Diagnostic Functional Testing

Nijen has been ordering and interpreting Functional Medicine labs for 10+ years. She is very experienced in choosing which test to carry out and to interpret the test translating the requirements to herbal and nutritional protocols to restore health.

Functional laboratory testing is recommended for complex conditions which often include digestive, endocrine and auto-immune conditions. Edinburgh Herbalist works with most laboratories including Genova Dagnostics, Regenerus Labaratories, Academy of Nutritional Testing (AONM) and Functional DX.

Here is a summary list of most common test conducted for patients:

The current Gold standard in identifying food allergies and intolerances is an elimination diet of 3 to 4 weeks duration and then introduction of eliminated foods one at a time under supervision. However sometimes it is simpler to conduct a blood test to identify suspect foods. We support Food Allergy and Intolerance testing by Cambridge Nutritional Sciences, York Testing, Cyrex panels.
Nutritional evaluation. Genova Diagnostics ONE nutritional test helps to give an understanding of individual diet and supplementation needs, and offers a personalised functional nutrition assessment covering Antioxidants, B Vitamins, Digestive Support, and Minerals.
Stool analysis. The Genova Diagnostics GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile and Doctors Data GI360 are both advanced stool tests that provides immediate and actionable clinical information for the management of gut health including an assessment of digestive function, gut inflammation, impact on immunity and the gut microbiome.
Organic Acid Testing identify various metabolites of microbial activity in the gut and is an accurate assessment of intestinal yeast and bacteria which get absorbed and finish up in the patient’s urine. Abnormally high levels of these microorganisms can cause or worsen behaviour disorders, hyperactivity, movement disorders, fatigue and immune function.
Toxicity and Elements analysis provides information regarding recent and ongoing exposure to potentially toxic metals and status of nutrient elements.
The MycoTOX Profile from Mosaic Diagnostics is the most comprehensive assessment of mycotoxins which are produced by certain mould species causing many different diseases in human body.
Hormone Panels. The Comprehensive Hormone Panel is the starting point for initial assessment of hormonal status and endocrine function for male and female patients especially important in patients who are experiencing weight gain, multiple chemical sensitivity, high blood sugar, insomnia, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia. Dutch testing enables us to assess body's hormones levels and monitor how they are being detoxified.
Gene testing. The patient can be offered different panels from Detoxigenomic profile that evaluates SNPs associated with increased risk of impaired detoxification pathways when exposed to environmental toxins; Cardiometabolic profile that uses genomic testing to identify the risk go genetic susceptibility to cardia related conditions; Neurogenomic profile that assesses SNPs that makes one susceptible to neurodegenerative diseases.
Lyme disease and co-infections and Viral Load testing. Most often people with Lyme disease also suffer from vital co-infections such as Epstein-Barr, Herpes variations. It is important to understand what exactly the patient is suffering from in order to treat the disease.