Testing
Meet Phlebotomist Jessica.
As a phlebotomist, Jessica takes blood samples from our clients which are examined in a laboratory and the results can be used to determine imbalances and deficiencies.
Jessica has been practising phlebotomy for over 10 years in a national health service setting. Jessica is very well experienced in working with nervous patients, such as those with a needle phobia, and also young children having a blood test for the very first time. Jessica is a member of the National Association of Phlebotomists and fully Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered.
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If we have ordered the test kit for you, we will organise shipping of your sample. You are responsible for arranging the shipping of your sample, if you have your own test kit. Please read the shipping instructions and arrange how you will ship the sample before booking your blood draw.
Helpful tips prior to your blood test appointment
Pop on a jumper: If you are cold your veins will be more difficult to locate, so making sure you are nice and warm before your blood test will ensure a more efficient procedure. Ideally, wear a short sleeved top with a warm jumper or cardigan over the top.
Drink water: Keeping hydrated prior to your blood test makes it more straightforward to locate your veins, so drink plenty of fluids for at least 24 hours before your test.
Raise your heart rate: Taking a walk or some gentle exercise will raise your blood pressure which will have the effect of making veins more prominent.
You won’t feel a thing: In the hands of a skilled phlebotomist a blood draw should not be painful, but you may experience a slight pricking or scratching sensation as the needle goes in. If you really do feel you need extra support in this area we can support you with homeopathic remedies prior to the appointment.
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Diagnostic Testing
Comprehensive Stool Profile - (Stool)
Gastrointestinal health and microbiome profile.
Adrenal Stress Profile - (Saliva Test)
Imbalances of cortisol, DHEA levels and secretory IgA
SIBO Test - (Breath Test)
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth - Excess bacteria in the small intestines.
Thyroid Profile - (Blood Spot)
Analysis of thyroid metabolism - TSH, free T4, free T3, reverse T3, anti TG antibodies and anti TPO antibodies to assess central and peripheral thyroid function, as well as thyroid auto-immunity.
Vitamin D - (Blood)
Vaginal EcologiX - (Vaginal Swab)
Vaginal health and vaginal microbiome profile.
Organic Acids Profile - (Urine)
Provides information on yeast, bacteria and nutritional
markers.
Dutch Sex Hormonal Health Test - (Urine)
Analyses 35 different hormones; oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol along with their metabolites. It also measures daily free cortisol, the oxidative stress marker 80HdG, melatonin and six organic acids including markers for vitamin B12, norepinephrine/epinephrine and serotonin
Elemental Analysis - (Blood)
Toxic exposure profile that measures blood levels of 4 common toxic metals and 8 nutrient elements
Cardio Check - (Blood)
Advanced blood assessment of lipids and cardiometabolic analytes providing insight regarding independent risk. Combining the best of conventional and functional laboratory biomarkers, the profile evaluates cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as targeted apolipoproteins, important ratios, high sensitivity CRP, and homocysteine
Methylation Panel- ( Blood)
Methylation is needed to create DNA and RNA and regulate gene expression. It helps make creatine, which is needed for skeletal muscle contraction. Methylation is involved in basic energy production, fat metabolism, immune responses, vascular health, and cell membrane repair. It produces and metabolizes neurotransmitters to regulate mood. Methylation also works to neutralize toxins and hormones.
Male Hormones Plus - ( Saliva)
Analyses cortisol, DHEA, melatonin and testosterone
If there is a test you are interested in having isn't listed here please contact us to discuss it further.
How Does Functional Testing Work?
In some cases, I may use testing to take your care to another level of individualisation. Functional medicine laboratory testing offers tests that may not be available through your GP and may be fundamental to determine exactly what the imbalances and deficiencies are in some people.
A test will typically involve breath, blood, stool, saliva or urine sample which can be conducted in your own home. A follow up consultation will be arranged to explain the results in full and to discuss a further personalised plan dependant on the results.
At Naturopathic Health I always stay mindful to not overuse functional lab testing, unless I feel it will provide useful information required for a personalised protocol (plan).
As a nutritional therapist and functional medicine practitioner my role is to understand any imbalances that may be present and not to at any stage diagnose you with a condition or disease.
I've carefully selected and work with a number of testing companies in the UK, Europe and the USA. The testing I am able to offer includes, stool testing, adrenal stress test, SIBO breath testing, hormone testing, parasite testing, nutritional deficiency testing, food intolerance testing and many more.
Allergy Testing
Many people these days think they have food allergies but what most have is actually a food intolerance. Intolerance to certain foods gives a delayed response of a few hours, in some cases up to a few days or even weeks. A person can be intolerant to multiple foods and experience a number of symptoms which include:
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
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Bloating & constipation
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Fatigue
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Migraines, headaches & brain fog
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Insomnia
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Asthma, sinusitis & rhinitis
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Eczema & other skin disorders
Food intolerances are usually down to poor gut health and damage to the gut lining causing leaky gut. It's important to understand what has caused the damage to the gut lining. Sometimes testing is required but there are various other ways to determine the root cause.
Whereas an allergy is an immediate and severe response with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rashes, swelling and in some cases life threatening anaphylactic shock.
If necessary I will recommend laboratory tests to deepen the knowledge we have of your body and take your care to another level of individualisation but remaining mindful of a clients budget and affordability.
