FUNCTIONAL TESTING

As a science-based practitioner, I utilise functional testing & pathology as an integral part of my practice. These assessments provide a deeper insight into your body’s unique biochemistry, helping to identify imbalances and address the root cause of dysfunction in the body. Some of the functional testing that I commonly use & interpret in clinic includes:

  • This test is designed to assess a patient’s microbiome from a single stool sample. The gastrointestinal system is a complex community of systems & microbes. Understanding the ‘why’ behind a gastrointestinal symptom (or symptoms) is essential to promote long-term healing. In addition to digestive dysfunction, this test also gives us an insight into underlying causes of hormonal, skin & metabolic dysfunction.

    Key assessments:

    • Parasites & Worms

    • Bacterial & Viral Pathogens

    • Fungi/Yeast

    • H. Pylori

    • Opportunistic/dysbiotic bacteria

    • Beneficial bacteria

    • Functional markers (including markers of intestinal permeability, colonic inflammation, digestive insufficiency, gastrointestinal immune function, & detoxification of hormones)

  • A simple, non-invasive test to identify the presence of hydrogen and/or methane-producing bacteria in the small intestine.

  • Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a laboratory test that measures mineral levels and toxic elements in a hair sample. Since hair stores mineral information over time, this test provides insight into long-term nutrient status, heavy metal exposure, and metabolic trends. It is a non-invasive way to assess mineral imbalances that may impact overall health.

    Key Assessments in HTMA

    • Essential Minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Zinc, Copper, Iron, and Selenium.

    • Heavy Metal Toxicity such as Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, and Aluminum.

    • Mineral Ratios - Analyses the balance between key minerals, which impact metabolic function.

    • Adrenal & Thyroid Indicators - Assesses mineral patterns linked to adrenal and thyroid activity.

    • Metabolic Type – Identifies whether a person has a fast or slow metabolic rate based on mineral patterns.

    • Blood Sugar Regulation Markers – Evaluates mineral levels & ratios associated with glucose metabolism and insulin function.

    • Detoxification Capacity – Assesses the body's ability to detoxify based on mineral status and the presence of heavy metals.

  • The organic acids test (OAT) is a simple urine test that looks at over 70 biomarkers from various metabolic pathways. This OAT also includes markers for vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter levels, and has the additional benefit of included oxalates which are highly correlated with a number of chronic illnesses.

    Key assessments:

    • General indicators of gastrointestinal dysbiosis

    • Oxalate metabolism

    • Neurotransmitter metabolites

    • Pyrimidine metabolism

    • Ketone & Fatty Acid Oxidation

    • Glycolytic Acid Cycle Metabolites

    • Krebs Cycle Metabolites

  • Vaginal microbiome mapping is a diagnostic tool that analyzes the balance of beneficial and harmful microorganisms in the vaginal ecosystem. This test helps identify microbial imbalances that may contribute to recurrent infections, discomfort, hormonal disruptions, or fertility concerns.

    Key Assessments:

    • Lactobacillus Dominance

    • Pathogenic or Opportunistic Bacteria

    • Candida & Fungal Overgrowth

    • pH Levels

    • Diversity & Stability of Microbiota

    • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)