Diagnostic Testing
HOW CAN INTEGRATIVE PATHOLOGY HELP YOU?
Often patients are searching for answers after being sent home having had routine pathology and being told “every thing is normal within range”. But you may not feel ‘normal’ or well for that matter. This can leave you feeling confused as if it is all in your head. This is why people turn to a naturopath for answers.
Routine pathology analysis is not modelled on a wellness model. This is because broad pathology ranges are based on an undiagnosed or unwell population model.
Looking for optimal wellness not ‘just good enough’.
Many patients turn to natural medicine, wanting answers for their fatigue, pain or fertility issues and this is where integrative and functional pathology testing comes in to help provide more in-depth information about the patient’s own health.
I utilise the services of Haemanalysis and
Nutripath Integrative Pathology Services.
Haemanalysis Integrative Pathology
Tania Delahoy has more than 20 years as a medical scientist utilising diagnostic pathology, primarily in clinical Haematology and specialist blood morphology. She has had a solid work history within hospital and private pathology both in New Zealand and in Melbourne, Australia.
Who Uses this services?
Those with undiagnosed and chronic ongoing conditions which may include digestive issues, fatigue and pain. From those looking to conceive as well as sports athletes and healthy ageing.
You may book with in with Tania directly for a pathology review and microscopic blood analysis at www.haemanalysis.com.au
TESTING AVAILABLE
Comprehensive Stool & Digestive Analysis - for digestive function and microbiome testing to assess beneficial & non-beneficial bacteria, parasites, candida / yeasts and inflammation.
Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis - CDSA1-5 - to test beneficial, non-beneficial bacteria, yeasts; Candida / fungal infections.
Candida & yeast overgrowth testing (comprehensive analysis)
Mineral & Heavy Metals Analysis.
General Pathology testing - in collaboration with your GP.
Nutrient deficiencies & inflammatory markers.
Thyroid analysis - TSH, Thyroid hormones T3 and T4, cortisol, DHEA.
Thyroid Essential Cofactors - Tyrosine, Iodine, Selenium
Salivary & Urine - for stress hormones including cortisol.
Zinc - in house
pH testing - in house
Blood pressure - in house
Iridology analysis - in house
PCR DNA Stool test - also available with your GP
Adrenal & Hormone Salivary testing for men & women
Extensive Neurotransmitter testing
MTHFR Genetic Testing
In order to maximise your first consultation, it is ideal (but not essential) to have a complete blood review, which includes:
GENERAL PATHOLOGY TESTING
Full Blood Count / Evaluation (FBC/E) or Complete Blood Count (CBC)
An FBC is a broad group of tests that will generally examine markers for anemia, inflammation, and infection (mainly red blood cell markers and white blood cell makers).
B12 & Folate
As anemia can be caused by either low iron, folate or B12, an FBC provides much information in regards to how well your body is activating and using your folate.
Folate is also needed to create healthy levels of Red and White Blood Cells, which makes an FBC a good general screen to complete.
Full Biochemistry
An indicator of the health of your internal organs (such as liver and kidneys), electrolyte balance and key enzymes. A full biochemistry should also include cholesterol and lipid levels.
Homocysteine
An amino acid involved in methylation, an essential process that involves the nutrient, folate. High or low readings can suggest interference with your ability to use and levels of active folate and B12.
Iron Studies (inc. ‘Ferritin’)
Involved in the synthesis of red blood cells (RBC), blood volume and a cofactor for many processes in the body, including detoxification and the production of brain chemistry. Your iron status can also provide insight into the cause of anemia, or if low folate or B12 are in fact to blame.
Zinc
Zinc is an important nutrient crucial for cell function, a strong immune system, neurotransmitter balance and healthy digestion. ‘Plasma zinc’ is the best way to test zinc levels.
Copper
Elevated copper levels have been associated with a range of hormonal, immune imbalances, and mental health conditions. This could be due to copper’s antagonistic relationship with Zinc, as it will compete for or block the absorption of mood balancing zinc if too high. Serum copper is the best way to measure this trace mineral.
There many diagnostic tests available. If you feel you may need a test, it is recommended you book a consultation to discuss your symptoms and health history.
I can give you advice on which tests may be most appropriate for your condition.
FERTILITY TESTING
In order to maximise your first Fertility / IVF Support consultation, it is ideal (but not essential) to have completed the above blood review, as well as:
Luteinising hormone (LH) & Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
To evaluate the function of your pituitary gland, which regulates the hormones that control your reproductive system.
Progesterone
To help determine the cause of infertility, to assess when you are ovulating, to review for an ectopic or failing pregnancy, to monitor the health of the fetus during pregnancy, and to help find the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding.
Oestrogen
To monitor oestrogen levels when unexplained abnormal menstrual cycles, abnormal or heavy bleeding, infertility problems, symptoms of menopause, or any other hormonal alterations occur. Oestrogen measurements form part of ante-natal screening programmes for Down’s syndrome and fetal-placental competence during pregnancy.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
To help evaluate whether the concentration of SHBG is affecting the amount of sex hormones available to the body’s tissues.
Free Testosterone
Used to determine if your testosterone levels are abnormal, which may help to explain its role in conditions such as PCOS, erectile dysfunction, infertility, or premature or delayed puberty if you are male, or masculine physical features if you are female.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), fT3, fT4
Used to measure thyroid-stimulating hormone in your blood, made by the pituitary gland, a small organ below the brain. TSH tells the thyroid gland to start making thyroid hormone.
T4 is one of two major hormones produced by the thyroid gland which help regulate the body’s metabolism (that is, how the body functions).
T3 is other major hormone produced by the thyroid gland which only makes up less than 10 per cent of total thyroid hormones. However, T3 about four times as strong as T4, and is thought to cause most, if not all, the effects of thyroid hormones.
Scans inc. ultrasound & reports etc.
An ultrasound scan or sonography is a medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture live images from the inside of your body. Unlike other imaging techniques, ultrasound uses no radiation. For this reason, it’s the preferred method for viewing a developing fetus during pregnancy.
