Lab Testing
In-Office Blood Draws, Routine and Specialized Testing
Dr. Dagstani offers a variety of laboratory testing utilizing both routine and specialized tests that are helpful in evaluating a patient’s health concerns.
When the testing involves blood analysis, Dr. Dagstani is able to draw the blood in-office during your visit to send out for analysis.
Many of the specialized tests are functional tests, which allow us to evaluate the body’s function, not just the presence or absence of disease. These types of tests are helpful in treating a patient’s current condition and also serve to be preventive. Ordering and interpretation of these tests is typically unique to Naturopathic and Integrative medicine practitioners and requires specialized knowledge and training.
Routine Labwork
Falling within the realm of preventive medicine, it is wise for patient’s to do routine annual blood tests. This includes a CBC (complete blood count), CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel), Lipid panel (cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides), Thyroid panel (TSH, free T3 and free T4) and Vitamin D3. Additional lab tests may be added according to each individual patient’s needs. These tests may include but are not limited to: Cardiac risk markers, inflammatory markers, tests for auto-immune disease (ANA), thyroid antibodies, individual nutrient status such as folic acid and B12, detailed anemia panels and hormone panels. These routine blood tests are ordered through Sonora Quest or Lab Corp and are typically covered by insurance. We also have affordable options for patients who don’t have insurance and pay out-of pocket for lab work. Like many family practice medical physicians, Dr. Dagstani will refer patients for routine screenings such as DEXA scans, mammography and colonoscopies.
Specialized Testing
There are numerous specialized lab tests that can be run by a number of different lab companies, too many for a complete list here. On individual patient evaluations, any appropriate lab testing will be discussed as needed. Some of the more common testing includes:
The Food Senstivity test is a blood test that evaluates food allergies and sensitivities. Most standard food allergy testing looks at IgE mediated response which shows a true allergy to food. However, they do not included testing IgG mediated food reactions which can be a delayed reaction of up to 78 hours and are associated with food sensitivities. Food sensitivities can have more insidious long-term effects on your health, causing symptoms such as sinus inflammation, recurrent ear infections, gas, and bloating, low energy and mood changes. We utilize a food allergy panel that tests for up to 154 different foods in all the main food categories including dairy, meat and eggs, grains, fruits, vegetables and miscellaneous things like sugar, chocolate, coffee, gluten and yeast. The test reports which foods you are sensitive to and the strength of the reaction. Food sensitivities can be treated and reversed in most cases. Foods that are highly reactive are typically avoided for a specific period of time and other foods are rotated every four days to decrease the body’s sensitivity to these foods. In addition, any underlying causes of the food sensitivities are treated, such as leaky gut syndrome or immune dysfunction.
The Complete Digestive Stool Analysis test offers a comprehensive analysis of the health of the gastrointestinal tract, including: digestion, absorption, bacterial balance, yeast overgrowth, presence of parasites, inflammation, metabolic activity and immune function. It gives us specific and objective information about digestion and absorption in your body. In addition, it can identify the presence of bacteria, yeast, or parasites and gives sensitivity testing to determine what medications or herbs will eradicate those organisms that don’t belong. These tests allow the physician to target trouble areas with individualized treatments to improve symptoms and optimize digestive function. A nice feature of this test is that testing for parasites can be included or omitted from this test. Parasitic infections, such as, Giardia are not uncommon, especially in people who have travelled outside of the country. Parasitic infections, like other digestive disorders, can cause a variety of symptoms including abdominal pain, alternating diarrhea and constipation, nausea, headaches and abdominal distention. Utilizing a test to distinguish the source of your digestive distress is key in treating the underlying cause and creating optimal health.
The Adrenal Stress Index test is a simple salivary test where the daily cortisol rhythm throughout the day and night is mapped out and compared to a normal curve. When levels are too high or too low, or the cortisol rhythm is reversed (low during the day and high at night), symptoms like fatigue and insomnia may occur. This test is valuable in evaluating cases of fatigue, insomnia, hormone imbalance (PMS, menopausal symptoms), weight gain (especially belly fat) or mood issues. This test also measures hormones such as DHEA, 17-OH Progesterone, insulin, and gliadin antibody (positive with a gluten sensitivity). Based on your test results and specific symptoms, an individualized treatment plan can be developed to help restore optimal adrenal function.
Neurotransmitter testing looks at brain neurotransmitters, which are key players in mood regulation and balance. This comprehensive test evaluates neurotransmitter levels in the body such as Serotonin, Dopamine, Epinephrine and Norepinephrine. It is a simple, single urine collection that is sent off to a specialty laboratory for analysis. Neurotransmitters can be either excitatory (stimulating) or inhibitory (calming). It is important to not only have adequate levels of each neurotransmitter but also to have balance between the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters. When levels are out of normal range it can cause mood issues like depression and anxiety, insomnia, and behavior issues like ADD/ADHD and OCD-like behaviors. Based on the results, very specific, individualized supplements are prescribed to create balance and alleviate symptoms. This test can even be utilized if you are on anti-depressant or other psychotropic medications. Studies show 2 out of 3 people on anti-depressants still continue to have depressive symptoms. By using this test to evaluate specific imbalances, individualized interventions can allow your current medication regime to work more efficiently or more effective options can be provided. With advancements in western science laboratory testing, this test offers exciting insight and treatment options to patients who suffer from mood disorders.
Spectracell’s Nutritional Testing is an innovative assessment of a patient’s intracellular nutritional status. 34 vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants are evaluated. Although the clinical syndromes of vitamin deficiencies are unusual in Western societies, suboptimal vitamin status is not. Because there is overwhelming evidence confirming that nutrient deficiencies have been shown to suppress immune function contributing to chronic disease processes including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and others , nutritional testing can be a clinically effective diagnostic tool for the prevention and management of chronic disease conditions.
The Telomere Length Test is an assessment of “biological age”. Telomeres are sections of genetic material at the end of each chromosome whose primary function is to prevent chromosomal “fraying” when a cell replicates. As a cell ages, its telomeres become shorter. Eventually, the telomeres become too short to allow cell replication, the cell stops dividing and ultimately die – a normal biological process. The Telomere Test can determine the length of a patient’s telomeres in relation to the patient’s age. Therapies directed at slowing the loss of telomere length may slow aging and age-related diseases.
Genetic testing through Genova Diagnostics can be used to evaluate genetic mutations in various systems including detoxification, bone health (osteoporosis), cardiovascular health, and immune function. If you understand what your genetic risks are you can then take steps to minimize their harmful effects.
Other Tests
Dr. Dagstani offers many other specialized tests and continues to add the most up-to-date innovative testing that is both diagnostic and preventive. Some examples of additional tests that are offered include but are not limited to: Heavy metal testing, Liver detoxification profile (associated with environmental sensitivities and hormone imbalances), Comprehensive Cardiac Screenings, Candida and Yeast Profiles, and Stool Bacteriology.
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