WHAT IS A STANDARD LAB TEST?

Standard lab tests can be ordered as part of a routine medical checkup, or may be ordered to assess a certain medical condition. Some medications can cause problems in the body that can be easily detected through blood testing. If you do not know why your doctor is recommending a particular blood test, be sure to ask. Most standard lab tests can be ordered from your medical doctor at no charge and naturopathic physicians are happy to work in conjunction with your MD in order to request the testing you have already completed. We can also order these tests directly for a fee in cases where patients do not have a medical doctor. There are several common blood test panels that are recommended.

WHAT IS A SPECIALIZED LAB TEST?

The naturopathic process often involves more specialized testing in order to investigate the root cause of a patient’s illness. These lab tests provide lots of valuable insight that the physician can use as a guide to providing the correct assessment and appropriate treatment. Depending on the test, collection of samples could be done in house, at home or by requisition at an off-site laboratory facility. We use a combination of Rocky Mountain Analytical and Calgary Lab Services for lab work. Keep in mind that these tests may or may not be covered under certain health insurance policies. Some of the more common tests include food sensitivity/allergy, hormonal, nutrient and urine mineral testing.

WHAT IS FOOD SENSITIVITY TESTing?

Many people have sensitivities to certain foods or group of foods. When triggered by these food particles, our immune system reacts to these food particles and forms complexes that settle in various parts of the body causing inflammation. Irritable bowel, migraines, weight gain, hardening arteries, atopy, rheumatoid arthritis, and ADHD have all been linked to these type of immune reactions.

Sometimes food particles trigger immune reactions that can cause physical damage to the gut lining, hence the right test can be a valuable tool for related conditions such as Crohn’s, colitis or “leaky-gut”. In addition, these tests can be used to identify foods that our body has an acute reaction to, such as anaphylaxis or hives, helping us eliminate them from our diet.

Food sensitivity tests are also valuable in determining non-immune related problems caused by enzyme deficiencies (such as lactase), chemicals in certain foods (such as histamine) and food toxins (such as saxitoxin in shellfish).

The practitioner will usually recommend a certain test depending on the individual case and circumstance. After obtaining these results, it is then possible to proceed with appropriate treatment and/or follow up with additional testing if required. CLICK HERE to read more about food sensitivity tests.

how do i get my hormones tested?

We currently offer a wide range of hormone testing, including: Salivary which examines levels of estradiol. estrone, estriol, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, DHEA, and melatonin. Urinary which assesses parent hormones, their metabolites and key metabolic pathways. Serum which evaluates the dynamics of sex steroid metabolism in both pre- and post-menopausal women.

how do i get my nutrient levels tested?

We currently offer a wide range of nutrient testing with the ability to test levels of Antioxidants, B Vitamins, Digestive Support, Essential Fatty Acids, Amino Acids, and Minerals.

how do i get my digestion tested?

We currently offer a range of GI stool and breath testing with the ability to evaluate digestion, absorption, lactose tolerance and many more digestive concerns. These tests help us to determine the root cause of common gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas, indigestion, bloating, constipation, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE VARIOUS TESTS?

• Food Sensitivity Testing

• The DUTCH Hormone Test

• Cellular Micronutrient Testing

• Serum Food Allergy Testing

• SIBO Breath Testing

• GI-360 Gut Testing

• Pathogen Associated Immune Reactivity Screen

• Cardiometabolic Profile Testing

• Multiple Autoimmunity Testing

• Comprehensive Gluten Testing

• Mold Toxin Testing

• Environmental Toxins Testing

Nova Naturopathic Clinic is located at Unit 208, 6707 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2V 0E4, and we are open for you Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm. CALL US today at (587) 391-5753 to learn everything else we can tell you about Lab Testing Services and Appointments, the benefits, and how we can help you with your overall wellness. You can also CALL US to BOOK AN APPOINTMENT, or you can BOOK ONLINE. We hope to hear from you soon!