

Digestion/Absorption- it detects the amount of undigested fat and broken-down proteins.Gut microbial conditions- through a dual analysis method (PCR and stool culture), it screens for 24 types of bacteria and 30 different parasites the presence of beneficial bacteria is also tested by assessing short-chain fatty acids.The GI Effects can provide a good start to gut analysis when there are several different gut issues. Plus, it offers several add-on options to help personalize each order to the patient's needs. Inflammation- it tests calprotectin and secretory IgA, which will indicate involvement of the inflammatory response from the gut mucosaĪs the name of this test implies, the GI Effects test by Genova Diagnostics offers a comprehensive look at gut function.Digestion/Absorption- it tests imbalances in elastase and steatocrit, indicating pancreatic digestive function and fat digestion, respectively.Gut microbial conditions- it tests the genetic potential for gut toxicity based on identifying specific strains of microorganisms.Therefore, this test is excellent if a gut infection is suspected. It tests over 50 pathogens, including bacteria, parasites, fungi, yeasts, H-pylori, and viruses. GI Mapĭiagnostic Solutions uses a unique technology in their GI MAP that can screen for low-level microbes. In one provider's words, "I order this for every single one of my patients because it helps me understand what's going on in the body from a root cause perspective - looking at the gut can give a unique insight into overall health." Stool testing has become popular because of the substantial research on the microbiome and its role in overall health.

What's interesting is that providers often order one of these tests even if patients aren't directly complaining of GI symptoms. Pylori, Campylobacter, Clostridium difficile These tests are popular with providers because the gut is essential in functional medicine methodology.Ĭomprehensive stool tests look at many biomarkers, including those for: Rupa Health's Top 5 Comprehensive Stool Test Specialty labs serve to narrow down where therapy must be applied to bring back balance to your systems.įrom seeing hundreds of practitioners order functional labs from 30+ labs through our Lab Portal, these are the lab tests we have most often seen ordered for patients. Every patient has their own unique biochemistry, genetics, and health condition. Functional labs are fantastic for identifying specific areas that may be a problem. Though helpful, it lacks specificity in pinpointing exactly where your system is off. Most routine bloodwork is a general look at what is going on. This way of practicing allows practitioners to reverse or stop disease progression altogether. However, even on routine blood work, functional medicine practitioners evaluate results in a narrower range known as the optimal range to catch certain markers early on. Instead, functional medicine practitioners order more in-depth functional labs to get a better look. Many patients are told that their labs are "within normal range," yet they still experience symptoms. Why Practitioners Order Functional Medicine Lab Testsįunctional medicine practitioners recognize that test results within standard lab ranges may be insufficient information to understand a patient's condition.
#GENOVA DIAGNOSTICS BLOOD DRAW LOCATIONS SERIES#
They include a detailed intake and a series of specialty labs to overview how well your body is performing comprehensively. Functional medicine appointments are much more in-depth than typical allopathic appointments. Functional medicine practitioners differ in that they consider factors like diet, genetics, hormonal changes, and other lifestyle components as potential causes and treatments for patients' diseases. It is surging into the mainstream as patients and practitioners seek a better way to approach healthcare.įunctional Medicine is an individualized, root-cause medicine approach to healthcare. It is a form of medicine that helps to resolve complex and chronic health issues. The labs are a vital piece to a thorough functional health assessment.įunctional medicine is more than just alternative medicine. Not only do practitioners benefit from the data, but patients also gain insight into why they feel the way they do.įunctional medicine practitioners use functional labs alongside patient history and symptom review to evaluate body system imbalances holistically. Functional labs, specifically, can help practitioners dig deeper and get a more thorough look at what is happening in the whole person. Lab tests help clarify a patient's condition and reveal the steps needed to establish health.
