Common Laboratory Tests
Physicians advise patients to undergo medical testing or laboratory tests to draw quantifiable data for diagnosis. The lab tests are identified based on symptoms and signs reported. Here, we'll give you a list of the common laboratory tests, what they do and what they determine.
Common Medical Testing you Should Know!
In this Article:
- NO-Tyrosine
- Glutathione Level
- Urine Organic Acids
- GI Health Panel
- Amino Acids
- Environmental Toxin Screening
- Food Allergy Lab Testing
- MTHFR
- Heavy Metal Challenge Test
Tyrosine!
Tyrosine is the marker of brain dysfunction and oxidative stress. It is elevated in many chronic diseases and neurological disorders such as autism and Alzheimer’s disease. A high level of tyrosine may indicate treatment success. NO-Tyrosine levels lower with a successful treatment program.
Glutathione Level!
Glutathione is the body's primary cleaning agent and detoxifier. People with MTHFR mutation, fibromyalgia, and autism generally have low glutathione levels. And so, they have difficulty clearing toxins from their body and protecting their cells from oxidative stress. Our treatment protocols devote a considerable amount of effort to raising glutathione levels.
Urine Organic Acids!
The test measures the compounds found in the urine. The quantity of each of these compounds gives us valuable information about key biochemical processes and nutrient levels in the body.
The laboratory test also detects compounds excreted by many pathogens such as yeasts and toxic bacteria. The test requires a collection of morning urine and the avoidance of certain foods that can interfere with the test results.
GI Health Panel!
Most people with chronic diseases also have concurrent problems with their GI tract. Bowel inflammation can be one of the main contributing factors to the disease process. Reducing inflammation in the GI tract is one of the most important steps in the recovery process of most chronic illnesses. The GI Health Panel measures parameters of GI health including cultures for yeast and bacteria, parasite panels, inflammatory markers, and protective levels. This test is usually abnormal in patients with chronic disease. This laboratory test requires both saliva and stool samples that are collected over a 3-day period. It takes about 30 days to get results.
Amino Acids!
Urine amino acids provide information on a variety of biological processes including nutrient adequacy (quality and quantity of dietary protein), digestive disorders, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies (folic acid, B12, B6 metabolism, zinc, and magnesium). An amino acid analysis also provides diagnostic information about the hepatic and renal function, availability of precursors of neurotransmitters, detoxification capacity, and many disorders in amino acid metabolism.
Environmental Toxin Screening!
This affordable test measures the levels of common environmental toxins such as styrene, benzene, para-benzene, and phthalates. The laboratory test is very simple to perform. The sample strip is dipped in the first-morning urine and sent to the laboratory. We have found most autistic children have high toxin levels. We use the same test in adults with any sign of chronic illness or neurological disease.
Food Allergy Lab Testing!
Food allergy lab testing measures IgG antibodies to 88 different foods. Food allergy is a source of inflammation of the bowel and may affect cognitive function.
MTHFR!
This test measures a genetic marker that if positive may indicate the onset of a number of illnesses including cardiovascular disease and stroke, cancer, fibromyalgia syndrome, and autism. This test is not only helpful to the patient but also to other family members. Many of the problems associated with MTHFR defects can be avoided by supplementation or with medication. MTHFR anomalies are associated with low glutathione, our body's master antioxidant.
Heavy Metal Challenge Test!
Heavy metal nutrients can be difficult to detect in children with autism as the pathways that promote excretion are not working well. A urine or hair sample may give a false negative. The heavy metal challenge test uses a chelating agent, also known as a provoking agent, to help release toxic heavy metals so they may be detected.
The test uses two urine collections, usually first-morning urine done one day apart. The first collection is done without a chelating agent. The second collection is done with a provoking or chelating agent like DMSA that helps the body release heavy metals. The provoked sample often shows very high levels of toxic metals in comparison to the unprovoked sample. This test is a better determinant compared to a hair sample.
Medical testing is an important part of the diagnosis and treatment process of a patient's illness. These laboratory tests help determine the leniency or severity of the diseases they analyze through quantifiable identifiers.
Which medical testing type have you tried? Let us know in the comments section below!
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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on January 4, 2014, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. None of the nutritional products mentioned is intended to Diagnose, Treat, Cure or Prevent any Disease.
