Advanced Testing
Routine medical laboratory testing—such as the blood, urine, and stool tests typically ordered by a physician—often provides a wealth of valuable information, and modern standard tests cover a broader range of markers than ever before. For individuals who may benefit from a more in-depth assessment, additional biomarker tests (functional testing) can be recommended to provide further clarity and support more targeted interventions. Any recommendation for functional testing is made collaboratively, ensuring it aligns with the individual’s goals, preferences, and practical considerations. The following are examples of functional laboratory tests we may recommend, tailored to each individual’s specific 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 • 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
Routine medical lab testing is primarily diagnostic, designed to confirm or rule out disease using broad population-based reference ranges. Functional lab testing complements this approach by focusing on preventative insights, using narrower “optimal” ranges to detect subtle physiological imbalances early—supporting timely, more personalised interventions.
Scope & Depth of Biomarkers
Conventional panels typically assess core markers such as cholesterol, blood glucose, and basic liver and kidney function. Functional lab tests expand on this, offering a broader view of health through additional biomarkers, including comprehensive thyroid panels, adrenal function, gut microbiome composition, organic acids, nutrient status, detoxification capacity, inflammation markers, and environmental toxin exposure. This expanded scope provides a more detailed picture of physiological function beyond standard disease indicators.
Interpretation & Contextualisation
Standard lab results are often reported simply as “within range” or “outside range,” with limited context. Functional testing incorporates a holistic perspective, considering symptoms, lifestyle, nutrition, environment, and medical history. This approach can help identify patterns and underlying factors that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Personalisation & Holistic Perspective
While routine testing guides care based on general treatment guidelines, functional testing supports a more individualised strategy. It integrates data from stress response, diet, environmental exposures, and genetic predispositions to create tailored health strategies.
Proactive Health & Early Intervention
Functional testing provides additional insight that can support early intervention. By identifying imbalances or dysfunctions at an earlier stage, it enables informed lifestyle and nutritional choices that may prevent or reduce the risk of chronic illness, complementing standard medical care rather than replacing it.