Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Services
Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Services
At our Ontario clinic, we offer integrative functional medicine health care, including western and eastern medicine, naturopathic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathic medicine, and herbal medicine.
We also emphasize evidence-based functional medicine practices for reaching your health goals, such as lab tests.
Why Do We Offer Functional Medicine Testing?
If you still don’t feel well despite conventional medicine tests showing normal results, you’re not alone. Our comprehensive functional medicine lab tests may provide new insights into your health that may not have been shown in conventional testing (i.e. ultrasounds, X-rays).
We stand by your health journey with quality care. Because we take the functional medicine approach, we recognize that each patient is distinct from one another. This means that lab testing helps us customize treatment plans according to what’s exactly occurring in your body. Our clinic can run these particular lab tests for patients. (Note: exclusions may apply*):
*Note: a selection of our functional medicine tests is only available to patients who have formally enrolled in our wellness programs. Our integrative medicine health care is designed to recover body and cellular functioning, energy levels, and quality of life. For more information about programs by the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre, please call (416) 968-6961.
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TYPE OF TEST
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ABOUT THE TEST
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HOW IT WORKS
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Food Sensitivty
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Do you experience unpleasant side effects from food? Then you should know what exactly is causing you trouble. Sometimes it’s difficult to determine which foods are troublesome, but this test provides you with explicit data about your diet. | This functional immunoglobulin G (IgG) blood test focuses on measuring IgG antibodies from the foods you regularly consume. The results can show health care providers which foods should be removed from a diet to help reduce symptoms. In fact, some IgG antibodies can indicate leaky gut syndrome, when the gut doesn’t function properly due to food particles seeping through the gut barrier; this usually prompts the immune system to react. In particular, this immune response may trigger the making of IgG food antibodies. |
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Heavy metal toxicity/
Urine toxic element clearance profile |
Toxic metal exposure can occur from the air, water, soil or from working with waste processing. Studies have indicated that chronic toxin exposure is linked to low energy levels, fertility issues, and cognitive and emotional health concerns. Toxic metals can also cause respiratory, hepatic, cardiac and immunity concerns. If you’ve been exposed to toxic metals, our functional medicine practitioners may recommend this test. |
Unlike conventional testing, this urine test quantifies numerous hazardous elements. Think of it as a snapshot of how much toxic metals have been retained in the body from chronic or acute exposure. These test results can aid our Toronto health care providers in developing personalized medicine plans, (i.e. detox recommendations, including chelation and nutritional supplements). |
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Gut Health/
SIBO test |
If you have unresolved diarrhea, bloating, or flatulence, this test may offer comprehension into your personal gut health. You may be at risk of SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) if your gut microflora has been altered due to elderly aging, medications and/or organ dysfunction. SIBO is also related to these conditions: Celiac disease, fibromyalgia, diabetes, IBS or IBD, Parkinson’s obesity and rosacea. |
Our SIBO test involves a simple breath test that captures hydrogen and methane gases; these are exhaled after consuming a lactose liquid. The measurement of bacterial overgrowth can then be examined to help our functional medicine practitioner counsel you with the appropriate treatments. |
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Gut health assessment/
GI 360 test |
May be suitable if you suffer from abdominal pain, IBD, IBS, inflammation, bloody stool, autoimmune disease, and/or food sensitivities. An assessment of your gut could help us see what’s contributing to your symptoms; identifying the exact cause of intestinal discomfort can help both the patient and functional medicine doctor build a suitable health strategy. |
Stool is examined using multiplex PCR technology and the following: identification by MALDI-TOF, biochemical assays, and microscopy. This particular test is sensitive enough to detect bacteria, pathogens, parasites, and viruses that may be disturbing your digestive tract. This gut profile also uses DNA analysis to identify over 45 analytes that have been shown to affect dysbiosis and various chronic conditions. |
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DUTCH testing for sex and adrenal hormones
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Hormone issues can be difficult to address. However, DUTCH testing (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) can quantify hormonal imbalances. It provides a widespread picture of a patient’s hormone levels that cannot be identified in blood, 24-hour urine and saliva tests. |
Dried urine samples are thoroughly scrutinized to review sex hormones and metabolites (estrogen, progesterone, androgens, testosterone and their metabolites). These test results help us evaluate adrenal hormonal malfunctions, and can detect levels of free cortisol, cortisone and their metabolites. This test also investigates some organic acids (dopamine metabolite, glutathione threshold, oxidative stress and melatonin levels). There are various DUTCH tests available, including adrenal, male hormone, female hormone and Cycle Mapping. The adrenal function DUTCH test measures cortisol production and metabolites, which may possibly explain why stress, fatigue and a lack of energy occur. Our male hormone DUTCH test considers testosterone and adrenal hormones; this may be suitable for patients with low libido, weight gain or “male menopause.” The female hormone DUTCH test can pinpoint discrepancies in sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone; this may fit individuals concerned about PMS, depression, mood swings and menopause. Finally, a DUTCH test called Cycle Mapping is offered, which measures estrogen and progesterone levels throughout a menstrual cycle. This test may be suitable for those with ongoing menstrual discomforts, including migraines, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and/or fertility concerns. Also, this DUTCH test measures other hormone metabolites and your cortisol awakening response (CAR). |
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Full thyroid panel
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Did you know that your thyroid could affect weight fluctuations, fatigue, hair loss, heart palpitations and brain fog? Unfortunately, conventional medicine tests tend to examine solely some thyroid hormones; because of this limited testing, thyroid support and/or prescriptions may still not offer relief to patients. Our Toronto thyroid panel is a complete profile of all of the thyroid hormones, which helps us diagnose thyroid dysfunctions. |
Via blood testing, our full thyroid panel collects data for the following: Reverse T3, free T3 (triiodothyronine), free T4(thyroxine), TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), anti-thyroglobulin and TPO (thyroperoxidase antibody). Considering this data can help us determine the next steps in your thyroid health journey (i.e. nutraceuticals, vitamins, etc.). |
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Personalized nutritional assessment/ Metabolomics test
|
Nutritional deficiencies can trigger cellular dysfunction, low energy levels and chronic disease. This functional test measures nutritional biomarkers to see if your body requires extra antioxidants, amino acids, minerals, fatty acids and B vitamins. These test results can help our clinic tackle the root cause of your condition. |
This test consists of non-invasive methods for collecting data. A urine test from the morning will be analyzed for high levels of organic acids, amino acids and oxidative stress markers. You may also opt in to “add-ons”, which includes a) submitting a bloodspot, so that we can assess essential and metabolic fatty acids for cardiovascular risk; b) completing another urine test to detect 20 toxic elements and 15 mineral elements. NOTE: this test is not available for patients under the age of 2. |
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Organic Acids Test (OAT)/ Metabolic snapshot of overall health
|
What’s the root cause of your chronic condition? If you suffer from chronic pain, digestive troubles, depression, and/or nutritional deficiencies, this test may provide you with answers. Organic acids are compounds that can reveal signs of metabolic conditions. Patients with chronic conditions or neurological issues tend to urinate irregular organic acids. By quantifying organic acids in the urine, we may determine if fungal toxins, mold or yeast are present in the body. |
Organic acids exist 100 times their concentration in urine. This is why a urine sample is required, especially since it can detect about 1,000 various organic acids. Next to measuring bacteria and intestinal yeast, this test also quantifies oxidative stress, levels of vitamin and mineral, mitochondrial and neurotransmitter imbalances, and oxalates. If the test unveils abnormalities in organic acids, our Toronto functional medicine doctor can recommend the appropriate therapies. |
Food Sensitivty
About the Test:
Do you experience unpleasant side effects from food? Then you should know what exactly is causing you trouble. Sometimes it’s difficult to determine which foods are troublesome, but this test provides you with explicit data about your diet.
How it works:
This functional immunoglobulin G (IgG) blood test focuses on measuring IgG antibodies from the foods you regularly consume. The results can show health care providers which foods should be removed from a diet to help reduce symptoms. In fact, some IgG antibodies can indicate leaky gut syndrome, when the gut doesn’t function properly due to food particles seeping through the gut barrier; this usually prompts the immune system to react. In particular, this immune response may trigger the making of IgG food antibodies.
Heavy metal toxicity/ Urine toxic element clearance profile
About the Test:
Toxic metal exposure can occur from the air, water, soil or from working with waste processing. Studies have indicated that chronic toxin exposure is linked to low energy levels, fertility issues, and cognitive and emotional health concerns. Toxic metals can also cause respiratory, hepatic, cardiac and immunity concerns.
If you’ve been exposed to toxic metals, our functional medicine practitioners may recommend this test.
How it works:
Unlike conventional testing, this urine test quantifies numerous hazardous elements. Think of it as a snapshot of how much toxic metals have been retained in the body from chronic or acute exposure. These test results can aid our Toronto health care providers in developing personalized medicine plans, (i.e. detox recommendations, including chelation and nutritional supplements).
Gut Health/ SIBO test
About the Test:
If you have unresolved diarrhea, bloating, or flatulence, this test may offer comprehension into your personal gut health.
You may be at risk of SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) if your gut microflora has been altered due to elderly aging, medications and/or organ dysfunction. SIBO is also related to these conditions: Celiac disease, fibromyalgia, diabetes, IBS or IBD, Parkinson’s obesity and rosacea.
How it works:
Our SIBO test involves a simple breath test that captures hydrogen and methane gases; these are exhaled after consuming a lactose liquid.
The measurement of bacterial overgrowth can then be examined to help our functional medicine practitioner counsel you with the appropriate treatments.
Gut health assessment/ GI 360 test
About the Test:
May be suitable if you suffer from abdominal pain, IBD, IBS, inflammation, bloody stool, autoimmune disease, and/or food sensitivities.
An assessment of your gut could help us see what’s contributing to your symptoms; identifying the exact cause of intestinal discomfort can help both the patient and functional medicine doctor build a suitable health strategy.
How it works:
Stool is examined using multiplex PCR technology and the following: identification by MALDI-TOF, biochemical assays, and microscopy.
This particular test is sensitive enough to detect bacteria, pathogens, parasites, and viruses that may be disturbing your digestive tract.
This gut profile also uses DNA analysis to identify over 45 analytes that have been shown to affect dysbiosis and various chronic conditions.
DUTCH testing for sex and adrenal hormones
About the Test:
Hormone issues can be difficult to address. However, DUTCH testing (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) can quantify hormonal imbalances. It provides a widespread picture of a patient’s hormone levels that cannot be identified in blood, 24-hour urine and saliva tests.
How it works:
Dried urine samples are thoroughly scrutinized to review sex hormones and metabolites (estrogen, progesterone, androgens, testosterone and their metabolites). These test results help us evaluate adrenal hormonal malfunctions, and can detect levels of free cortisol, cortisone and their metabolites. This test also investigates some organic acids (dopamine metabolite, glutathione threshold, oxidative stress and melatonin levels).
There are various DUTCH tests available, including adrenal, male hormone, female hormone and Cycle Mapping. The adrenal function DUTCH test measures cortisol production and metabolites, which may possibly explain why stress, fatigue and a lack of energy occur. Our male hormone DUTCH test considers testosterone and adrenal hormones; this may be suitable for patients with low libido, weight gain or “male menopause.” The female hormone DUTCH test can pinpoint discrepancies in sex hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone; this may fit individuals concerned about PMS, depression, mood swings and menopause.
Finally, a DUTCH test called Cycle Mapping is offered, which measures estrogen and progesterone levels throughout a menstrual cycle. This test may be suitable for those with ongoing menstrual discomforts, including migraines, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and/or fertility concerns. Also, this DUTCH test measures other hormone metabolites and your cortisol awakening response (CAR).
Full thyroid panel
About the Test:
Did you know that your thyroid could affect weight fluctuations, fatigue, hair loss, heart palpitations and brain fog?
Unfortunately, conventional medicine tests tend to examine solely some thyroid hormones; because of this limited testing, thyroid support and/or prescriptions may still not offer relief to patients. Our Toronto thyroid panel is a complete profile of all of the thyroid hormones, which helps us diagnose thyroid dysfunctions.
How it works:
Via blood testing, our full thyroid panel collects data for the following: Reverse T3, free T3 (triiodothyronine), free T4(thyroxine), TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), anti-thyroglobulin and TPO (thyroperoxidase antibody). Considering this data can help us determine the next steps in your thyroid health journey (i.e. nutraceuticals, vitamins, etc.).
Personalized nutritional assessment/ Metabolomics test
About the Test:
Nutritional deficiencies can trigger cellular dysfunction, low energy levels and chronic disease. This functional test measures nutritional biomarkers to see if your body requires extra antioxidants, amino acids, minerals, fatty acids and B vitamins. These test results can help our clinic tackle the root cause of your condition.
How it works:
This test consists of non-invasive methods for collecting data. A urine test from the morning will be analyzed for high levels of organic acids, amino acids and oxidative stress markers.
You may also opt in to “add-ons”, which includes a) submitting a bloodspot, so that we can assess essential and metabolic fatty acids for cardiovascular risk; b) completing another urine test to detect 20 toxic elements and 15 mineral elements. NOTE: this test is not available for patients under the age of 2.
Organic Acids Test (OAT)/ Metabolic snapshot of overall health
About the Test:
What’s the root cause of your chronic condition? If you suffer from chronic pain, digestive troubles, depression, and/or nutritional deficiencies, this test may provide you with answers.
Organic acids are compounds that can reveal signs of metabolic conditions. Patients with chronic conditions or neurological issues tend to urinate irregular organic acids.
By quantifying organic acids in the urine, we may determine if fungal toxins, mold or yeast are present in the body.
How it works:
Organic acids exist 100 times their concentration in urine. This is why a urine sample is required, especially since it can detect about 1,000 various organic acids.
Next to measuring bacteria and intestinal yeast, this test also quantifies oxidative stress, levels of vitamin and mineral, mitochondrial and neurotransmitter imbalances, and oxalates.
If the test unveils abnormalities in organic acids, our Toronto functional medicine doctor can recommend the appropriate therapies.
Which Functional Medicine Lab Test Should You Take?
We firmly believe in treating the root cause of symptoms and disease. This is why we have a personalized approach to reaching optimal health. So which functional medicine test should you take for your health journey?
To find out, please make an appointment with our clinic’s integrative naturopathic functional medicine provider and nurse practitioner to become a patient. After understanding your situation and health goals, we can make further suggestions for lab testing.
FYI: if you’re interested in a test that is not listed on our website, don’t hesitate to reach us with your inquiry.
About the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre
Our center for functional medicine is located in Ontario, in the Yorkville neighbourhood. Treatment plans are tailored according to your personal needs. Our natural integrative therapies may treat the following health conditions: chronic disease, chronic pain, acute health issues, neuropathic pain, mental health concerns (i.e. mood swings, anxiety, depression), deficiencies in nutritional health, and hormone imbalances.
Please know that comprehensive lab tests are always available at our Toronto functional medicine clinic! Book your appointment and learn how to become a patient. Click here to contact us.
