Essential Fatty Acids in Red Blood Cells
This valuable test identifies the levels of the omega-3 and 6 series with other fatty acids.
24 - Hour Urine Amino Acid Test
This measures three groups of amino acids in the urine and includes a total of 38 amino groups.
Haematic Profile
This test provides a more detailed evaluation of the various types of anaemia. The test includes the measurement of iron, TIBC (total
iron binding capacity) ferritin, serum vitamin B12, and red cell folate (folic acid).
6 - Hour Glucose Tolerance Test
The GTT is used to identify functional hypoglycaemia. A great deal of valuable information can be provided from the correct interpretation of the results. I believe, however, that it is essential to standardize the preparation for the test, the amount of glucose used and the timing of the sample taking.
GROUP THREE
This group includes tests that look more closely at digestive efficiency, adrenal function, food intolerances, candidiasis, vitamin deficiencies and intestinal parasites
Gut Fermentation Profile (Test for Candidiasis)
Principle
Yeast cells in the gut ferment glucose to alcohol, which passes into the blood stream. This test follows the changes in blood alcohol
concentrations following a glucose challenge.
Glucose is normally absorbed rapidly, including some absorption from the stomach. A method
is therefore required that ensures an adequate amount of glucose from a glucose load passes into the duodenum. In this test, glucose
encased in hardened gelatine capsules is used. Disintegration of these capsules in the stomach is much less likely to occur if taken
in conjunction with a 5% glucose solution.
Patient Preparation
No alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to the test.
Patient should fast for at least 3 hours prior to the test.
Test Protocol
The patient is given 1g glucose in hardened gelatine capsules (2 x 500mg capsules) along with 4g glucose dissolved in 80-100ml water. A blood sample to measure blood alcohol (ethanol) is taken after 60 minutes.
Heliobacter Pylori Antibody
The heliobacter is seen as the main cause of gastric and stomach ulcers in addition to being a risk factor for gastric cancer. This
simple blood test identifies its presence.
Although the antibody test is seen as a valuable screening tool, it does not necessarily
reflect current heliobacter activity or disease. A more sophisticated test is the heliobacter urea breath test. This is carried out
at the laboratory, and is of particular value to ensure that the anti-H pylori drug therapy has been successful.
Adrenal Stress Index or Profile
This valuable test involves measuring the DHEA and cortisol levels in four saliva samples taken over a 24-hour period.
Many doctors
and naturopaths see this test as a useful indicator of the adrenal status, with adrenal exhaustion and general fatigue resulting from
stress.
DHEA-S
Dehydro-epiandrosterone sulphate is a blood test that is usually requested to monitor the effects of DHEA treatment. The sulphate
form is secreted by the adrenal glands whilst DHEA is produced by the ovaries, the testes and the adrenals.
DHEA is converted in the
body to the sulphate form, hence the value of the DHEA-S test.
