What is functional laboratory testing?

Functional laboratory testing and evaluation is a critical components in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of how your body is functioning. Although lab tests are often used in conventional medicine unfortunately a lot of opportunities are left out. This is because the GP isn’t aware of all the functional laboratory possibilities simply because they are trained differently. Nevertheless, we always try to cooperate with your GP closely. When possible we try to use traditional lab testing This is also a way to get reimbursed by your insurance. It’s crucial to test what dna variations, biochemical, nutrient, microbial, hormonal imbalances. It’s invaluable to creating the most targeted, individualized, effective therapeutic strategy. Knowledge is power, and having the knowledge of why a particular disease state is present might be the most important factor in achieving optimal wellness. When we understand the “why”, we can employ a variety of approaches to correcting the underlying imbalances. If we can correct the cause, whether by a herb, a diet, or a medication, the end result is restored balance and optimal health. Additionally, baseline testing allows us to monitor progress, and change treatment parameters as needed. So we utilize both conventional and “functional” laboratory testing to provide the most comprehensive assessment of your health. Even when conventional blood testing is ordered, We often interpret the results with a integrative perspective. In addition to standard blood testing, functional laboratory testing through speciality labs may be recommended to provide a further understanding of why dysfunction is occurring and elucidate effective strategies to restore balance and improve symptoms and disease. Functional laboratory testing may include blood, stool, urine, saliva or hair samples to provide information about a variety of systems including metabolic, nutritional, endocrine, gastrointestinal, hormonal, immune, genetic, detoxification, and others. With so many testing options available and it is possible to not only identify what disease is present but to obtain reliable and reproducible information to explain “why” and “what” led to the present state of disease. Understanding what factors contribute to a given condition allows for individualized and targeted treatment recommendations, including education on how to prevent recurrence and exacerbations in the future.