Asessments & Testing
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Cutting-Edge Comprehensive Testing
Accurate and appropriate testing is essential in determining health status as well as any
health deficiencies that may exist. At the Optimum Wellness Naturopathic
Medical Clinic we pride ourselves in offering our patients some of the
most cutting-edge advanced testing available.
For any further questions or information, please call our clinic at 780 - 439-1200.
Vitamin/ Mineral/ AO
“32” testing: This test is important for people who want to know their levels
of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants and whether supplementation is currently
needed or if vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants are already being taken, whether
they are being absorbed.
This test measures levels of selected vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other
essential micronutrients inside white blood cells. It identifies deficiencies
and provides intracellular concentrations of the various nutrients tested. Deficiencies
may be a result of: arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular risk, diabetes, various immunological
disorders, metabolic disorders, nutrient deficiencies. Measuring and correcting
vitamin deficiencies is essential for patients concerned with wellness and anti-aging.
Omega 3 Fatty Acid
testing: This test is important for people who want to know their
levels of omega-3's fatty acids and whether supplementation is currently needed
or if omega-3's fatty acids are already being taken, whether they are being
absorbed.
Levels of omega 3 fatty acids and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and EPA in particular,
have been proven protective against heart disease. In addition, a healthy
ratio of AA to EPA has been associated with improvements in a variety of diseases
like: rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and diabetes. Some cancers may also benefit
from a lowered ratio of AA to EPA.
Amino Acid testing:
This test is important for people who want to know their levels of amino acids
and whether supplementation is currently needed or if amino acids are already being
taken, whether they are being absorbed.
Amino acid analysis provides information about nutrient adequacy: the quality and
quantity of dietary protein, digestive disorders and vitamin and mineral deficiencies
(primarily folic acid, B12, B6 metabolism, zinc and magnesium). It also provides
information about renal and hepatic function, availability of neurotransmitters,
detoxification capacity, susceptibility to occlusive arterial disease and many other
disorders related to amino acid metabolism.
Female Hormone testing:
This test is important for women entering peri-menopause, menopause or women who
are experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalances.
Five hormones make up the Female Panel: Estradiol, Progesterone, Progesterone to
Estradiol Ratio, Testosterone and Cortisol. Interactions between these hormones
are fundamental to health and, as a consequence, imbalances may negatively impact
health. Saliva hormone testing is very accurate for uncovering hormone imbalances.
Once a hormone imbalance has been uncovered, nutritional or bio-identical hormone
therapy can be instituted.
Estrogen Metabolism testing:
This test is important for men and women who want to know if their hormone levels
may increase their risk of developing hormone related cancers (breast, cervical,
ovarian, prostate, etc).
There is no single test that accurately predicts breast or prostate cancer risk.
However, several tests are available that may be of interest. For example, general
saliva hormone testing provides evidence of common patterns of hormone imbalance
in breast or prostate cancer patients. Other tests that may have predictive value
for breast cancer risk, include the tumor marker CA 15-3 and the Estrogen Metabolism
Ratio. The Estrogen Metabolism Ratio looks at how estrogens are broken down by the
body. Two of the metabolites of estrogen are 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone (16OHE1) and
2-hydroxyestrone (2OHE1). A proper balance between these two metabolites is important
to maintaining good health. Although research in this area is very preliminary,
the Estrogen Metabolism Ratio may also help identify men at risk of prostate cancer.
Male Hormone testing:
This test is important for men entering andropause (change of life in men) or men
who are experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalances.
Four hormones make up the Male Panel: testosterone, estradiol, DHEA-S and cortisol.
Interactions between these hormones are fundamental to health and as a consequence,
imbalances may negatively impact health. Progesterone levels are generally not useful
in men, although if men are exposed to progesterone cream through skin to skin transfer
from a partner, there can be significant accumulation and testosterone deficiency
symptoms may ensue. Saliva hormone testing is very accurate for uncovering hormone
imbalances. Once a hormone imbalance has been uncovered, nutritional or bio-identical
hormone therapy can be instituted.
Food Intolerance IgG and
IgE testing: This test is important for people who may be experiencing
food intolerances or allergies and want to know which foods are involved and whether
these food reactions may be contributing to their various body symptoms or immune
system dysfunction.
Common everyday problems like migraines, aching joints, fatigue, gastrointestinal
disorders, eczema, hyperactivity, ADD, asthma and even obesity have been linked
to food sensitivity and chronic activation of the immune system.
Two of the antibodies involved in allergic reactions are immunoglobulin E (IgE)
and immunoglobulin G (IgG). IgE production occurs right after ingestion or inhalation
of an allergen and is referred to as a Type I immediate hypersensitivity reaction.
IgG antibodies are produced for several hours or days after exposure to an allergen
and are called Type III delayed hypersensitivity reactions. This allergy serum test
evaluates for immediate or delayed reaction to food allergens through IgE and IgG
respectively. IgG can be done via a blood spot, while IgE testing requires a blood
draw.
Environmental Allergy testing:
This test is important for people who may be experiencing environmental allergies
and want to know which allergens are involved and whether these reactions may be
contributing to their various body symptoms or immune system dysfunction. These
allergens may be in their homes, workplace or the environment.
Common everyday problems like general headaches, migraines, aching joints,
fatigue, eczema, runny and itchy eyes, runny nose, sinus congestion, chest congestion,
asthma have been linked to environmental sensitivity and chronic activation of the
immune system.
This allergy serum test evaluates for immediate or delayed reaction to environmental
allergens through IgE and IgG respectively and requires a blood draw. Common inhalant
allergies (IgG, IgE) may include: grasses, molds, trees, weeds and airborne indoor
particles.
Environmental Xenobiotic
(chemical) testing: These tests are important for people who want
to know whether they have elevated levels of various chemicals from environmental
exposure or from contaminated water or food. Some of these chemicals include phtalates,
bisphenol-A (BPA) (from plastics, paints and cosmetics) and various solvents like
benzene, toluene and xylenes.
Symptoms of excessive levels of these chemicals include steroid hormone and endocrine
system function disruption, early childhood developmental disruption, impaired male
reproductive development, increased prostate mass, endometriosis, obesity and oxidative
cellular DNA stress. Higher levels of these chemicals can also increase the incidence
of heart disease, diabetes, liver degeneration, and even some cancers.
Oxidative DNA Damage testing:
This test is important for people who want to know whether they have elevated
levels of free (hydroxyl) radicals that can be causing excessive DNA damage to their
cells. Free radicals can be elevated from exposure to toxic metals, chemicals, ionizing
radiation, poor lifestyle (smoking, illicit drugs), and even some prescription drugs.
Oxidative damage to DNA have been associated with many diseases, including bladder
and prostate cancer, cystic fibrosis, atopic dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's
disease, Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease.
Toxic Metal & Essential
"Urine" testing: This test is important for people who
want to know whether their various body symptoms may be related to increased levels
of toxic metals in their system. This test also assesses the levels of essential
(good) metals.
Analysis of the levels of toxic metals in urine after the administration of
a metal detoxification agent is the "most accurate" objective way to evaluate
the accumulation of toxic metals. This test is used to assess chronic, low-level
exposure to toxic metals that can result in significant retention in the body that
can be associated with a vast array of adverse health effects and chronic disease.
It can also be used to assess acute exposure.
Toxic Metal & Essential
"Hair" testing: This test is important for people who want
to know whether their various body symptoms may be related to increased levels of
toxic metals in their system. This test also assesses the levels of essential (good)
metals.
Toxic elements (such as lead, mercury or arsenic) concentrate in soft tissue rather
than blood or urine, so hair analysis is uniquely suited for measuring toxic elements.
Elemental analysis also provides information on the absorption and assimilation
of nutritionally important elements (e.g. iron, copper), making it useful for assessing
nutrient deficiencies and imbalances as well.
AD(H)D Panel: This
panel is important for people who want to know whether they may have physiological
imbalances, causal factors or trigger symptoms that may contribute to AD(H)D.
Laboratory testing and environmental assessments can help to identify causal factors
and help focus treatments. Test results will help the medical practitioner create
a treatment plan. Treatments are designed to restore balance and optimize function
through nutritional support, diet, detoxification, and reducing environmental exposure.
Unlike comprehensive biomedical testing, routine lab work often fails to uncover
subtle abnormalities which can have a profound effect on your health.
Autism Panel: This
panel is important for people who want to know whether they may have physiological
imbalances, causal factors or trigger symptoms that may contribute to Autism.
Laboratory testing and environmental assessments can help to identify causal factors
and help focus treatments. Test results will help the medical practitioner create
a treatment plan. Treatments are designed to restore balance and optimize function
through nutritional support, diet, detoxification, and reducing environmental exposure.
Unlike comprehensive biomedical testing, routine lab work often fails to uncover
subtle abnormalities which can have a profound effect on your health.
Bowel Leaky Gut testing:
This panel is important for people who want to know whether they may have physiological
imbalances, causal factors, trigger symptoms or hidden risk factors that may contribute
to Leaky Gut Syndrome.
An overload of antibody-allergen complexes can cause inflammation in the lining
of the digestive tract, and this inflammation causes the gut to be more porous (or
to "leak) to various food proteins. The leaky gut then allows more antibody-allergen
complexes to escape into the bloodstream which then can settle into tissues, and
then can provoke more food allergies. Therefore, anyone with leaky gut should be
tested for food allergies and anyone with significant food allergies may need to
be treated for leaky gut syndrome.
Bowel Parasite testing:
This test is important for people who want to know whether their various body
symptoms or bowel complaints are linked to various pathogens.
This test measures the status of beneficial and imbalanced commensal bacteria, yeast/fungus
and parasites. Precise identification of pathogenic species and susceptibility testing
greatly facilitates selection of the most appropriate pharmaceutical or natural
treatment agents.
Cardio LPP Panel:
This panel is important for people who want to know whether they may have physiological
imbalances, causal factors or hidden risk factors that may contribute to cardiovascular
disease.
Standard cholesterol tests provide an estimation of the cholesterol contained in
lipoproteins. In contrast, the LPP directly measures the quantity and size of lipoproteins
in serum. This includes lipoproteins identified as risk factors by the NCEP (National
Cholesterol Education Program): HDL2b, VLDL, lipoprotein-a, remnant lipoprotein
(RLP). Standard cholesterol tests give an incomplete picture, leaving many people
with seemingly “normal” cholesterol numbers unaware of their true heart attack risk.
This panel assesses hidden risk factors, giving health providers valuable information
needed to make more effective treatment decisions.
Celiac Panel: This
panel is important for people who want to know whether they have trigger symptoms,
gluten sensitivity or intolerances that may contribute to celiac disease.
Both gluten sensitivity and celiac disease are reactions to proteins found
in various grains, however, the reactions they produce are different. In the case
of gluten sensitivity, the body produces antibodies to the protein in grains like
wheat, which can cause inflammation to the gut lining, but do not appear to cause
permanent damage. In celiac disease, eating gluten triggers the immune system to
attack and damage the villi of the small intestine, which seriously impairs the
ability to absorb nutrients from food. Although no link has been proven, some health
care providers believe that gluten sensitivity may be an early warning sign of celiac
disease.
CFS Panel: This
panel is important for people who want to know whether they may have physiological
imbalances, causal factors or hidden risk factors that may contribute to Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
Laboratory testing and environmental assessments can help to identify causal factors
and help focus treatments. Test results will help the medical practitioner create
a treatment plan. Treatments are designed to restore balance and optimize function
through nutritional support, diet, detoxification, and reducing environmental exposure.
Unlike comprehensive biomedical testing, routine lab work often fails to uncover
subtle abnormalities which can have a profound effect on your health.
Diabetic Diatest:
This functional breath test is important for people who want to know
whether they may have insulin resistance that may contribute to metabolic syndrome
or diabetes type II.
This breath test measures how well insulin functions
at delivering glucose to tissues by measuring CO2. If
insulin is functioning well, more glucose is delivered
to tissues and the result is more CO2. If insulin is functioning
poorly, less glucose is delivered to tissue and the result is less CO2.
Fibromyalgia Panel:
This panel is important for people who want to know whether they may have physiological
imbalances, causal factors, trigger symptoms or hidden risk factors that may contribute
to Fibromyalgia.
Laboratory testing and environmental assessments can help to identify causal factors
and help focus treatments. Test results will help the medical practitioner create
a treatment plan. Treatments are designed to restore balance and optimize function
through nutritional support, diet, detoxification, and reducing environmental exposure.
Unlike comprehensive biomedical testing, routine lab work often fails to uncover
subtle abnormalities which can have a profound effect on your health.
Gastro pH testing:
This test is important for people who want to know whether their various body
symptoms or bowel complaints are linked to an imbalance of gastric pH.
A special capsule is used for rapid measurement of gastric pH. Excessive gastric
pH may cause esophageal and gastric bleeding or inflammation of gastric lining.
Low gastric pH may cause reductions in protein digestion, vitamin absorption and
the ability of the stomach to destroy pathogens found on food being eaten.
Health & Wellness Panel:
This panel is important for people who want to know whether they may have physiological
imbalances, causal factors or hidden risk factors that may be preventing them from
achieving Health & Wellness.
Laboratory testing and environmental assessments can help to identify causal factors
and help focus treatments. Test results will help the medical practitioner create
a treatment plan. Treatments are designed to restore balance and optimize function
through nutritional support, diet, detoxification, and reducing environmental exposure.
Unlike comprehensive biomedical testing, routine lab work often fails to uncover
subtle abnormalities which can have a profound effect on your health.
Lyme Disease Advanced Panel:
This test is important for people who want to know whether their various body
symptoms and complaints are linked to the pathogens responsible for Lyme Disease
or other related Babesia infections.
This blood test uses the "latest technology" to measure the most current
markers for Lyme disease including Western Blot IgG, Westerm Blot IgM, Lyme IFA,
PCR Serum, and Whole Blood PCR.
Unlike this comprehensive panel, routine lab work often fails to produce a positive
identification for Lymes disease, since this condition is a multi-phasic condition
that is always changing and difficult to identify.
Mental Health Panel:
This panel is important for people who want to know whether they may have physiological
imbalances, causal factors, trigger symptoms or hidden risk factors that may contribute
to poor Mental Health.
Laboratory testing and environmental assessments can help to identify causal factors
and help focus treatments. Test results will help the medical practitioner create
a treatment plan. Treatments are designed to restore balance and optimize function
through nutritional support, diet, detoxification, and reducing environmental exposure.
Unlike comprehensive biomedical testing, routine lab work often fails to uncover
subtle abnormalities which can have a profound effect on your health.
Neurotransmitter testing:
This test is important for people who want to know whether their various body
symptoms or mental health are linked to an imbalance of neurotransmitters or hormones.
Many chronic symptoms and diseases share a common cause. They can begin from imbalances
in the body’s messengers, the neurotransmitters and hormones. Imbalances in neurotransmitters
and hormones can lead to: weight gain, fatigue, anxiety, poor sleep patterns, menopausal
symptoms, depression, etc. This new specialized tests measures many of the body's
neurotransmitters and hormones.
Thyroid Urinary testing:
This test is important for people who want to know whether their various body
symptoms may be related to thyroid dysfunction when regular thyroid blood test do
not find any discrepancies.
The Urinary Thyroid Assessment measures unconjugated free triiodothyronine (T3),
unconjugated free thyroxine (T4) and selenium in a 24 hour urine collection. There
are several reasons why a urinary thyroid assessment may be beneficial including
cardiovascular disease, weight gain, fatigue, skin/hair/musculoskeletal problems,
depression, headaches, constipation, cold intolerance, etc. Note: The Urinary Thyroid
Assessment does not replace serum testing in the diagnosis of thyroid illness; it
is meant to assist clinicians in the evaluation of patients whose clinical presentation
is not readily explainable by measurement of serum thyroid parameters alone.
Thyroid Iodine testing:
This test is important for people who want to know whether their various body
symptoms may be related to thyroid dysfunction when regular thyroid blood test do
not find any discrepancies.
Hormones produced by the thyroid gland are involved in regulating heart rate, body
temperature, blood pressure, and weight. Thyroid hormones can also increase energy,
help food move through the gastrointestinal tract and increase perspiration. Given
their broad effects, deficiencies of thyroid hormone can result in a number of health
conditions including: depression, fatigue, coldness, arthritis and muscle cramps,
headaches, weight gain and poor reflexes. This test measures whether the body has
enough iodine available to the thyroid for proper thyroid hormone production.
General Lab testing:
These various tests are important for people who want to know whether various
blood components are within normal parameters. This helps determine biochemical
and physiological states such as disease, mineral content and organ function.
The information obtained from these tests can be of great assistance to the health
practitioner in determining further testing and treatment. General lab testing may
include: complete blood count (CBC), lipids (cholesterol), blood glucose, iron levels,
and so on.
EDS (ElectroDermal
Screening) Computer testing: This type of computerized testing system allows
people and practitioners the ability to evaluate the bio-energetic health and functional
capacity of the body organ systems. This is a valuable screening tool and applicable
to all conditions and ages (See: www.natural-medicine.ca).
By taking a series of painless readings of electrical conductivity and skin resistance
on specific points on the skin of the fingers or toes and comparing them to a pre-calibrated
norm, practitioners can assess early stage disturbances in health. This approach,
which originated in Germany in the early 1950's, is safe, accurate and is used
to check bio-energetic health and functional capacity of the body organ systems.
It can also evaluate food and environmental allergies, yeast (candida) levels, vitamin
imbalances, drug and supplement compatibility and the overall state of balance in
the body. This is a valuable screening tool and applicable to all conditions and
ages (See: www.natural-medicine.ca).
DPA Computerized Scan:
The Digital Pulsewave Analyzer test is important for both women and men who
want to accurately measure the elasticity of their small and large arteries and
receive critical information regarding the aging and condition of their arterial
vessels.
The DPA scan is a tool used to identify deficiencies and then to monitor efficacy
of treatment options, lifestyle management and reduction of cardiovascular risk
factors. It can give you the biological aging pattern of arteries and screens for
risks factors by early detection of abnormal arterial wall functions, all in less
than 10 minutes.
HRV Computerized Scan:
The Heart Rate Variability test is important for both women and men who want to
accurately measure cardiovascular health and the active status of the autonomic
nervous system. It measures the ability of the heart and the nervous system to adapt
to changing circumstances in a persons body and environment.
Psychologists are recognizing the importance of HRV testing. A number of studies
have demonstrated that patients with anxiety, phobias and post-traumatic stress
disorder (PSTD) consistently show lower HRV, even when not exposed to a trauma related
prompt. Science also now confirms that stress significantly increases the risk of
heart disease, including sudden cardiac death. HRV helps quantify stress levels
and then monitor therapeutic interventions.
Thermography Scan:
This test is important for both women and men who want to know whether the
function, the physiology and the metabolism of their breasts and other tissues have
normal functional activity.
Digital infrared imaging scans show the functional activity, the physiology and
the metabolism of breast and other tissues. With the scan, abnormal cells appear
"hotter" because a malignant tissue mass requires more blood flow. To
feed their rapid growth they produce a chemical that makes new blood vessels grow.
This is called angiogenesis (angio means blood vessel, genesis means creation).
A digital infrared imaging scan shows the heat difference between normal tissue
and problem areas. In scientific terms, the normal tissue acts as the control against
any "hot" areas that are being compared. Not all malignancies are hypervascular;
that is, a small number do not show an increased blood supply. Unless there are
other signs, a thermography scan will not detect a non-hypervascular malignancy.
This digital infrared imaging scan provides the earliest evidence of disease. The
sensitivity rate is 90%. This means in 90% of cases, the scan accurately indicates
a presence or absence of disease. Digital infrared imaging has a 10% false positive
rate; in 10% of cases the results may suggest disease where there is none
(See: www.medthermonline.com).
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