Xtra Health Wellness Clinics

What is Functional Pathology?

• Functional pathology tests are used to investigate functional, biochemical, nutritional, metabolic and hormonal status
• The results provide essential information to assist the practitioner in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients seeking a holistic approach to health
• The tests are designed so patients can collect specimens in the privacy of their own homes
• Functional Pathology testing provides a tool for early intervention, management and monitoring of ongoing
• treatment efficacy

Complete Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA)

• The Complete Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) is a functional test that provides an overview of the components of digestion, absorption, intestinal function and microbial flora, as well as identifying pathogenic bacteria, parasites and yeasts.
• The CDSA is a non-invasive test providing invaluable information for the patient and practitioner in terms of understanding the role of poor digestive function in disease states.
• Poor digestive function and imbalanced gut flora may play a crucial role in the underlying cause of a number of health conditions. Symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, bloating, abdominal discomfort and bad breath are all indicative of poor gut function.

Functional Liver Detoxification Profile (FLDP)

The Functional Liver Detoxification Profile (FLDP) challenges the liver’s Phase I and Phase II detoxification capacity with low doses of Caffeine, Aspirin and Paracetamol. Saliva and urine specimens, collected at timed intervals, are then analysed for metabolites of the three compounds to determine the efficiency of the liver in their conversion and clearance from the body.

Phase I reactions utilise the Cytochrome P450 mixed function oxidase (MFO) enzymes. The primary function of these enzymes is to oxidise endogenous and exogenous chemicals for excretion. This provides a mechanism of protection from a wide variety of toxins.

Phase I is followed by an intermediate phase where oxygen-free radicals may be generated in substantial quantities, which in some instances may change harmless compounds into potentially toxic substances.

Phase II reactions involve the addition of a small polar molecule to the substance, a conjugation step that may or may not be preceded by Phase I. Several types of conjugation reactions occur in the body, including glutathionation, sulphation, glucuronidation, glycination.

The results of an FLDP will support accurate identification of the individual’s detoxification profile and assist in the direction of treatment. The FLDP may particularly provide valuable information in the management of patients who suffer from food allergies, multiple chemical sensitivities, chronic fatigue syndrome, “leaky gut” and hormonal imbalance eg. premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms

Salivary Hormone testing

• Adrenal Hormone Profile

The Adrenal Hormone Profile is a non-invasive saliva test which monitors the levels of the stress hormones Cortisol and DHEA-S, over the course of a day. This is an important test to determine adrenal function in patients presenting with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, insomnia, headaches, low energy, stress, hormonal imbalance and poor immune function.

Altered levels of Cortisol and DHEA-S are indicative of acute and/or chronic mental and/or physical stress. Prolonged stress causes increased secretion of Cortisol and can eventually lead to hypertrophy of the adrenal cortex, adrenal exhaustion and immune suppression.

DHEA-S is the main androgen in both men and women and its levels decline with age. Reduced levels of DHEA-S may result in fatigue, poor immune function, weight gain, increased ageing, memory loss and poor concentration.

• Baseline Hormone Profiles – Male & Female
  • The Baseline Hormone Profile provides valuable information on an individual’s hormonal status and the potential impact this may have on physical and emotional health. Hormonal imbalance may result in a symptom picture which includes weight gain, mood swings, night sweats, disturbed sleep pattern, loss of libido and hot flushes.
  • Salivary Hormone testing is unique in that it helps identify the hormonal imbalances which may be causing chronic health problems. Results obtained from the test make it possible for practitioners to individualise treatment in order to establish optimal hormone balance. Testing can also be used to monitor the effects of bioidentical/natural hormone replacement therapy.
  • The Baseline Hormone Profile is a non-invasive test which requires the collection of one saliva specimen, from which multiple hormones are tested.

• Baseline Plus Adrenal Hormone Profile

The Baseline plus Adrenal Hormone Profile is a combined test designed to measure an individual’s hormone status as well as their adrenal function and the potential impact this may have on physical and emotional health.

Hormonal imbalance may result in a symptom picture which includes weight gain, mood swings, night sweats, disturbed sleep pattern, loss of libido and hot flushes. Where patients also present with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, headaches, low energy, stress and poor immune function it is important to also assess adrenal function. Altered levels of Cortisol and DHEA-S are indicative of acute and/or chronic mental and/or physical stress.

This test requires four saliva specimens which are collected over the course of a day. For premenopausal women, specimens are collected on day 21 of the menstrual cycle. The Baseline Hormone Profile test is performed on the first morning specimen. Menopausal/Post-menopausal women and men collect their specimens on any day.

• Female Hormone Profiles
  • The Female Hormone Profile monitors changes in hormone status over the course or part of the menstrual cycle, by measuring the sex hormones. Saliva specimens are collected on specified days of the month, according to the nature of the investigation, e.g. a full cycle profile for a pre-menopausal woman or the luteal phase only in premenopausal or peri-menopausal women. For post menopausal women refer to the Baseline Hormone Profile.
  • The Female Hormone Profile provides valuable information on an individual’s hormonal status and the potential impact this may have on physical and emotional health. Hormonal imbalance may result in a symptom picture which includes weight gain, mood swings, night sweats, disturbed sleep pattern, loss of libido and hot flushes.
  • Results obtained from the Female Hormone Profile make it possible for practitioners to individualise treatment in order to establish optimal hormone balance. Testing can also be used to monitor the effects of bioidentical/natural hormone replacement therapy.

Urine Hormone testing

• 2 & 16 Urinary Oestrogen Metabolites
  • This test monitors oestrogen metabolism in men and women, which may be of great importance in determining those patients at high risk of hormone imbalance. High levels of circulating oestrogens are proliferative and potentially dangerous, so it is important that they are broken down efficiently and effectively removed from the body.
  • Oestrogens are metabolised in two ways: the first pathway (2-hydroxyoestrone) is protective whilst the second pathway (16α-hydroxyoestrone) is more potent. This test identifies which is the dominant pathway (2 or 16) for oestrogen metabolism. The aim is to ensure that the ratio between the 2:16 pathways is maintained at the ideal of 2.0.
  • A low ratio (reduced 2-hydroxy metabolite production), indicates a state of oestrogen excess which may be a contributing factor to oestrogen-dependant cancers, such as those of the breast, head/neck and the prostate. A high ratio indicates an oestrogen deficient state which may indicate an increased risk of osteoporosis.

Blood Hormone testing

• Thyroid Hormone Profile
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland and activates the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). T4 is converted to T3 in the liver and requires the presence of selenium and zinc.
  • T3 and T4 regulate the body’s basal metabolic rate, influence heart and nervous system functions and are essential for growth and development. The thyroid gland also produces calcitonin which is essential in the regulation of calcium balance in the body.
  • The Thyroid Hormone Profile measures the levels of unbound free hormones which are available to the tissues, and reflects a true measure of the body’s metabolic rate.
  • Disorders of the thyroid are among the most common diseases of the endocrine glands, particularly in women. Thyroid function decreases with age and an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism (myxoedema) is most common in menopausal and post menopausal women.
  • Symptoms of underactive thyroid include dry and coarse skin, weakness and lethargy, constipation, weight gain, slow pulse, heavy and irregular periods and depression. Symptoms of overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis) include fast metabolic rate, rapid heart beat, nervousness and palpitations, weight loss despite increased appetite and frequent bowel movements.

• Reverse T3 (rT3)
  • Thyroid hormones are essential in maintaining and regulating the body’s metabolism. Triiodthyronine (T3) is the most active of the thyroid hormones. Approximately 85% of circulating T3 is produced by monodeiodination of thyroxine (T4) in tissues such as liver, muscle and kidney. Selenium and zinc are required for this process.
  • Reverse T3 (rT3) is an inactive form of T3 that is produced in the body particularly during periods of stress. rT3 differs from T3 in that the missing deiodinated iodine is from the inner ring of the thyroxin molecule compared with outer ring on T3. rT3 is measured by a blood test.
  • Under normal conditions T4 will convert to both T3 and rT3 continually and the body eliminates rT3 quickly.
  • Under certain conditions, more rT3 is produced and the desirable conversion of T4 to T3 decreases. This occurs during fasting, starvation, illness such as liver disease and during times of increased stress.
  • This becomes a vicious cycle as rT3 competes with T3 as a substrate for the 5-deiodinase enzyme. This inhibits the conversion of T4 to T3, with more T4 being converted to more rT3.
  • An increased production of rT3 is often seen in patients with disorders such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Wilson’s Thyroid Syndrome and stress. Measurement of rT3 is also valuable in identifying sick euthyroid syndrome where active T3 is within normal range and rT3 is elevated.

Nutritional Profiles

• Hair Mineral Analysis (HMA)
  • Hair mineral analysis (HMA) is a safe, non-invasive test that measures the levels and comparative ratios of nutrients and toxic metals found in hair. Hair mineral analysis can detect whether there is an excess or deficiency of vital nutrient minerals such as calcium, potassium, zinc and iron. It can also identify over-exposure to toxic metals such as aluminum, lead, arsenic and mercury. HMA is an invaluable screening tool in both every day and preventive health care.
  • This test provides a reading of the minerals deposited in the cells and interstitial spaces of the hair over a 2-3 month period. It does not provide an assessment of the mineral content of other tissues of the body. However, testing the hair can allow one to infer what is occurring in other tissues.

  What is Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)?

  HTMA is a safe and non-invasive pathology test. It measures the levels and comparative ratios of nutrient and toxic minerals found in hair.

  HTMA is regarded by many doctors, naturopaths and nutritional therapists as one of the most valuable screening tools available in everyday and preventative health care.

  Why test for minerals?

  Minerals are essential for growth, healing, vitality and wellbeing. They provide structural support in bones and teeth, and they maintain the body’s pH and water balance, nerve activity, muscle contractions, energy production and enzyme reactions. They are the basic ‘spark plugs’ of life.

  Ideally we should get all the minerals we need from a balanced diet. Unfortunately today this is rarely possible. Modern farming techniques, fertilisers and depleted soils reduce the mineral content of foods. Environmental pollutants, chemical food additives and stressful lifestyles also have a detrimental effect on our nutritional status.

  Many health conditions are aggravated by mineral imbalances and toxic metal excesses, including cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, migraines, learning difficulties and hyperactivity in children, to name just a few.

  Consequently, we need to test and monitor our nutritional status more than ever.

  Benefits of HTMA

  • Safe, scientific, non-invasive pathology test.
  • Reliable data on more than 35 nutrient and toxic minerals, and over 25 important mineral ratios.
  • Valuable health information often not revealed in standard blood and urine tests.
  • Discovery of nutrient mineral imbalances or toxic mineral excesses that may be affecting your health.
  • Personalised patient and doctor interpretive test reports that assess your current mineral status, highlight areas of concern and recommend dietary changes and supplements for improved health and wellbeing.

  With compliments: Interclinical Laboratories.

Food Allergy/Sensitivity Profiles

• IgG Food Sensitivity Profiles
  • The majority of adverse reactions to food are rarely life threatening, but may be a source of considerable discomfort in many chronic conditions and diseases. The symptoms are varied and individuals can react in different ways. Many people live with minor or major symptoms of adverse food reactions for years without ever suspecting the involvement of the immune system and the foods which trigger them.
  • Food sensitivity reactions may be the result of enzyme deficiency, histamine releasing effects, altered intestinal permeability (e.g. leaky gut) or pharmacological effects.
  • Food sensitivity is often given a low priority in the investigation of disease. Common conditions where food sensitivity may play a significant role include bloating and fluid retention, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine, depression and mood swings, asthma, skin conditions and behavioral problems in children.
  • IgG Food Sensitivity testing interpreted in relation to a case history and other test results, is an efficient and reliable method for diagnosing individuals with adverse reactions to food.
  • Food allergy, on the other hand, is an immunological adverse reaction to food which is often IgE-mediated and can be measured in most instances in blood by detection of specific antibodies. Food sensitivity is identified by screening blood samples for IgG antibodies to a panel of foods. The most common food sensitivities occur with cow’s milk, eggs, beans, nuts and cereals.

Additional testing

Metabolic Profiles:

• Amino Acids – Urine
• Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
• Urinary Iodine
• Urinary Organic Acids
• Osteoporosis Risk Assessment (NTx)

The above testing information is supplied with compliments of Healthscope Pathology.

Live Blood Analysis – Hemaview

Live Blood Analysis(Hemaview) is a scientific test that uses a special “dark field microscope” to enable you to view your blood on a monitor screen during the consultation. This gives a powerful and unique understanding of what areas of your health are out of balance, and what you can do to achieve total wellness.

Just a drop blood is all we need. Our Practitioner will explain the results while you watch and you will receive a detailed print out of your results and the treatment protocol. Our Practitioner will work with you on this to develop a personalised Wellness plan.