What is functional testing?

Complimentary health practitioners can use a large range of tests to measure an individuals biochemical processes. The various tests can measure parasites and microbial diversity, hormones, enzymes, genetic traits, nutrient status and amino acids, to name a few. 

Functional testing looks as the function of the body - how well is it functioning, and is there any evidence of dysfunction? Like iridology, it is not used to diagnose, but rather to provide insight into areas that cannot/have not been picked up with conventional pathology testing, and may be of benefit to assist with disease prevention, and to improve health outcomes. 

Using functional testing alongside extensive case taking in a naturopathic consultation can help to identify problematic areas - it takes the “guess work” out, rather than relying on symptoms alone. 

At the time of the initial consultation I ask for any recent and relevant pathology results to be supplied, including blood tests, X-ray, MRI, CT scan or stool tests that may have already been completed with a patients GP. Often the information provided in these pathology results is adequate and no further information is needed.  If I feel that more information may be required I will generally communicate with the patients GP (via a referral). At times functional testing may also be recommended. 

Types of functional testing:

Microbiome testing: To investigate aspects of the gut such as markers of digestive function (calprotectin, pancreatic elastase, lactoferrin, secretory IgA and zonulin), up to 28,000 microbial species including beneficial and pathogenic, and parasites. Using a PCR DNA method called meta-genomic sequencing (through the company co-biome) allows for an accurate and comprehensive insight into an individuals microbiome diversity. This testing can be of benefit for those who are experiencing digestive issues, food intolerances/allergies and chronic health and immune conditions.

Food intolerance testing: Immediate allergic reactions (IgE) and delayed food sensitivity reactions (IgG) can contribute to an array of symptoms, including digestive disturbances, headaches and migraines and poor immune function. Testing can range from IgE and IgG panel testing (blood spot) to Antigen Leukocyte Cellular Antibody Testing (ALCAT) (blood draw). 

Complete thyroid profile: A complete thyroid profile gives an accurate insight to the function of the thyroid, and includes total T3 and T4, free T3 and T4, reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies. This assist to identify peripheral conversion of thyroid hormones, if there is auto-immune thyroid disease present, and measure thyroid gland activity. 

MTHFR genetic testing: The MTHFR gene provides instructions for the enzyme methyltetrahydrofolate reductase, required to metabolise homocysteine. Variants to this gene can lead to increased levels of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues such as heart disease, venous thrombosis and stroke, obesity and type 2 diabetes, conception and fertility difficulties, and conditions such as ASD, depression and other mood disorders. 

Hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA): This involves taking a sample of an individuals hair and having it analysed for heavy metals, and various minerals. 

Hormone profile: This can include DUTCH hormone testing and Adrenocortex stress profiling. DUTCH testing is used to assess reproductive hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone and their metabolites, and adrenal hormones.This comprehensive test is particularly useful for women to test how efficiently they are detoxifying oestrogen. Adrenocortex stress profiling tests stress hormone levels such as cortisol and DHEA. 

Other functional tests can include: standard blood tests, full blood count, liver detoxification pathways, nutrient status (such as B vitamins, iron, vitamin D, minerals), SIBO testing, H. Pylori testing, neurotransmitters such as GABA, dopamine, adrenaline, noradrenaline, glutamate, histamine. 

Methods of functional testing:

Depending on the type of test carried out, methods of test collection include:

Stool

Urine

Saliva

Buccal swab

Blood draw or blood spot

Note: Medicare rebates are not available for functional testing when carried out privately, so clients will be required to pay upfront to the pathology services for these tests. If I feel that a patient may benefit from functional testing, this is discussed in their consultation, at which time a referral to the appropriate FT service can be provided.