic Diarrhoea
- Bloody Stool
- Mucosal Barrier Dysfunction
- Abdominal Pain
- Fever and Vomiting
Other Tests
The above are the more common functional tests we carry out. Many more test are available so if you would like to enquire about a specific test, please don't hesitate to contact us.