Functional Lab Testing vs. Conventional Medical Testing

Below are the types of functional laboratory tests we typically refer our clients for, depending on their individual needs and health goals:

Digestive & Gut Health

  • Comprehensive Stool Analysis (e.g., GI-MAP, GI Effects)
  • Microbiome Profile / Gut Microbiota Analysis
  • SIBO Breath Test (Lactulose/Glucose)
  • Intestinal Permeability Test (e.g., Zonulin)

Metabolic & Biochemical Function

  • Organic Acids Test (OAT)
  • Metabolic Profile / Metabolomics Panels
  • Mitochondrial Function Profile
  • Detoxification Profile (Phase I & II Markers)

Hormones & Endocrine Function

  • DUTCH Test (urine hormone metabolite test)
  • Comprehensive Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T3/T4, rT3, antibodies)
  • Adrenal Stress Profile / Cortisol Rhythm (saliva)
  • Reproductive Hormones Panel

Inflammation & Immune Health

  • Inflammatory Markers (CRP, hs-CRP, ESR)
  • Cytokine Panels
  • Immune Function Panel (lymphocyte subsets, immunoglobulins)

Nutrient & Metabolic Status

  • Fatty Acids Profile (e.g., omega-3 index)
  • Vitamin & Mineral Profile (serum + functional markers)
  • Amino Acids Profile
  • Iron Studies / Ferritin
  • Homocysteine & Methylation Profile

Allergy, Sensitivity & Intolerance

  • IgE Allergy Panels
  • IgG / IgA Food Sensitivity Panels
  • Coeliac/Gluten Reactivity Panel
  • Histamine & DAO Levels

Cardiometabolic Health

  • Advanced Lipid Panel (e.g., LDL-P, ApoB, Lp(a))
  • Cardiometabolic Profile
  • Insulin Resistance Panel (insulin, HOMA-IR)

Neurological & Cognitive Function

  • Neurotransmitter Profile (urinary metabolites)
  • Neuroinflammatory Markers
  • Cognitive Decline Biomarkers (e.g., BDNF)

Environmental Exposure

  • Heavy Metals Profile
  • Mycotoxin Testing
  • Environmental Pollutants Panel

Testing Philosophy & Objectives

Conventional lab testing is primarily diagnostic, designed to confirm or rule out disease using broad population-based reference ranges. Functional lab testing, by contrast, is preventative in nature. It uses narrower, “optimal” ranges to detect subtle physiological imbalances long before they manifest as disease—supporting earlier, more effective interventions.

Scope & Depth of Biomarkers

This is where functional testing truly stands apart. While conventional panels typically assess a limited set of core markers—like cholesterol, blood glucose, or basic liver and kidney function—functional lab tests go much deeper. They can evaluate a vastly broader range of biomarkers including comprehensive thyroid panels, adrenal function, gut microbiome composition, organic acids, nutrient status, detoxification capacity, inflammation markers, environmental toxin exposure, and much more. This expanded scope offers a 360-degree view of your physiological function, not just a snapshot of disease indicators.

Interpretation & Contextualisation

Traditional lab results are often binary—either within range or flagged as abnormal—with little context. Functional test results are interpreted through a holistic lens, considering your symptoms, environment, nutrition, lifestyle, and medical history. This context-rich analysis uncovers patterns and root causes that might otherwise be missed.

Personalisation & Holistic Perspective

Conventional testing aligns with general treatment guidelines that often follow a one-size-fits-all model. Functional testing supports a highly individualised approach, integrating data from stress response, diet, environmental exposures, and even genetic predispositions to create tailored health strategies.

Proactive Health & Early Intervention

Rather than waiting for disease to develop, functional testing empowers you to intervene early. By identifying imbalances and dysfunctions at their earliest stages, it enables you to make informed, proactive lifestyle and nutritional changes that can prevent or mitigate chronic illness altogether.