lab testing
DISCOVER HORMONAL IMBALANCES, LOW ENERGY CAUSES & MORE
Lab Testing is a great way to discover hidden internal stressors that are at the root cause of your symptoms. Our program uses functional saliva, stool, and urine testing on each person to identify healing opportunities – especially within the hormone, immune, digestion, detoxification and intestinal barrier systems. The benefits are immense – increased energy, stronger immune function, balanced hormones, reverse the aging process, elimination of symptoms and much much more.
SIMPLE & CONVENIENT LAB TESTS
The initial primary tests that we run on our clients are determined by the severity of their symptoms. Most commonly we will run the 205 and the 101 tests (see below for a full description of each test) and for other clients with severe symptoms or the inability to lose body fat, further testing is needed. Below is a detailed description of a variety of tests.
All lab kits will be mailed to you and can be performed in your home. Our program uses functional saliva, stool, and urine testing on each person to identify healing opportunities – especially within the hormone, immune, digestion, detoxification and intestinal barrier systems. The benefits are immense – increased energy, stronger immune function, balanced hormones, reverse the aging process, elimination of symptoms and much much more.
PURPOSE OF TESTING
The purpose of these tests are to undercover hidden stressors and malfunctions within the body. Once these are restored and optimized, a client’s symptoms begin to fade away. Our goal is not to treat symptoms or diagnose health issues; our primary focus is on the malfunctions within the body and to create healing opportunities. As malfunctions are corrected, there is a clinical correlation between the elimination of malfunctions and the elimination of symptoms. Common health issues that begin to subside are:
- Tendency to gain weight and unable to loose it, especially around the waist.
- High frequency of getting the flu and other respiratory diseases and these symptoms tend to last longer than usual.
- Tendency to tremble when under pressure.
- Reduced sex drive.
- Lightheaded when rising from a laying down position.
- Unable to remember things.
- Lack of energy in the mornings and also in the afternoon between 3 to 5 pm.
- Feel better suddenly for a brief period after a meal.
- Often feel tired between 9 – 10 pm, but resist going to bed.
- Need coffee or stimulants to get going in the morning.
- Crave for salty, fatty, and high protein food such as meat and cheese.
- Increase symptoms of PMS for women.
- Pain in the upper back or neck with no apparent reasons.
- Feels better when stress is relieved, such as on a vacation.
- Difficulties in getting up in the morning
- Lightheaded or Migraines
- Mild depression
- Food and/or inhalant allergies
- Lethargy and lack of energy
- Increased effort to perform daily tasks
- Decreased ability to handle stress
- Dry and thin skin
- Hypoglycemia
- Low Body Temperature
- Nervousness
- Palpitation
- Unexplained hair loss
- Alternating constipation and diarrhea
- Digestive Issues
- Dyspepsia
COMMON LAB TESTS
Functional Adrenal Stress Profile plus V, #205
- Turnaround: 3 – 4 days
- 4 Cortisol, 2 averaged DHEA-S, 1 Estradiol, 1 Estriol, 1 Testosterone (AM), 1 Melatonin (bedtime), 1 Progesterone (bedtime)
This profile is clinically indicated to evaluate an individual’s ability to adapt to environmental, mental, emotional, and physiological stressors; to determine the efficacy of DHEA therapy; to assess rest and recovery relative to morning and bedtime Cortisol; and bedtime levels of Melatonin and Progesterone.
The Functional Adrenal Stress Profile plus V provides an adrenal rhythm and a DHEA-S -to-Cortisol ratio. Abnormal adrenal rhythm can negatively influence energy production; immune system health; skin regeneration; muscle and joint function; bone health; sleep quality; and liver, pancreas and thyroid function.
Adrenal dysfunction may be associated with the following symptoms: excessive fatigue; chronic stress and related health problems; dizziness upon standing; weakness; hypoglycemia; nervousness; irritability; depression; inability to concentrate; confusion; poor memory; low blood pressure; insomnia; premenstrual tension; sweet cravings; headaches; alcohol intolerance; excessive hunger; alternating diarrhea and constipation; sternocleidomastoid/trapezius pain and spasms; epigastric discomfort; poor resistance to infection; food and/or inhalant allergies; dyspepsia; tenderness in adrenal area; migraine headaches; low body temperature; and diminished sex drive.
Estrogens and Testosterone are included in this profile to further evaluate the efficacy of DHEA therapy. Since DHEA can convert to Estrogens and/or Testosterone, the use of DHEA may be contraindicated if Estrogens and/or Testosterone levels are elevated. Conversely, if Estrogens and/or Testosterone levels are depressed, DHEA and/or other therapeutic measures may be indicated. Bedtime Cortisol, Melatonin, and Progesterone levels are indicators for rest and recovery and are indicated for anyone with sleep disorders.
SUMMARY: Evaluating the Cortisol circadian (24-hour) rhythm along with DHEA-S provides an accurate assessment of adrenal function and can reveal maladaptation to stressors. Salivary (free fraction) hormone testing determines the bioactive values at the cellular level, thereby providing a functional assessment of the effects of environmental and physiological stressors.
More info on adrenal fatigue syndrome and hormonal imbalances
Metabolic Assessment Profile: BHD #101
- Sample required: 2 test tubes of urine
- Lab reporting time: 3 – 5 business days
Overview
The Metabolic Assessment Profile measures the levels of indican, lipid peroxides, and urinary bile acid sulfates (UBAS). It involves the analysis of two urine samples easily collected by the patient at home. This profile provides an index of general digestive metabolism by assessing protein digestion, oxidative damage caused by free radical activity, and bile acid sulfates, a direct measurement of liver function.
Indican
The level of indican is an index of the efficiency of protein digestion. The indican scale measures the presence of indol, a metabolic byproduct of the action of intestinal bacteria on the amino acid tryptophan. Insufficient gastric hydrochloric acid, insufficient digestive enzymes, adverse food reactions, parasitic infection, fungal infection, overgrowth of bacteria that metabolize specific proteins, hypermotility of the small intestine, or other gastrointestinal dysfunction can compromise protein digestion.
Poor protein digestion also can result from the dietary intake of protein from a group of food proteins called lectins. A property common to lectins is that they agglutinate specific cell-surface antigens. Lectins have many beneficial effects, and some harmful ones. A beneficial example is the agglutination of cancer cells, which makes them easier for macrophages to phagocytize. Determining which lectins will cause agglutination, however, varies among individuals, possibly because of differing blood types. A commonly found lectin is gluten, which is present in various forms in several grains. In the intestines of some individuals, gluten can agglutinate with other food proteins, which makes complete digestion difficult or impossible. Ingestion of incompatible lectin-containing foodstuffs can lead to chronic subclinical agglutination, indigestion, and eventually, putrefaction.
Putrefaction is especially detrimental, because it can produce dozens of carcinogenic substances. These substances can enter the liver through the general circulation. Undigested protein also increases systemic toxicity, burdening the detoxification capacity of the liver. Poor protein digestion can lead to other problems, such as intestinal microbial overgrowth, which can lead to unfavorable pH changes and impaired absorption. These factors can prevent the synthesis of essential proteins and other compounds.
Eventually, the inability to digest protein can compromise glycemic control, and can lead to serious hormone imbalances. This can be a prelude to chronic degenerative disorder including gastrointestinal disease and cancer. Without proper digestion, it is impossible to have optimal health.
Lipid Peroxides
The level of lipid peroxides is an index of cellular membrane damage caused by the action of free radicals. The membranes of the organelles within the cells (mitochondria, lysosomes, peroxisomes etc.) can also be damaged. Membrane proteins, membrane lipids and cholesterol can be damaged due to an insufficiency of antioxidants to deal with the level of oxidative stress/free radicals. The elevation of lipid peroxides serves as an early warning of the potential long-term effects of oxidative stress. The outcome of long-term oxidative stress is chronic degenerative disease, an example being the peroxidation of low-density lipoproteins contributing to atherosclerosis. Other associated diseases include coronary artery disease and cancer, the leading causes of death in the United States.
Oxidative stress can result from exposure to toxins or pathogens; especially chemicals; inappropriate lifestyle factors; such as excessive exercise; or byproducts of normal metabolism. Monitoring the level of antioxidants is important, because while low levels can result in an excess of free radicals, high levels may be associated with fatigue and weakness. Proper free radical control is essential to good health.
Urinary Bile Acid Sulfates (UBAS)
UBAS is a direct measurement of liver function. The enterohepatic circulation regulates bile acid levels and under normal circumstances, given a healthy liver; little leaks into the bloodstream and is converted to sulfate and excreted in the urine.
Elevated bile acid sulfate levels in the urine are associated with impaired liver function, hepatocellular damage, and a high specificity toward hepatobiliary diseases. Since all chemicals including prescription drugs are detoxified in the liver, the UBAS can be used to monitor the effects of drug therapies on the liver and identify those who might experience problems taking prescription drugs.
Compromised liver function leads to a build up of toxic substances that can damage liver cells and lead to increased risk for cancer and a variety of other degenerative diseases.
Clinical Use
This profile provides data relevant to a multitude of health disorders. Its findings are applicable in treating existing health concerns and in counseling for nutritionally based wellness and anti-aging programs. The three lab tests assess protein digestion, oxidative stress, and liver function. The Metabolic Assessment Profile is designed as a foundational element in a comprehensive health evaluation.
Conditions Assessed
Conditions assessed include a wide variety of GI symptoms, persistent or recurring infection, low energy, and vague, generalized symptoms.
Intestinal Barrier Function Screen: #304
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- Processing time: 8-12 working days
- Sample: Saliva
Overview
The Intestinal Barrier Function Screen uses a single saliva sample to assess the level of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and the levels of free IgA and IgM to combined dietary proteins (wheat/gliadin, corn, soy, cow’s milk, egg); aerobic bacteria (Escherichia coli and E. enterococcus); anaerobic bacteria (Bacteroides fragilis and Clostridium perfringens); Candida albicans yeast.
Background
The lining of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, is covered by a mucosal barrier, which provides our first line immune defense against pathogens and a mechanism for proper processing of food antigens. The mucosal barrier contains specific immune defenses including mucosal antibodies. A healthy mucosal barrier defense contains sufficient antibodies and responds to normally encountered antigens and deals with them appropriately. All of the dietary proteins, yeasts, and bacteria used in this test are normally found in the human body or diet. IgA is the predominant antibody quantitatively in the mucosal immune system.
Physiology
This test measures total sIgA production which helps determine whether there is an appropriate mucosal immune response.
Secretory IgA Level
This is an important indicator of the strength of mucosal immunity and can help to establish the validity of other Ig values.
If total sIgA is elevated an infection exists and further testing is recommended to determine its type.
If total sIgA is low it can indicate compromised mucosal immunity, however, it is a measurement at a point in time; it needs to be looked at over time and correlated with cortisol rhythm and lifestyle.
IgA and IgM to antigens in the Dietary Protein, Yeast, Aerobic & Anaerobic Bacteria Compartments.
The immune system should have “normal” recognition of these antigens and process them appropriately.
If all reported results are < ref range , then the mucosal barrier is totally shut down, regardless of the level of sIgA. This means that there is effectively no mucosal immune response to antigens that present and also indicates severe intestinal permeability “leaky gut”. •Assessing the levels of antibodies to foods is important in determining the cause of possible chronic gastrointestinal inflammation. Such inflammation can be accompanied by symptoms, or it can be subclinical. If immune markers to dietary proteins are elevated, it is important to do further testing to determine which food the mucosal immune system is reacting to. •If IgA is elevated in the yeast compartment it means that Candida is attempting to invade the intestinal mucosa. Determining the levels and ratio of bacterial groups to each other helps assess digestive and absorptive function. The ratios of the levels of the same specific immune marker for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria (i.e. IgA aerobic/IgA anaerobic) should be about one to one. If these ratios are >2 or <0.5, then a dysbiotic condition exists. Specific infections should be ruled in or ruled out. However, dysbiosis can result from a course of antibiotic therapy without proper efforts to recolonize the gut.
If one or more of the antibodies in each compartment (dietary proteins, yeast, aerobic bacteria and anaerobic bacteria) is elevated then the gut is leaky and proteins (antigens) are entering the general circulation.
Clinical Use
The evaluation of the intestinal mucosa as a selective filter can be regarded as an essential tool in assessing overall health status. The Intestinal Barrier Function Screen (BHD #304) can be used as an immunological indicator of intestinal mucosal integrity and an index of gastrointestinal physiology. This test is especially effective for differential diagnosis in complex and refractory cases. It can assist in both directing further testing and tailoring therapeutic protocols more precisely. It also is sufficiently comprehensive to be used either in initial screening or as follow-up.
Conditions Assessed
Conditions that may be assessed include an abnormal ratio of aerobic-to-anaerobic bacteria, pathogen or yeast overgrowth, intestinal mucosal immune dysfunction, systemic immune deficiency, autoimmunity, food allergy, gluten enteropathy, malabsorption, and “leaky gut.”
Logical Sequence of Testing
The logical sequence of using this test as an initial or a follow-up test is determined by a variety of individual considerations, including the patient’s chief complaint, the array of signs and symptoms, the chronicity of the condition, the tests previously taken, and the judgment of the practitioner. Technical assistance is available from BioHealth Diagnostics’ support staff.
GI Pathogen Screen: BHD #401H
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- Sample required: 5 vials and 1 slide with stool samples
- Lab reporting time: 3 – 6 business days
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Overview
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- This stool analysis determines the presence of ova and parasites such as protozoa, flatworms, or roundworms; immunoglobulin G (IgG) to Cryptosporidium parvum , Entamoeba histolytica , and Giardia lamblia antigens in stool; bacteria, fungi (including yeasts), and occult blood; and Clostridium difficile colitis toxins A and B. Five stool samples and one smear are taken over a four-day period, providing a highly reliable comprehensive analysis of intestinal microflora.
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Physiology
Causes for concern are both an overgrowth of microorganisms that are normally present in the intestines and the presence of microorganisms that are not normally present in the intestines. Either condition signals that major physiological pathways in the intestinal environment are outside homeostatic limits. Some of the immediate consequences can include adverse alterations in pH, digestion, and absorption. These factors set the stage for further deviations from health, including the retention and proliferation of microorganisms that would be maintained ordinarily at a lower concentration, or would be rapidly expelled. Such conditions can produce anatomic disruption of the intestinal mucosa resulting from the physical infestation of the microorganism, and chemical insult and physiological upset of the mucosa caused by adverse reactions to the metabolic products of the invader. Maldigestion and malabsorption of nutrients can produce longer-term dysfunction of the host. This condition can persist subclinically for years, even decades. By the time signs and symptoms become evident, the patient might be suffering severe and extensive underlying pathophysiology.
Even more ominous than a primary infestation is the tendency of invading microorganisms to metamorphosize into various stages, and to migrate to tissues and organs sometimes distant from the gastrointestinal tract. Such stages, including cysts, can remain dormant within tissues, and can be extremely difficult to detect. Discouragingly, the level of difficulty of detection is often directly proportional to the level of difficulty of treatment. These factors underscore the importance of maintaining constant vigilance in controlling the intestinal environment.
Secondary infections, often involving so-called “opportunistic” organisms, can provide evidence of a more deeply rooted, insidious process. One such organism is the yeast Candida albicans , which is implicated in a variety of disorders and has a predilection for virtually any mucous membrane. Often innocuously present in small amounts, it is important not only to control its concentration, but also to correct the causes and the effects of its proliferation.
Several methods can be used to detect intestinal microflora. Direct microscopic examination can reveal the ova and mature forms of parasites; immunological analysis can detect active immunoglobulins to pathogens; chemical analysis can reveal the presence of toxins and occult blood. All three methods are used in the GI Pathogen Screen (BHD #401). Varying fecal transit times and the natural cycling of parasites through their successive stages mandate a sufficiently large group of samples to provide a representative profile; samples are generally taken over four days. However, if a patient has slow transit/retention times, sampling every other or every third day may increase recovery rate.
Clinical Aspects
Optimal intestinal health is a prerequisite for most body physiology. The functions of digestion and absorption are so fundamental to the maintenance of homeostasis in metabolism that every physiological process is ultimately dependent upon digestive function and process. Suboptimal digestive function can be either a basic cause of or a substantial contributor to a variety of disorders, some of which may have seemingly little or no obvious clinical correlation to intestinal physiology. This reliable intestinal microflora screen documents parasitic and pathogenic involvement that can interfere with normal gastrointestinal function and develop into a pathological condition.
Conditions Assessed
Conditions that may be assessed include suspected parasitic or pathogen infection, maldigestion, malabsorption and pathologies caused by infectious agents.
Logical Sequence of Testing
The logical sequence of using this test as an initial or a follow-up test is determined by a variety of individual considerations, including the patient’s chief complaint, the array of signs and symptoms, the chronicity of the condition, the tests previously taken, and the judgment of the practitioner. Technical assistance is available from BioHealth Diagnostics’ support staff.
Helicobacter pylori Antigen, included in 401H
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- Turnaround: 3 – 4 days
- Requires stool sample
- It is now well documented that Helicobacter pylori is responsible for up to 90% of duodenal ulcers, 70% of gastric ulcers and the majority of MALT lymphomas. As well, a recent epidemiological study confirmed the link between the infection and an increased risk of developing gastric cancer (NEJM, Vol 345:784-789, 2001, No. 11). The eradication of the infection significantly decreases the development of gastric cancer in patients with precancerous lesions (JAMA, 2004; 291: 187-194).
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Helicobacter pylori Stool Antigen Test (HpSA)
The HpSA non-invasive test for accurately diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infections. The Premier Platinum HpSA Plus, an enzyme immunoassay for the detection of Helicobacter pylori antigens in human stool, cleared by the FDA and CE-marked, is now widely used in many countries, as a valuable tool for the H.pylori patients’ management.
Validation studies
The HpSA test was validated in studies including more than 10,000 patients, in many different countries world-wide. More than 40 studies, published in peer-reviewed journals, report an average accuracy exceeding 90%, in both adult and pediatric populations, for diagnosing the infection and for confirming the eradication after the therapy.The test seems to be equivalent to the Urea Breath Test, with the exception of being less influenced by the medications (PPI’s, H2 blockers and antibiotics) which strongly reduce the sensitivity of the urease-based techniques.
The role of the Stool Antigen test in the Primary Care
The HpSA, being more accurate than the serology and more readily available than the Urea Breath Test, is an important option whenever the use of a non-invasive technique is recommended. Cost/benefit analyses support the use of the HpSA in different situations and prevalence of infection. The use of non-invasive tests has been advocated in different strategies for the management of dyspeptic patients in primary care. The Maastricht Guideline considers as acceptable a “test and treat” approach for patients below 45 years, with no alarm symptoms. “Diagnosis of the infection should be by UBT or Stool Antigen test.” While the serology has a low positive predictive value, because of the high rate of false positive results, the UBT and the HpSA are accurate enough for justifying an eradication therapy. An alternative approach, “test and scope”, suggests the use of non-invasive tests for screening the patients with higher risks to be further investigated with an endoscopy.
LRA Test
Food sensitivity is a very complex inflammatory reaction involving many variables: multiple triggering mechanisms (food antigens, food chemicals, immune complexes, haptens, lectins, amines, etc), that can cause pro-inflammatory mediators. These food reactions can cause a host of symptoms.
The LRA (Lymphocyte Response Assay) by Better Lab Tests Now is a way of determining for each individual what food items are burdening the immune system and a system for restoring immune competence.
Better Lab Tests Now’s revolutionary LRA tests and treatment plans uniquely address the causes (not the symptoms) of your specific sensitivities (delayed allergies) to as many as 512 common substances.
Delayed allergies burden the immune system, retard the body’s repair, and intensify the signs and symptoms of ill health. You will experience a dramatic improvement in the quality of your life as a result of treatment protocols developed and clinically validated by EAB.