Laboratory Testing

Laboratory testing is an essential tool that allows Naturopathic Doctors to gain insight into the underlying cause of your health concerns.

A variety of lab tests are beneficial as a diagnostic tool and are offered as a way to identify underlying contributors to ill health. Some of the laboratory tests include analysis of blood, urine, stool, saliva, hair and more.

See below for details about the types of specialized testing we offer. If you are interested in laboratory testing, all tests can be discussed with one of our naturopathic doctors.

Laboratory Testing Practitioners

June 3, 2024

Dr. Charity Thiessen, N.D., SEP

August 6, 2019

Dr. Michelle Sthamann N.D.

August 6, 2019

Dr. Allison Ziegler N.D.

August 6, 2019

Dr. Julie Zepp N.D.

Gastrointestinal & Digestive Testing HEAVY METAL TESTING HORMONES BLOOD WORK

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Gastrointestinal & Digestive Testing

Food Sensitivity Testing

Food sensitivity testing is done via blood serum.

Two of the antibodies involved in allergic reactions are immunoglobulin E (IgE) and immunoglobulin G (IgG). IgE antibodies are produced after ingestion or inhalation of an allergen and is referred to as a Type I immediate hypersensitivity reaction such as hives. IgE reactions that are tested in the blood are quick acting and can occur minutes after exposure to the antigen. These reactions are often fixed and persist throughout life. IgG antibodies are produced for several hours or days after exposure to an allergen and are called Type III delayed hypersensitivity reactions. IgG reactions can promote a state of low-grade inflammation in the body.

This inflammation, in turn, can contribute to a variety of different symptoms.

Symptoms Inlcude:

Digestive Disorders
Skin Symptoms
Joint Pain
Disruptions in Mood
Weight Gain

Comprehensive Stool Analysis

Stool, urine, saliva and blood tests can be used to evaluate gastrointestinal function.

This includes analyses of bacterial balance, digestion, absorption, yeast and parasites. These tests may be used for patients with any gastrointestinal related symptoms, such as:

Indigestion
Candida/Yeast Overgrowth
Constipation
Diarrhea
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A test kit can be given to the patient and the collection is done at home.

Comprehensive Micronutrient Testing

Comprehensive Micronutrient Testing is used to help you understand your individual diet needs by evaluating your overall nutritional status, assessing your functional need for vitamins and minerals, and to provide guidance with respect to supplementation.

Heavy Metal Testing

Heavy Metals Testing

Heavy Metals Testing designed to identify the load of heavy metals in the body.

Urine element analysis is intended primarily for diagnostic assessment of toxic element status, monitoring detoxification therapy, and identifying or quantifying renal wasting conditions. This is often done prior to chelation therapy. This urine collection is done over a 6 hour period and the fecal metals sample is a one time collection.

Micronutrient & Hormone Testing (Endocrinology)

Hormone Testing

These tests are used to accurately diagnose hormone status associated with female and male hormonal imbalances related to:

Infertility
PMS
Menopause
Andropause
Thyroid Issues (Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism)

Additionally we can offer testing to gain greater insight into the causes of a number of other disorders by evaluating the hormones involved in the stress response. These include:

Sleep Disturbances
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Anxiety
Depression

Hormone testing is done via blood, urine or saliva.

In most cases, a test kit is normally given to the patient and the collection is done at home. Depending on the test in question, a sample may be collected at various time throughout a full day (4 samples) or throughout the entire month, with a sample taken once every few days.

Standard Blood Work

We offer a wide variety of other tests via routine blood work offered through our partners at LifeLabs.

Patients: Be advised that Naturopathic requisitions are only processed until noon each day from Monday to Thursday.

Blood tests include:

Comprehensive Thyroid Screening
Screening for Autoimmune disorders
Cholesterol Panels
Liver/Kidney Function Tests
Celiac Screening

Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list. Many tests available through your family physician are available here as well.

Learn More

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