Pathology Testing
I would like to discuss the importance of pathology testing and specific test biomarkers which are essential to finding the underlying cause of ill health. Your blood is a key factor in determining your current state of health and can highlight underlying issues which is essential in treating a person holistically. From a blood test, nutrient deficiencies can be identified and treated under the guidance of a nutritionist. It is important to have consecutive blood checks when working with a health practitioner to review if the dietary and lifestyle changes being implemented are having a positive effect on your overall health.
Recommended Blood test measures
Full Blood Count (FBC): A full blood count assesses abnormalities in the blood, such as abnormally low or high numbers of cells in the blood. This test measures red blood cell count, white blood cell count, haemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV and platelets. A FBC is able to indicate infection and anaemia and can help determine causes of fatigue, fever, brain fog and overall weakness.
Lipid Panel: This blood test determine levels of triglycerides and cholesterol levels in the blood and its associated cardiovascular risk. Measures include very low density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, total cholesterol and triglycerides. Increases in triglyceride and total cholesterol levels can affect the constriction and abstraction of vessels in the heart, which are significantly correlated with the risk of CVD which is why this test is essential in practice.
Thyroid Panel: This test measures how well the thyroid gland is functioning which is an essential test when determining a client’s thyroid status based on their presenting symptoms. A thyroid function blood test is used to check your thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) blood levels. The thyroid gland is essential for producing hormones which are essential for many functions within the body. An overactive thyroid presents with symptoms such as anxiety, weight loss, rapid/irregular heartbeat and tremors. Whereas, an underactive thyroid presents with weight gain, constipation, fatigue, lack of motivation.
Metabolic Panel: A comprehensive metabolic panel measures alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, and aspartate aminotransferase, blood glucose levels, uric acid, creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, total protein and albumin. These measures can indicate liver and kidney health, blood sugar levels, blood protein levels, acid and base balance, fluid and electrolyte balance and metabolism.
Iron Studies: Iron studies are the most effective way of determining iron deficiency which may be presenting with fatigue, weakness, recurrent illness and brain fog. Iron deficiency is common in menstruating women, specifically those with menorrhagia and individuals following a plant-based diet. This test measures serum iron and ferritin and can be indicative of gastrointestinal issues inhibiting iron absorption.
Hormone Panel: This test measures your body’s levels of reproductive hormones (oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone), thyroid hormones (thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3,) and adrenal hormones (cortisol and DHEA). This test is essential for women experiencing hormonal issues such as irregular periods, severe PMS symptoms, painful periods, mood swings, abdominal pain, lack of libido and painful sex.
B12/Folate: This test measures levels of the active forms of B12 and folate in your blood. Vitamin B12 and folate are essential for making red and white blood cells, maintaining a healthy nervous system, repairing tissues and cells, and creating deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the genetic material present in our cells.
Zinc/Copper: This test determines the client’s immune status and the nutritional intake and/or absorption of zinc and copper. These nutrients need to be in the correct ratio for optimal health.
Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c)/Insulin: This test is carried out to determine the risk of developing Type II Diabetes and CHO tolerance.
Comprehensive Stool Test Analysis: This is a functional test which determines intestinal function, microbial flora and identifies the presence of pathogenic bacteria, parasites, markers of inflammation and overgrowth of yeast within the gastrointestinal tract. This test is necessary to determine the underlying cause of gastrointestinal symptoms such as chronic diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, lack of appetite and nausea. Once the root cause of digestive issues is addressed through testing, you can work with a nutritionist to recover your gastrointestinal health and support optimal digestive functioning.
It is important to get a copy of your blood test results for your natural health practitioner to review as we analyse the results based on functional ranges which have been extensively reviewed through clinical research.
