Dr Bill Reeder www.medcom.co.nz Biomedical Laboratory Tests - investigating chronic illness and neuro-functional disorders updated 12.7.14 Performing laboratory tests is routine for many medical workups. Generally, most freely available tests are limited in scope – but do have value in supporting or refuting a possible diagnosis. Where they often fail is in assessing the FUNCTIONING of an organ system. This is of great value when investigating chronic or unresponsive conditions. For chronically unwell persons who don’t appear to be progressing in ‘the system’ – we can offer more focused and specialised testing at US or Australian lab facilities of high calibre. Any ‘biomedical’ or ‘functional’ tests ordered must first be decided on a cost-benefit consideration – in other words, will the results, whatever the outcome, benefit the future management of the case. Even negative results are useful. The following tests probe biological functioning far beyond anything we have had available before. Costs are an approximate guide. It is generally difficult to send blood samples overseas unless via a NZ agent. Metametrix have merged with Genova (USA). They have agency in Australia but no good set up in NZ yet. Some tests from them are time sensitive and therefore not yet suitable for NZ owing to delays in transit. Test Hair analysis Laboratory Doctors Data (USA) (Toxic metals) Toxic metal burden Doctors Data (USA) Urine Iodine Loading test Doctors Data (USA) Urine Iodine Loading test Combined with toxic halides Thyrodine Test Doctors Data (USA) Porphyrins Profile (Toxic metals) Organix Profile Comprehensive Neutrisearch (NZ) Metametrix.com or France lab preferred Genova.com Metametrix.com Organix Profile Basic Amino Acids 20 (bloodspot) 40 (plasma) Genova.com Metametrix.com Useful for: Toxic metals eg Mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium Essential minerals Assesses accumulated toxic metals above Option to do one or two tests – pre and post Iodine loading then measure output. Indicates body sufficiency of iodine As above but added bromine, fluoride Cost NZD $105 NZD$329 Pre and post load Halides interfere with iodine use in the body. Iodine level in tissues as well as total body Shows if toxins (metals especially) are actually poisoning the system. Advanced test. Metabolic function forenergy production, detoxification problems, neurotransmitters, intestinal dysbiosis, oxidative damage, certain vitamin espec B’s & mineral deficiencies, Amino acids are key to most biochemical functions – high or low levels give valuable information about physical and mental functioning NZ$75 Developed by Dr Brownstein (refer to his book) Assesses whether biochemical impairment occurring NZD$118 each test NZD$169 Pre and post load NZ$260 Features Shows current exposure to toxic metals Certain essential mineral results can be meaningful Very useful for accumulated toxic metal body burden vs exposure Can just do the ‘post’ test to save money… Iodine isn’t accurate to assess by blood testing. Another option is the Thyrodine test US$120 AUD$399 For Basic test (no intestinal dysbiosis) Excellent assessment of actual biochemical functions – can now pinpoint areas of concern AUD$299 AUD$295 Probably more cost effective to do as an ION test or TRIAD test – see next AUD$385 458 Airport Rd • Hamilton, RD3, New Zealand • Tel 64 7 856 8568 • Fax 07 859 1212 ION Profile 20 amino Metametrix.com ION Profile 40 amino Intestinal Permeability Doctors Data (USA LAB) AGE Lab Integrates – 1 Amino Acids 2 Organix 3 Comprehensive 4 RBCell Minerals and toxic metals 5 Fatty Acids – plasma 5 Homocysteine CoQ10, Vit A, E, BCarotene AUD$1250 (20 aminos) Lactulose/Mannitol test to establish if there is a ‘leaky gut’ allowing toxins and food molecule antigens to pass into body. Australian lab $139 NZD This includes a combination of tests as numbered plus others not listed. It is more cost effective than ordering individually over time. AUD$1350 (40 aminos) Also good way of monitoring success of intestinal repair treatments $203 NZD Liver Detoxification Profile Doctors Data Evaluates the detox pathways I and II in the liver. A urine test $219 Chemicals, medications, GUT toxins and poor liver function contributes to unwellness. Some people are not good at removing these quickly. The test may indicate need for liver support. Food Allergy Profile US Biotek IgE (immediate) and IgG (delayed) food intolerance/allergy testing. 96 foods plus extras option. Blood draw IgG blood spot only $359 NZD Best to be on a full diet before test done where possible. Full blood test. Can add modules for spices, herbs, vegetarian etc. $265 NZD Can be done at home ALCAT test Australia www.alcat.com Excellent test for FOOD, ADDITIVE AND CHEMICAL INTOLERANCES – producing body inflammation. Various add-ons From $586 (100 foods) To $1400 (chems, additives etc) Tests up to 150 foods, food additives, moulds, environmental chemicals. Critical for digestive, toxic, autoimmunity, fatigue, mood, weight and many other disorders. BUT you have to do it IN Australia! Bioscreen Faecal Microbe Analysis Bioscreen Melbourne An excellent live analysis – my preference for most cases. $480 NZD Must be done Mondays to get to Melbourne within 2 days. Doesn’t assess digestive function (see CDSA) Pyrroles test (Mauve Test) Pathlab Australia Marker for the Mauve Factor – which depletes B6 and Zinc especially. NZ $179 Marker in autism spectrum, mood disorders etc Adrenal Stress Index ASI Saliva Testing Diagnostec USA 4 x cortisols 1 x DHEA 1x SIgA 1x Progesterone etc US$120 Plus Internat Fast Post Assessing Hypo-adrenalism ‘Adrenal Fatigue’ Age Lab Austr **Precision Hormones USA 3 or more cortisols Excellent method – detailed biochemistry Easy urine dipstick paper test $179 + US$175 Option using AGE Lab Australia Assessing adrenal fatigue **Precision Hormones USA Excellent method – detailed biochemistry Easy urine dipstick paper test US$175 Assess metabolytes of estrogens, androgens, progesterone. Use in monitoring hormone replacement Adrenal 24hr Urine Sex Hormones Comprehensive Hormone assessment Precision Hormones USA Combines adrenal and sex hormones US$275 Combines above two assessments Histamine Test AGE Labs Australia Blood Test Histamine can be high or low in various methylation/psyche disorders NZ$180 Orthomolecular Psychiatry Omega 3 Lipid Test Holman Test FxMed Analyses Omega 3, 6 levels by finger prick spot test – done at home. NZ 139.50 Important heart risk index Neuroendocrine Metabolytes AGE Labs Australia Urine test Markers for Adrenalin, Dopamine, Noradrenalin, Serotonin and COMT NZ$345 Depression, anxiety, learning disorders, ASD etc Notes: Precision Hormones USA (precisionhormones.com) This new lab provides very good service for assessing sex hormones. The whole issue of monitoring women and men on transdermal ‘bio-identical hormones’ is highly confusing and unreliable as most tests such as blood and saliva are very poor at measuring these hormones. PH have developed a dried urine test system which at least can give a comprehensive look at how safe the hormones are in the individuals body. No test is accurate with actual “levels” – so pretty much a waste of time doing. Blood testing will measure your actual self-made hormones well. ALCAT test. – unfortunately need to be in Australia or have someone take the sample over. Will find food sensitivities that result in inflammation in the body. Not to be confused with food allergy testing for IgE immediate reacting allergies – it will not diagnose this specific issue. Most people will already know what foods are instantly reactive. It’s the delayed or masked food sensitivities or intolerances that are difficult and very under diagnosed causes of poor health. Many chronic disorders have an inflammatory basis – joint and muscle pain, fatigue syndromes, migraine, intestinal disorders, skin rashes, brain issues, cardiovascular and many others. Resistant overweight/obesity can be affected by inflammatory food intolerances. ALCAT add-ons can look for food additive as well as some common environmental pollutant reactions. It is a significant advancement in searching for ‘toxic’ foods – often they are the least suspected too. The cost per test depends on what level of search is needed. Check through the list of foods to see which best fits your diet. (separate page) Whether you also get the add-on additives, chemicals, moulds is a financial choice. ION Test A comprehensive urine and blood test. This examines and reports extensively– Essential Amino Acids Organic acids Neuroendocrine function Ammonia toxin clearance Energy production Homocysteine 8 important mineral elements 5 toxic metals Vitamin levels CoQ 10 Lipid peroxides Fatty acids – comprehensive Markers for Fatty acid, carbohydrate production Mitochondrial energy function Toxicants and detoxification efficiency Gut bacterial and fungal compounds Notes: 1. The above can be ordered in separate sub-groups to reduce costs but will not give such comprehensive information. 2. Full written explanations are provided by the lab. 3. Suggested nutrient and amino supplement regimes are suggested. 4. Refer to the website for further in-depth information. 5. Dr Reeder will provide guidance and interpretation at usual fee rates. Refer to websites: www.metametrix.com www.alcat.com www.doctorsdata.com www.genova.com