Genetic, Biochemical and Routine Pathology Analyses
Pathology Testing can inform us of roadblocks to achieving optimum health. It can indicate how intervention is progressing and if it is successful. Having an extra chromosome ensures a range of biochemical imbalances exist from birth. These imbalances or roadblocks can be successfully bypassed using nutrition and phytochemicals. Through selective Genetic, Biochemical and Routine Pathology Analyses Gabi can generate a successful treatment program for your child. Gabi has accounts with Nutripath, Healthscope and Bioscreen from Australia and Great Plains Laboratory, Dr’s Data and Genova in the US. Following an initial consultation she can request tests for your child/ you.
Some of the functional tests we request are:-
Genetic Analyses
DNA Analysis – determines which of our genes may have mutations. This allows a practitioner to support these mutations using Nutrition and Phytochemicals to improve pathways critical to health. Gabi uses 23andme.com or Holisticheal.com for Genetic Testing. To access genetic raw data interpretation I recommend Livewello.com.
Biochemical Analyses
Bioscreen – a specialist test that cultures and counts the bacteria that should normally be living in the gut, in contrast to looking for abnormal microbiology of the gut.
or Comprehensive Stool Analysis – This analysis investigates digestion, metabolism, pancreatic function, the balance of beneficial bacteria and the presence of pathological bacteria, yeast and parasites. The CDSA also reports on markers for Coeliac disease, gastric ulcers, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and colorectal cancer.
Organic Acids Test – This test assesses a wide range of cellular and physiological processes including intestinal dysbiosis, energy production, nutrient cofactor requirements and neurotransmitter metabolism.
Hair Metal/ Mineral Testing – A wide range of metals and minerals can be measured in one sample to provide status of cellular activity and nutrient metabolism.
Urinary Amino Acids – Many health conditions are associated with amino acid metabolism as a result of the countless physiological processes that these molecules are involved in. Chemical sensitivities, cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration, bone disorders and insomnia are associated with amino acid imbalances.
Routine Pathology Analyses
Liver Function Tests -This test measures a patients overall liver function status to determine whether the liver is functionally correctly, to monitor the progression or treatment of a disease, and test for the side effects of certain medications.
Lipid Profile – This test measures Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and risk ratios.
Homocysteine – Homocysteine, a sulphur-containing amino acid is an intermediate product in the normal biosynthesis of the amino acids methionine and cysteine. Homocysteine is predominantly metabolised via two pathways. The enzyme MTHFR converts homocysteine to methionine. The MTHFR is strongly dependent on cofactors folate and vitamin B12.
Iron Studies – A comprehensive iron study assessment which will detect and evaluate abnormalities of iron metabolism by measuring Iron, Ferritin, Transferrin, and Transferrin Saturation.
Electrolytes – Provide clinically useful information of a patient’s overall electrolyte status. Electrolyte imbalances are quite common and may be caused by several conditions. If electrolyte imbalances are not assessed or treated this may lead to a dysfunction of vital body systems, such as the muscles and brain.
Nutritional Analyses
Copper – Is an essential trace mineral which works with iron to help the body form red blood cells. Copper is also essential as it assists in producing energy, forming connective tissue, and helping the central nervous system function properly. Excessive copper can lead to anxiety, mood disorders, depression and other mental health conditions.
Zinc – is an essential mineral that adequate levels are needed for the body to function. Zinc stimulates cell division in the body and also supports your immune system, growth and manufacture of DNA. A zinc deficiency may be associated to symptoms such as depression, ADHD, ADD, learning difficulties and more.
Iodine – Iodine deficiency is associated with thyroid abnormalities, fatigue, depression and weight gain.
Selenium – Selenium is an essential mineral needed for proper thyroid functioning. The thyroid gland contains more selenium than other body parts and during selenium deficiency, the body meets the selenium needs of the thyroid even before it sends selenium to the brain.
Red Cell Minerals – This test assesses the status of minerals that improve cellular function. Blood mineral levels are useful for assessing cardiac influences, anti-inflammatory processes, anaemia, immunological function and particularly toxic levels of metals.
Methylation Analyses
Methylation Profile – The Methylation Cycle is a biochemical pathway that manages or contributes to a wide range of biochemical functions: detoxification, supporting DNA (turning genes on and off), producing energy, reducing inflammation, synthesising neurotransmitters, homocysteine metabolism, protein methylation, phase 2 liver detoxification and supporting immune function.
Folate/ Methionine Profile – The methylation cycle is a biochemical pathway that manages or contributes to a wide range of biochemical functions: detoxification, supporting DNA (turning genes on and off), producing energy, reducing inflammation, synthesising neurotransmitters, homocysteine metabolism, protein methylation, phase 2 liver detoxification and supporting immune function. Inadequate methylation capacity can lead to birth defects, depression, cognitive decline, and cancer.
B6, B12, Glutathione, Ammonia, Histamine – Markers of methylation cycle function including necessary cofactors and byproducts.
Endocrinology Analyses
Cortisol Profile – This hormone test (stress test) serves as a critical tool for uncovering biochemical imbalances underlying anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, obesity, dysglycemia, and a host of other clinical conditions that may affect our day to day lives.
Sleep Profile (Cortisol/ Melatonin) – Insomnia is defined as a repeated difficulty with sleep initiation, maintenance, duration and/or quality of sleep disorder affects energy levels, memory, concentration and problem solving skills. In addition, it has been linked to learning disabilities in children.
Growth Hormone – Growth hormone (GH) is a peptide hormone secreted from the anterior pituitary gland. Children with Growth Hormone deficiency typically present with short stature.
Thyroid Profile (TSH, Free T4, Free T3 reverse T3, thyroid antibodies) – The thyroid makes hormones that regulate the energy level, growth, and reproduction of every cell of your body. Your brain, heart, lungs, liver, skin, tissues and other body parts depend on your thyroid to stay active, and remain healthy by generating new cells to replace old ones.
Vitamin D – Vitamin D is essential for the formation, growth and repair of bones. Vitamin D is necessary for normal calcium absorption and immune function. It also improves muscle strength and helps reduce inflammation.
Adrenal Hormone Profile – This test evaluates bioactive levels of the body’s important stress hormones, cortisol and DHEA. It serves as a critical tool for uncovering biochemical imbalances underlying anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, obesity and dysglycemia.
Gastrointestinal Analyses
Clostridium difficile – Human infection with Clostridium difficile (CD) can take many forms. Some may have recurrent mild to moderate symptoms resembling Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) while other patients may have a condition similar to colitis.
Helicobacter Pylori Antigen – This test is used to identify whether there is an infection present or non-present. H.Pylori is the most common bacteria to infect humans. H.Pylori is found in the gastric mucosa and the mouth transmitted orally through saliva.
Gastrin – The main hormone that controls the release of acid in your stomach. When there is food in the stomach, gastrin is released into the blood. As the acid level rises in your stomach and intestines, your body normally makes less gastrin.
Pancreatic Elastase 1 – The pancreatic elastase test short for (PE1) is a non-invasive stool test that is commonly used to assess patients with chronic pancreatitis, chronic inflammatory bowel disease and other situations involving exocrine pancreas dysfunction.
Transglutaminase IgA (gluten sensitivity) – Stool analysis for antibodies against gluten-related antigens may be a more sensitive assessment to gluten/immune reactions than serum antibody assessments.
Zonulin (Intestinal permeability) – Prolonged Zonulin up-regulation can cause breakdown of the tightly regulated junctions of the intestinal wall. The excessive flow of antigens in the intestinal mucosa can cause both intestinal and extra-intestinal autoimmune disorders.
Genova GI effects Microbial Ecology – identification of Bacteria, Yeast and Fungus using DNA techniques
Immunological Analyses
Candida Antibodies – This test detects the levels of the antibodies to Candida indicating the stage of the condition, i.e. whether there is a current infection (IgA positive) or past infection (IgG positive).
Allergy Panel IgE, IgG and IgA Foods/ inhalants – The IgG & IgA general food panel is a useful test in assessing both delayed and damaged mucosal type reactions. Blood tests for IgE can be used to diagnose allergens (both food and inhalants) that may be causing allergies with an immediate onset.
ALCAT Intolerance test (foods, chemicals, moulds, herbs) – Intolerances/Sensitivities to foods and chemicals can cause a wide range of symptoms and disorders. The ALCAT® test offers a useful tool for detecting the foods and chemicals causing these responses.
Metabolic Analyses
Cytokine Panel – Cytokines are critical to the functional both innate (cell-mediated) and adaptive (antigen specific/humoral) immune systems. They are known as either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory. Under normal circumstances they should be in balance.
Liver Detoxification Panel – Specific measurements of the different phases of liver detoxification including phase I and phase II (glycination, glucuronidation, sulphation and glutathionation) are obtained, guiding the design of effective therapeutic strategies which can optimise liver function.
Neurotransmitters – Low or high levels (Serotonin, Dopamine, Noradrenalin, Adrenalin, Glutamate and GABA) are observed in various mental health disorders, such as depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Parkinson’s disease and panic attacks.
Kryptopyrroles – Relevant to mental health disorders ADD/ hyperactivity and depression. Many of the symptoms observed in high-Mauve patients can be attributed to zinc, vitamin B6 and biotin deficiencies. Furthermore, many neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and GABA require vitamin B6 and/or zinc for their production.
Genova Fat Soluble Vitamins Profile – Serum levels of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K plus beta-carotene and coenzyme Q10 are measured to evaluate total body status of these antioxidant nutrients.
Genova ION Profile – The ION® (Individual Optimal Nutrition) is a combination of nutritional tests that measure levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and organic, fatty and amino acids.
Genova NutrEval profile – Unlike any other nutritional assessments, NutrEval® provides a framework of core nutrients in 5 key areas: Antioxidants, B Vitamins, Digestive Support, Essential Fatty Acids, and Minerals.
Nutritional Analyses
Essential Fatty Acids – Fatty acids are a key fuel source for humans. They function within these membranes as structural and signalling molecules, modulating cellular communication, immune and inflammatory pathways. Fatty acid imbalances can give rise to neurological, immune and inflammatory conditions.
CoEnzyme Q10 – Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is essential for proper mitochondrial function and energy use. It also acts as an antioxidant. Cardiac cells have high mitochondrial demand.