Women's Health

Intolerances differ significantly from allergies. Unlike allergies, intolerances may vary from situation to situation, while an allergy always produces the same reaction.  Intolerances are caused by the body’s inability to process specific substances and may cause bloating, digestive problems such as gas and/or diarrhea, fatigue, headaches and even the inability to lose weight or weight gain.

Symptoms may be difficult to link to specific foods, environmental substances or food additives because they may not occur until hours or days later.  To complicate the situation, each individual has a different tolerance for specific foods, so even if a person has an intolerance, it may be mild so that a small amount of the food doesn’t cause a reaction until enough of the food is eaten or is consumed consistently over time.

Intolerances differ significantly from allergies. Unlike allergies, intolerances may vary from situation to situation, while an allergy always produces the same reaction.  Intolerances are caused by the body’s inability to process specific substances and may cause bloating, digestive problems such as gas and/or diarrhea, fatigue, headaches and even the inability to lose weight or weight gain.

Symptoms may be difficult to link to specific foods, environmental substances or food additives because they may not occur until hours or days later.  To complicate the situation, each individual has a different tolerance for specific foods, so even if a person has an intolerance, it may be mild so that a small amount of the food doesn’t cause a reaction until enough of the food is eaten or is consumed consistently over time.

Intolerances differ significantly from allergies. Unlike allergies, intolerances may vary from situation to situation, while an allergy always produces the same reaction.  Intolerances are caused by the body’s inability to process specific substances and may cause bloating, digestive problems such as gas and/or diarrhea, fatigue, headaches and even the inability to lose weight or weight gain.

Symptoms may be difficult to link to specific foods, environmental substances or food additives because they may not occur until hours or days later.  To complicate the situation, each individual has a different tolerance for specific foods, so even if a person has an intolerance, it may be mild so that a small amount of the food doesn’t cause a reaction until enough of the food is eaten or is consumed consistently over time.

THESE 3 TESTS ARE INCLUDED IN THIS PANEL:

1. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
2. Free T4
3. Free T3

WHAT DOES THE THYROID GLAND DO?

The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating how your body uses energy through the production of hormones critical to proper cell and system functioning.

There are three main hormones in the thyroid system that should be balanced:

1. TSH: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is the most important of the hormones in the thyroid system, this stimulates or acts on the thyroid gland, telling it how much of the actual thyroid hormones need to be made.
2. T4: Hormone is produced by the thyroid and travels throughout the body and is converted into T3.
3. T3: The active form of T4.  This is the hormone that goes into the cells and controls their function throughout the body.

A thyroid hormone panel screens for thyroid function and can help diagnose potential thyroid disease by examining your body’s production, levels, or usage of the different thyroid hormones.  There are two types of thyroid and thyroid hormone-related disorders:

1. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) – symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, a short attention span, and numbness or cold intolerance.
2. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) – symptoms may include weight loss, persistent vomiting, increased blood pressure, hair loss, or a persistently fast heart rate.

WHY DO I NEED THIS TEST?

If there is a thyroid level imbalance in your body, you may be more susceptible to everything from osteoporosis and heart disease to infertility and fatigue.

Thyroid disorders are more common in women and they often occur with changes in other hormone levels, such as with pregnancy or with older age.

The average age of menopause for American women is 52 and knowing that it’s probably a long way off has allowed women to wait to have children until their 30s or later.  The problem is that some women may experience the onset of menopause as early as 35 so most women don’t know how long they can put off childbearing.

A hormone, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), has been discovered that is directly related to a woman’s fertility (the number of a woman’s ovarian follicles) and can help to determine when a woman will begin menopause.  Women showing lower levels of the hormone earlier in life tend to go through menopause at a younger age than average.  Women with an increased level of AMH may be experiencing symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (POCS).

The Anemia Panel is a comprehensive panel that includes a CBC, Ferritin, Folates, Total Iron Binding Capacity with Iron, Reticulocyte Count, Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid.

A CBC (Complete Blood Count) looks at important parameters of your blood including hemoglobin level, white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.  The Ferritin, Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity tests work together to indicate if you have an iron deficiency, which is the most common form of anemia. The Reticulocyte  Count  can  help  determine  if  you  are  producing  enough  red  blood  cells  and  can  help determine the cause of different types of anemia. Finally, this panel will determine any Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid deficiency, often the reason for the onset of anemia.

The Annual Check‐Up is the perfect panel for evaluating your overall health.  The panel consists of 5 tests that are typically ordered by a physician during an annual physical examination.

Most important, this is a good panel to establish your “baseline.”   Your baseline consists of all the numeric test results (levels) including your blood counts, kidney function, liver function, electrolytes, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and thyroid function values. By knowing these levels, you can begin to manage your own health to see if they fluctuate over time.

Antinuclear  antibodies  are  associated  with  rheumatic  diseases  including  Systemic  Lupus  Erythematous  (SLE),  mixed  connective  tissue  disease,  Sjogren’s  syndrome,  scleroderma,  polymyositis,  CREST  syndrome,  and  neurologic  SLE.

This panel includes a number of tests that give you and your doctor information to help you determine if you have a connective tissue or autoimmune disorder (such as arthritis).

The Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Test is primarily used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of arthritis and other conditions that cause joint pain, inflammation, stiffness and others. It is commonly ordered with other tests like the CRP (C‐Reactive Protein) and a CBC.

The C‐Reactive Protein (High Sensitivity) is a protein that increases during systemic inflammation. This panel tests this level to assess any cardiovascular or heart disease risk.

In addition, this panel includes an Antinuclear Antibodies Test, which measures the amount of abnormal antibodies that hurt the body’s tissues.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) and Folate is necessary for normal red blood cell (RBC) formation, repair of tissues and cells, and synthesis of DNA, the genetic material in cells. Both are nutrients that cannot be produced and must be supplied by the diet.  

The Nutritional Panel includes a variety of tests that can help you determine if you are getting enough nutrition.   This panel can also help rule out adrenal gland disorders and malnutrition.   It is commonly ordered by doctors before surgery or for patients who are hospitalized or chronically ill.

The Nutritional Panel also includes a CBC, which measures important parameters of the cellular makeup of your blood that can  reveal anemia, signs of infection or other factors that may cause fatigue; a CMP, which analyzes electrolytes, sugar, proteins, and enzymes including sodium, potassium, calcium, glucose and liver/kidney function tests; and an Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity – which measures the amount of iron in your blood.

The Saliva Hormone Test is the best non-invasive method for discovering any type of hormone imbalance in either males or females.  Hormone imbalance can occur at any age and can be due to a multitude of reasons.

The ovaries produce many of the hormones in females, which also communicate with the brain to either increase or decrease the release of various other hormones.  The imbalance within the body can lead to symptoms experienced during a short period of time or for many years.

In men, the testes produce mainly 95% of all testosterone, which is balanced by the adrenal gland.  The brain also regulates the increase or decrease of hormones released within the body.  The irregularity of testosterone within the body may contribute to decreased bone density, decreased muscle strength and decreased libido.

THESE 3 TESTS ARE INCLUDED IN THIS PANEL:

1. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
2. Total T4
3. T3 Uptake

WHAT DOES THE THYROID GLAND DO?

The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating how your body uses energy through the production of hormones critical to proper cell and system functioning.

There are three main hormones in the thyroid system that should be balanced:

1. TSH: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is the most important of the hormones in the thyroid system, this stimulates or acts on the thyroid gland, telling it how much of the actual thyroid hormones need to be made.
2. T4: Hormone is produced by the thyroid and travels throughout the body and is converted into T3.
3. T3: The active form of T4.  This is the hormone that goes into the cells and controls their function throughout the body.

A thyroid hormone panel screens for thyroid function and can help diagnose potential thyroid disease by examining your body’s production, levels, or usage of the different thyroid hormones.  There are two types of thyroid and thyroid hormone-related disorders:

1. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) – symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, a short attention span, and numbness or cold intolerance.
2. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) – symptoms may include weight loss, persistent vomiting, increased blood pressure, hair loss, or a persistently fast heart rate.

WHY DO I NEED THIS TEST?

If there is a thyroid level imbalance in your body, you may be more susceptible to everything from osteoporosis and heart disease to infertility and fatigue.

Thyroid disorders are more common in women and they often occur with changes in other hormone levels, such as with pregnancy or with older age.

The Blood Typing and RH Factor Test determines your blood type [either A, B, AB, and O] and Rh factor [negative or positive].  Did you know there are several benefits in knowing both?

Blood type is determined by the types of antigens (or markers) on your blood cells.  Antigens are proteins on the surface of your blood cells that can cause a response from the immune system – which is good in fighting disease.

The Rh factor is a type of protein on the surface of red blood cells.  Red blood cells that contain protein are called Rh‐positive and the red blood cells that don’t are Rh‐negative. If you have Rh‐negative blood, it can be given to anyone because it can’t be identified as foreign in other people’s bodies (because it doesn’t have an antigen.)

The Breast Cancer Monitoring Panel can help your physician monitor breast cancer treatment and therapy.

Both the CA 15‐3 and CA 27.29 are proteins that are normally produced by breast cells. In persons with breast cancer, the levels can increase. The protein amounts can rise with breast cancer tumor growth and fall with treatment.

The carcinoembryonic antigen is a protein that may be present in people with cancer, including breast cancer.   The CEA Test measures the amount of this protein in your blood. CEA is normally detected in healthy adults, but at a certain range (see below Normal Range).

These three tests can also help your physician offer a more accurate prognosis (or prediction of your health).

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by an inappropriate immune response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, and related dietary protein barley and rye. Celiac disease antibody tests help diagnose and monitor the disease. The antibodies being tested are IgA and Tissue Tranglutaminase (tTG) antibody (IgA).

The Micronutrient Test measures your body’s ability to absorb vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.  This non-fasting blood test tells if you have a vitamin deficiency and gives you a plan for how to correct it.

More importantly, the results can help you reduce the risk of illness and disease related to such deficiencies.

The  Lipids  Panel  can  determine  if  you  have  abnormal  cholesterol  or  triglyceride  levels.  These  are important because they can also help you and your doctor determine if you’re at risk for heart disease or other coronary (heart) illnesses.

Cholesterol is fat that is produced by the liver. It can also be obtained from foods like cheeseburgers, pizza, etc. There are two kinds of cholesterol – the good and the bad.

1. High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) = Good cholesterol.
2. Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) = Bad cholesterol.

Lipoprotein (a), also called LPa, has been identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke.  The level of LPa in the blood is inherited and numerous studies have shown that it is a significant predictor of cardiovascular disease that is not related to other risk factors.  LPa transports LDL (“bad cholesterol”) through the blood and may directly contribute to arterial degeneration and cholesterol and plaque deposits in the arteries that obstruct the blood flow by increasing plaque size and increasing inflammation.  It is believed that LPa prevents clots from being broken down normally and promotes the uptake of LDL into blood vessel walls.

Some studies suggest that consuming fish or taking fish oil supplements or the regular consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol may reduce LPa levels.  Other exercise or diet regimens typically recommended for cholesterol reduction are usually not effective in reducing LPa.

About 50% of people who have suffered heart attacks have “normal” cholesterol numbers (NHLB I – The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute).  It is the number and density (size) of Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol, “LDL” or “bad” cholesterol that provides the clearest picture of a person’s cardiovascular risk.  The smaller LDL particles carry cholesterol throughout the body, but it is the large number and smaller density of these particles, not the cholesterol within them, that causes plaque buildup in the arteries.  People who have low High Density Lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) numbers or high triglycerides are more likely to be at a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and undetected risk factors such as very small, dense lipoproteins.

The LPP™ test is the most advanced test available to predict heart disease risk, much more so than standard cholesterol testing.  It measures the lipoprotein particles directly giving a more precise evaluation of their size.  High numbers of small, dense LDL particles can ultimately cause cardiovascular disease.  The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) has identified new lipoprotein risk factors to help identify potential heart attack victims with these “normal” numbers.  The new risk factors, Remnant Lipoprotein (RLP), Small Dense LDL, Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a), and HDL 2b & 3, will not show up in a standard cholesterol test.  The first three lipoproteins are high in 25% of the population, while the last, the “good” HDL types, large, buoyant particles that pick up excess cholesterol from the blood, is low in 25% of the population but those who haven’t had the LPP™ test do not know whether they are at risk.

About 50% of people who have suffered heart attacks have “normal” cholesterol numbers (NHLB I – The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute).  It is the number and density (size) of Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol, “LDL” or “bad” cholesterol that provides the clearest picture of a person’s cardiovascular risk.  The smaller LDL particles carry cholesterol throughout the body, but it is the large number and smaller density of these particles, not the cholesterol within them, that causes plaque buildup in the arteries.  People who have low High Density Lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) numbers or high triglycerides are more likely to be at a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and undetected risk factors such as very small, dense lipoproteins.

The LPP+™ test is the most advanced test available to predict heart disease risk, much more so than standard cholesterol testing.  It measures the lipoprotein particles directly giving a more precise evaluation of their size.  High numbers of small, dense LDL particles can ultimately cause cardiovascular disease.  The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) has identified new lipoprotein risk factors to help identify potential heart attack victims with these “normal” numbers.  The new risk factors, Remnant Lipoprotein (RLP), Small Dense LDL, Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a), and HDL 2b & 3, will not show up in a standard cholesterol test.  The first three lipoproteins are high in 25% of the population, while the last, the “good” HDL types, large, buoyant particles that pick up excess cholesterol from the blood, is low in 25% of the population but those who haven’t had the LPP+™ test do not know whether they are at risk.

If you’re taking cholesterol medicine, your doctor may request a Cholesterol Medication Maintenance Panel before a refill is prescribed.  It’s also perfect for people who need to have their cholesterol and liver functions tested on a routine basis or for those simply interested in knowing their cholesterol level.v

This panel checks to see if your current total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglyceride  (blood  fats) levels have changed. While not a common side effect, changes in liver enzymes can be directly associated with your current prescription; therefore, this panel will also check the liver enzymes that can be affected.

Start the conversation about colorectal cancer screening before signs and symptoms occur. Fewer than half of people found to have colorectal cancer are diagnosed at an early stage, when treatment is most effective. Are you at risk? Do you have one or more of the following risk factors? Getting screened gives you greater peace of mind.

Some risk factors:

• Are over 45 years of age
• Had colorectal polyps or cancer in the past
• Have a family history of colorectal cancer (in parent, brother, sister, or child)
• Have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Eat a diet high in fat and low in calcium, fiber, and folate
• Smoke cigarettes
• Have certain genetic conditions

A CBC is a great test to take to give you a “snapshot” of your health.  This test gives important information about the kind and the number of cells in your blood. Physicians use this information to evaluate symptoms, help diagnose conditions and treat certain illnesses (like infections).

The  Saliva  Hormone  Test  is  the  best  non-invasive  method  for  discovering  any  type  of  hormone  imbalance  in either  males  or  females.  Hormone  imbalance  can  occur  at  any  age  and  can  be  due  to  a  multitude  of  reasons.

The  ovaries  produce  many  of  the  hormones  in  females,  which  also  communicate  with  the  brain  to  either  in-crease  or  decrease  the  release  of  various  other  hormones. The  imbalance  within  the  body  can lead  to  symptoms  experienced  during  a  short  period  of  time  or  for  many  years.

In  men,  the  testes  produce  mainly  95%  of  all  testosterone,  which  is  balanced  by  the  adrenal  gland. The  brain  also  regulates  the  increase  or  decrease  of  hormones  released  within  the  body. The  irregularity  of  testosterone  within  the  body  may  contribute  to  decreased  bone  density,  decreased  muscle  strength  and  decreased  libido.

Our comprehensive female panel will help you recognize and address hormone imbalances as well as the overall condition of your health. This panel is designed for women at all stages of their life to help them make informed decisions about their healthcare goals. It includes blood counts, a metabolic panel which includes kidney and liver functions, female hormones, thyroid, heart health, and nutritional status.

In people with allergies the body produces antibodies against common environmental substances and foods that create the typical allergy symptoms we all know or have experienced.  The antibodies or mast cells produce histamine which causes the allergic response.  Although the reaction is based on a healthy bodily function designed to protect us from toxins in our food and the environment, many allergies are so extreme as to cause asthma and anaphylactic shock, which can lead to death in extreme cases.  Allergic rhinitis (an allergic inflammation of the nasal passages), red, itchy eyes and asthma can severely limit and restrict one’s lifestyle.

Not so long ago people, including many children, were subjected to hundreds of needle pricks containing different possible allergens to determine which ones caused the strongest reactions.  Research conducted in the 1970s has found that when the body experiences sensitivity or an allergy to a substance it produces antibodies that are specific to the allergen, called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and these can be measured in the blood.  A simple blood draw can look for the specific antibodies to hundreds of substances using only one needle.

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) includes 14 essential tests that are typically requested by your doctor as part of a routine check‐up or annual physical.  This panel gives you or your doctor a clearer picture of your overall health.  See below for additional details on its test components.

The Comprehensive STD Platinum Female Panel tests for several sexually transmitted diseases at the same time at one low price. The test includes HIV, Syphilis, Herpes I and II, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Trichomonas vaginalis, and HPV (Human Papillomavirus).

If you’ve had unprotected sex or notice unusual symptoms, you could be infected with a sexually transmitted disease.  Even if you don’t have any visible symptoms, it’s possible to have an STD and spread it to another person.

THESE 5 TESTS ARE INCLUDED IN THIS PANEL:

1. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
2. Total T4
3. Free T4
4. Free T3
5. Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO)

WHAT DOES THE THYROID GLAND DO?

The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating how your body uses energy through the production of hormones critical to proper cell and system functioning.

There are three main hormones in the thyroid system that should be balanced:

1. TSH: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is the most important of the hormones in the thyroid system, this stimulates or acts on the thyroid gland, telling it how much of the actual thyroid hormones need to be made.
2. T4: Hormone is produced by the thyroid and travels throughout the body and is converted into T3.
3. T3: The active form of T4.  This is the hormone that goes into the cells and controls their function throughout the body.

A thyroid hormone panel screens for thyroid function and can help diagnose potential thyroid disease by examining your body’s production, levels, or usage of the different thyroid hormones.  There are two types of thyroid and thyroid hormone-related disorders:

1. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) – symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, a short attention span, and numbness or cold intolerance.
2. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) – symptoms may include weight loss, persistent vomiting, increased blood pressure, hair loss, or a persistently fast heart rate.

WHY DO I NEED THIS TEST?

If there is a thyroid level imbalance in your body, you may be more susceptible to everything from osteoporosis and heart disease to infertility and fatigue.

Thyroid disorders are more common in women and they often occur with changes in other hormone levels, such as with pregnancy or with older age.

The Saliva Cortisol test is the least invasive way to measure the level of cortisol in the body.  Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and regulated by the hypothalamus, a part of the brain, and the pituitary gland.  Cortisol is a critical hormone that helps to break down fat and protein.  The level of cortisol in the body stimulates liver glucose production and helps to maintain blood pressure and regulate the immune system affecting inflammation.  It also helps us react to physical and emotional stress. Free cortisol, which is unbound to a protein, is found in the urine and in the saliva and cortisol levels normally fluctuate throughout the day, with levels being highest in the morning and lowest after midnight.

High levels of cortisol may be caused by Cushing Syndrome, a relatively rare disorder that could result from taking glucocorticoid-steroids for a prolonged period or an adrenal tumor.

Addison’s disease (primary or secondary) or adrenal insufficiency cause low levels of cortisol and may be a result of an autoimmune response to the adrenal glands or an adrenal tumor.  70% of primary adrenal insufficiency is caused by an autoimmune process that ultimately destroys the adrenal cortex.

Cortisol, also known as hydrocortisone, is a hormone released by the adrenal gland in response to stress.  When responding to a stressful situation cortisol prepares the body for a fight or flight response by increasing blood sugar, suppressing the immune system, and aiding in fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism for increased energy.  Cortisol also prevents the release of substances that cause inflammation so it is used to treat diseases that cause inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis and allergies.

Although cortisol is critical for our survival, too much cortisol is damaging to the body and can cause hyperglycemia, abdominal fat production, obesity, decreased bone density, compromised immune and inflammation response, increased blood pressure, damage to the heart, and may lead to Cushing’s syndrome.  Too little and our bodies don’t function properly either.  Damage to the adrenal gland or an autoimmune disease can reduce the amount of cortisol produced leading to weight loss, fatigue, low blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of consciousness.

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate) is a test that indirectly measures the degree of inflammation. Inflammation is part of the body’s immune response. It can be acute, which can show an increase in value after trauma, injury or infection. If the ESR is elevated for a long period of time, then it could be seen in conditions like autoimmune disease or cancer. The ESR is used as a screening test and not diagnostic, it provides general information about possible presence of an inflammatory condition. The ESR test has also been good indicator for diagnosis and monitoring of the following diseases, temporal arteritis, polymyaglia rheumatica, and systemic vaculitis.

The Estradiol Test measures the amount of estradiol (a female sex hormone which is basically a form of estrogen) in your blood. The test will determine your estrogen status, evaluate your ovarian function and monitor the follicular development during ovulation. In men, this test is used to assess estrogen production levels.

In people with allergies, the body produces antibodies against common foods that create the typical allergy symptoms we all know or have experienced.  The antibodies or mast cells produce histamine which causes the allergic response.  Although the reaction is based on a healthy bodily function designed to protect us from toxins in our food or in the environment, many allergies are so extreme as to cause anaphylactic shock and even death in extreme cases.

Not so long ago people, including many children, were subjected to hundreds of needle pricks containing different possible allergens to determine which ones caused the strongest reactions.  There is also a risk or a severe allergic reaction during this type of testing.  Research conducted in the 1970s has found that when the body experiences sensitivity or an allergy to a substance it produces antibodies that are specific to the allergen, called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and these can be measured in the blood.  A simple blood draw can look for the specific antibodies to hundreds of substances using only one needle.

There is an antibody, Immunoglobulin G (IgG), that can also cause allergic responses but the reactions are delayed.   This delay may make it difficult to identify the specific allergen that is causing the reaction and the discomfort may not be recognized as an allergy.  An IgG response may not occur until hours or even days after exposure to the allergen.  Symptoms may include headache, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome or other digestive issues, seizures or hyperactivity, making diagnosis difficult.

Not so long ago people, including many children, were subjected to hundreds of needle pricks containing different possible allergens to determine which ones caused the strongest reactions but this method is ineffective for IgG allergies due to the delayed reaction.  A simple blood draw can look for specific antibodies to hundreds of substances using only one needle.

When people think of allergies what typically comes to mind is the standard allergy symptoms we all know or have experienced.  Our bodies may mistakenly identify a substance as toxic and produce antibodies against common foods or environmental substances.  This type of reaction is caused by IgE antibodies.  Allergic reactions to IgE antibodies can be severe and cause anaphylactic shock and even death.

There is another antibody, Immunoglobulin G (IgG), that can also cause allergic responses but the reactions are delayed.   This delay may make it difficult to identify the specific allergen that is causing the reaction and the discomfort may not be recognized as an allergy.  An IgG response may not occur until hours or even days after exposure to the allergen.  Symptoms may include headache, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome or other digestive issues, seizures or hyperactivity, making diagnosis difficult.

Not so long ago people, including many children, were subjected to hundreds of needle pricks containing different possible allergens to determine which ones caused the strongest reactions but this method is ineffective for IgG allergies due to the delayed reaction.  A simple blood draw can look for specific antibodies to hundreds of substances using only one needle.  The presence of the IgG and/or IgE antibodies will identify the allergen so that it can be avoided or eliminated from the diet.

The Ferritin Test measures the level of ferritin molecules in the blood.

Ferritin is a protein in the body that binds to iron.  The level of ferritin correlates with the total amount of iron stored in the body.   Ferritin is low in those with iron deficiency anemia and high when levels of iron are raised.  Liver dysfunction can cause elevated ferritin levels because the liver is unable to clear it from the body.  Ferritin may also be increased when the body is inflamed or an infection is present.

A  deficiency  of  folic  acid  is  common  in  pregnant  women,  alcoholics,  or  individuals  who  do  not  have  enough  raw  fruits  and  vegetables  in  their  diet.    The  most  reliable  method  of  testing  a  folate  deficiency  is by  checking  the  folate  levels  in  both  erythrocytes  and  serum.

The Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) test measures the amount of FSH, a sex hormone produced by the pituitary gland, in your blood. In women, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)  stimulates production of eggs and a hormone called estradiol during the first half of the menstrual cycle.  In men, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) stimulates production of sperm.

Free T4 measures the free, unbound thyroxine levels in your bloodstream. Free T4 is typically elevated in hyperthyroidism, and lowered in hypothyroidism. Free or unbound T4 levels represent the level of hormone available for uptake and use by cells. Because the free levels of T4 represent immediately available hormone, free T4 is thought to better reflect the patient’s hormonal status than total T4.

Getting an early gender DNA test can be a fun activity for you, your family and friends! Especially as you make plans and get ready for your new baby. Our Gender Reveal test analyzes a simple blood draw sample to determine the gender of your unborn child. This test can be offered to new moms as early as 6 to 7 weeks into gestation, but to ensure the best results 8 weeks are recommended. This test can only be used for single pregnancies. This non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) test has accuracy above 99%. This test analyzes the fetal DNA that circulates in maternal blood.

The Glucose (Serum) Test, also known as the Fasting Blood Glucose Test, is the most common test used to diagnose hyperglycemia (higher than normal levels of blood sugar), hypoglycemia (lower than normal levels of blood sugar) and diabetes. It’s commonly given by your doctor every year and during pregnancy. In addition, Diabetics self conduct this test multiple times a day to monitor their blood glucose.

This test is to determine if a person has an allergic reaction to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in rye, barley and wheat. The IgE test looks for antibodies which are seen in people that have a particular allergy. Allergy testing can help identify or rule out an allergy if someone is experiencing symptoms.

The Heart Health Panel provides an overview of your heart health status. This panel can be used as a baseline assessment of your heart health and possible risk. There are four components provided within the Heart Health Panel.

The Hemoglobin A1c Test is a valuable measure of the overall blood glucose levels over a period of time (2‐3 months). This test can be used to help detect pre‐diabetes and diagnose diabetes.  If you’re diabetic, this test can help determine if your disease is under control.

The C‐Reactive Protein (High Sensitivity, Cardiac) (CRP) is a blood test that measures the amount of protein (called C‐reactive Protein) in your blood that indicates inflammation.  It’s also used to assess your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).  “High Sensitivity” means that this particular test can see if you have an increased chance of having a heart problem or heart attack.

The best way to utilize test results is to be tested two different times (typically taken two weeks apart). Your physician will take the average of the two test results to determine your risk for cardiovascular disease or the presence of inflammation.

High levels of CRP are caused by infections and many long‐term diseases. But a CRP test cannot show where the inflammation is located or what is causing it. Other tests are needed to find the cause and location of the inflammation.

The Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is a sexually transmitted infection comprised of more than 150 different types of virus. HPV is spread by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It is estimated that 80% of all sexually active individuals will contract HPV at some point in their life.

The HPV Test is a qualitative in vitro test for the detection of the Human Papillomavirus using a vaginal swab for females. The vaginal swab is collected in the privacy of your own home. This test utilizes amplification of target DNA by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and nucleic acid hybridization for the detection of 14 high-risk HPV types. The test specifically identifies HPV types 16 and 18, while concurrently detecting the rest of the high risk types (31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68). When left untreated, HPV can lead to risks of cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancers.

This test kit is available for purchase in-store or for purchase online at select locations.

Test Results:

Turn-around time is approximately 2 – 3 days after the specimen arrives at the lab.

The Luteinizing Hormone or LH Test measures how much of the hormone is in your blood.   The LH is produced by the pituitary gland in both men and women.

In females, this hormone helps regulate the menstrual cycle and egg production.  It is common to see LH levels rise and fall during the monthly menstrual cycle.  It is also useful in the production of estrogen and progesterone.

In males, LH is responsible for the release of testosterone (which plays a role in producing sperm).

The Osteoporosis Risk Panel includes ten different tests that evaluate your risk for osteoporosis – a debilitating disease that causes bones to become more fragile.

Calcium and Vitamin D play a large part in diagnosing osteoporosis.  If you are deficient in these minerals, this panel will tell you.  The other tests help make the panel more comprehensive and give you and your physician a better evaluation of your bones and how your body processes the minerals needed to create bone.

Common tests that your surgeon may ask you to have before surgery.

The  Pregnancy  Test  with  Fetal  Age  Chart  is  a  blood  test  that  not  only  tells  you  “Yes” or “No”,  but  tells  you  how  far  along  you  are  in  your  pregnancy  (if  you  are  at  least  two  weeks  pregnant  at  the  time  off  the  test).

An OB panel is a group of blood tests done to check the health or a woman during early pregnancy.

The Progesterone Test measures the amount of the hormone in your blood. Progesterone is a female hormone produced by the ovaries and it’s essential for pregnancy. It prepares the uterus for fertilization and produces breast milk. The hormone also plays a role in sexual desire.

Prolactin levels are a good measure if there is a dysfunction within your body.  Symptoms that may trigger someone to check their prolactin level include nipple discharge, headaches and visual problems, infertility (male and female), impotence, possible pituitary tumor, prolactinomas and irregular or no menstrual periods.

A renal panel is a group of tests that are used to evaluate the kidney (renal) Function. Minerals, electrolytes, proteins, and glucose are measured as part of a renal function panel.

If the kidneys are not working properly, waste products can accumulate in the blood and fluid levels could change which could cause damage to the body and be potentially life-threatening. There are a variety of conditions that can result in damage to the kidneys.

If your joints hurt from walking up stairs, opening up jars or other routine activity, you may want to take the RA Factor Test.   Rheumatoid arthritis often causes problems in several joints at the same time – affecting your smaller joints like wrists and ankles first. As the disease progresses, your shoulders, elbows, knees, hips, jaw and neck can also become involved.  Basically, your whole body hurts and it’s not fun.

Adrenal glands that are in balance produce adequate amounts of hormones to power us through the day. These hormones impact just about every process in the body, from energy production and immune activity to cellular maintenance and repair. They are key regulators of glucose, insulin and inflammation, and play a major role in bone and muscle building, mood and mental focus, stamina, sex drive and sleep cycles.

This kit tests the adrenal hormones DHEA-S and Cortisol, the master stress hormone. When individuals experience continuous stress, not only from emotional stressors (e.g., marital, financial, and occupational) but also from physical stressors (e.g., sleep deprivation, caffeine consumption, pain, extreme exercise), it can lead to changes in adrenal hormone levels, related to disorders ranging from anxiety to allergies and irritability to infertility.

This kit is available for purchase in-store or online.

Skin vitality tests help you uncover the root causes for skin problems.

Our skin has a abundance of hormone receptor sites and our facial skin in particular, has a very high concentration of estrogen receptors so the effects of declining hormones typically make their first appearance on the face. Many people who experience premature aging, unexplained skin rashes, breakouts and excess facial or body hair are also likely to have an undetected hormone imbalance.

The Skin Vitality Take Home Hormone Kit consists of a dried blood spot test for measurement of thyroid and Vitamin D hormones and four saliva tests performed throughout the day to capture peaks and troughs of steroid and adrenal hormone production.

Test results can pinpoint hormone deficiencies or excesses that may contribute to skin problems.

This kit is available for purchase in-store or online.

More than 60 million Americans suffer from some degree of sleep loss. It’s no surprise that many of us are still unaware of the connection between hormones and sleep.

Common hormone-related causes of sleep loss:

• High cortisol results in insomnia, anxiety, sugar cravings, feeling tired but wired & increased belly fat
• Low Melatonin results in excessive fatigue, depression, anxiety & insomnia

To restore the vital balance of hormones, you need to start with an accurate measurement of hormone levels.

The Sleep Balance Take Home Hormone Kit includes:

A dried urine test to measure Melatonin levels ( Melatonin (MT6s x 4))
A dried urine test to measure Cortisol levels (Free Cortisol (C x 4))

This kit is available in-store or for purchase online.

This test measures the total amount of circulating thyroxine in your blood. Thyroxine, a hormone produced by the thyroid, is also known as T4. A high value can indicate hyperthyroidism, a low value can indicate hypothyroidism. Total T4 levels can be elevated due to pregnancy, and other high estrogen states, including use of estrogen replacement or birth control pills.

Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower front part of your neck. Its job is to secrete hormones that control growth/development during childhood, regulate your metabolism and body temperature, and drive the production of neurotransmitters that help you feel good and others that motivate you to accomplish your goals: serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline.

8 Factors that Inhibit Healthy Thyroid Function:

• Excess stress and cortisol production
• Selenium deficiency
• Deficient protein, excess sugar
• Chronic illness
• Compromised liver or kidney function
• Cadmium, mercury, lead toxicity
• Herbicides, pesticides
• Oral contraceptives, excessive estrogen production

Thyroid disease or dysfunction can explain a wide variety of symptoms, yet it is notoriously under-diagnosed. The American Thyroid Association estimates that over 12% of the US population will develop thyroid disease during their lifetime, and that as many as 60% of people with thyroid disease are not aware of it.  Many elements that can affect the thyroid are present in the food we eat, air we breathe, and water we drink and are tasteless and odorless, so they are impossible to detect without testing.

This kit can be purchased in-store or online.

The Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies test assists in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases such as endemic goiter, Graves Disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, Addison’s Disease, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, Hashimoto’s Disease, and polyendocrine auto-immunopathies.

The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating how your body uses energy. The thyroid also produces hormones critical to proper cell and system functioning.

The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test checks your body’s production of TSH and helps screen  for thyroid disease, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

There are two types of thyroid disorders including:

• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) – symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, a short attention span, and numbness or cold intolerance.
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) – symptoms may include weight loss, persistent vomiting, increased blood pressure, hair loss or a persistently fast heart rate.

The Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) Test measures the amount of iron in your blood.  Having too much or too little iron in your blood can cause medical problems.  However, this test is mainly used to determine certain types of anemia.

Uric acid is the byproduct of the breakdown of purines. This test measures the level of uric acid in the blood. This blood test is used to detect high levels of uric acid in the blood to help diagnose gout. Also, the presence of high uric acid can lead to kidney stones or kidney failure. This test can also be used to monitor levels of uric acid for people that are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer.

The Urinalysis can determine a number of health problems. It will see if your kidneys are functioning normally, if sugar is present in your urine, if you’re burning fat or if you have a urinary tract infection.  In addition, it can locate substances that may be causing everything from metabolic problems to kidney disorders.  Some doctors request a Urinalysis before surgery or during the early stages of pregnancy.

A bacterium known as Escherichia coli (E. coli) causes the majority of lower urinary tract infections (UTIs). Fortunately, this microorganism is treatable with several antibiotics, including trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and nitrofurantoin.  For most people the infection will be easily eliminated with one of these antibiotics. Some doctors prescribe an antibiotic without performing a urine culture but the test can definitively identify a UTI.

The urine culture tests for the presence of a single type of bacteria.  If high counts are found the test is generally considered a positive urine culture.  If there are multiple bacteria strains, the culture may have been contaminated and the urine culture may need to be redone.  Symptoms of a UTI include pain and burning when urinating and a frequent urge to urinate.  If symptoms are present, but the urine culture is negative, you may want to consult your doctor who may order a specialized urine culture to look for a wider range of the non-diluted urine to determine if bacteria at lower counts or other microorganisms may be causing the symptoms.  The presence of low number of bacteria and the presence of white blood cells may indicate a condition known as acute urethral syndrome.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that interacts with and regulates more than 200 genes in the body.  Your body absorbs Vitamin D from exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light on exposed skin, and from plants, fortified foods and supplements.

Undetected hormone imbalance can be the missing link as to why achieving and maintaining your optimal weight has been unsuccessful, despite your best efforts with diet and exercise.

The Weight Management kit is ideal for women and men who are struggling with weight issues, menopause or andropause and anyone wanting to get to the root of general health concerns.

The Weight Management Take Home Hormone Kit consists of a dried blood spot test and a saliva test. The test measures bioavailable hormone levels for those with unexplained weight gain, obesity, abdominal fat, high BMI and low metabolism.

This kit is available in-store or for purchase online.