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 ( responsible for hormone production and distribution).

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

Blood draws can be arranged to be done by our very well qualified phlebotomist either here in clinic or by a mobile service where our phlebotomist can come to your home. Shelly is based in Sale, Greater Manchester and if you are local to her you may also choose to attend her clinic for the blood draw.

COSTS: Clinic £25, Sale clinic £35, Home visit £45.

Sometimes you may be able to attend a local Out Patient unit at your hospital also for a fee...all you need to do it to take the kit along with you. Your own nurse at you GP practice can on occasions also be willing to do this service.

TOXIC METALS ANALYSIS

Tri Test (blood, urine, hair).

Purely for the assessment of mercury in the body.

The Quicksilver Mercury Tri-Test is the only clinical test that utilizes mercury speciation analysis, a patented advanced technology that separates methyl mercury (MeHg )from fish sources, from inorganic mercury (HgII) 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. £344 plus £9.50 laboratory handling and shipping fee.

Toxic metals and Essential minerals (urine).

All toxic metals (including mercury) and Essential minerals tested. Unlike the Tri test the Mercury readings will not be broken down into individual residuals. £119

ENDOCRINE PROFILES (HORMONE ANALYSIS)

ENERGY ASSESSMENTS

Comprehensive Adrenal Stress Profile (saliva)

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: low energy levels, anxiety, chronic inflammatory conditions, allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia, depression, migraines, headaches, recurrent infections, menstrual difficulties and infertility. Both excesses and deficiencies of DHEA and cortisol have been implicated in the aetiology of various illnesses and immune suppression. £104.

Chronic Fatigue Screen (saliva and urine)

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. £270.

Total Thyroid Plus Screen (blood)

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. £148.

Thyroid 24 hr urine test T4 and T3 plus conversion (urine)

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. £106.

MALE

Male Hormone Plus (saliva)

This profile measures the hormones, cortisol, DHEA, testosterone and melatonin and allows for the detection of hormonal imbalances related to symptoms of male andropause, rapid ageing, low vitality and sexual dysfunction. Optimal health is dependent on the balance of these hormones, not just a single hormone. £172.

FEMALE

Pre-Menopausal endocrine checks:

Rhythm Plus (saliva)

This measures the monthly fluctuations in oestradiol, progesterone and testosterone levels over the course of the menstrual cycle as well as Cortosol, DHEA, Melatonin and Progesterone/Oestradiol Ratio £226.

Rhythm (saliva)

Only Oestradiol, Progesterone and testosterone checked over the menstrual cycle. £182.

MENOPAUSAL ENDOCRINE CHECKS:

Menopause (Saliva and Urine)

An investigation if a woman is experiencing both during and after menopause.Usedd to check if there is an increased oestrogen sensitive cancer risk. Also a bone resorption marker for bone health. £270.

Menopause Plus (Saliva and Urine)

All of the above Cortisol, DHEA and Melatonin (Low energy assessment). £378.

POST MENOPAUSAL CHECKS

Post-menopausal test

Covers Progesterone, oestrogen and testosterone levels £135.

Oestrogen Metabolism Plus

This test provides a comprehensive analysis of urinary oestrogen metabolites that correlate with breast and prostate cancer risk, including 2-hydroxy, 4-hydroxy and 16-alpha-hydroxy oestrogens, and their methylated by products. This provides valuable information about oestrogen-related diseases, such as breast cancer and prostate disease risk. Can be used post cancer as a check that oestrogen is being processed correctly. £145.

BOTH MALE AND FEMALE

Testosterone Levels (saliva)

This test measures salivary testosterone levels, the principal androgen in men, and can allow for the detection of hormonal imbalances related to symptoms of male andropause, as well as those related to imbalanced testosterone commonly found in women. This test can be used to assess baseline levels and monitor testosterone replacement therapy. £72

OTHER TESTS

Urine Iodine (urine)

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. £71.

Melatonin Profile (Saliva)

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. £77.

---

NUTRITIONAL PROFILES

Vitamin D Finger Prick Test (blood)

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. £30.

Serum Ferritin, a marker for anaemia (blood)

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. £51.

Anaemia Profile (blood)

Includes Serum Ferritin, Folic acid and Vitamin B12. Also a full blood profile of other elements. £96.

---

GASTROINTESTINAL PROFILES

Comprehensive 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. £344.

---

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 Pylori 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 nutraceuticals (nutritional supplements) and many of the body's own waste products (including steroid hormones).