A complete panel of blood lab testing can be requested at the Point Grey Wellness Clinic. Our partners at Lifelabs have many locations extended hours for your convenience. Please note that doing blood tests that are covered by MSP are free of charge only if done through your medical doctor and are NOT covered when done through a naturopathic doctor.
- www.foodallergy.com
- www.rmalab.com
- www.genovadiagnostics.com
- www.diagnostechs.com
- www.doctorsdata.com
- www.igenex.com
- www.meridianvalleylab.com
There are two types of food allergies: type I and type III. The first type is the one we commonly associate with anaphylaxis - i.e. someone eats a peanut and immediately their throat swells up or they break out into hives. Type III is much more subtle and has a delayed onset, so it's hard to tell what food or substance was that caused of the symptoms. An example of this is when someone eats something (it could be anything i.e. dairy, wheat, soy, ect. and a few hours or even days later they experience a sense of unwellness. The highest concentration of immune system cells is in the Gastro-Intestinal tract, thus foods play an immensely important role in all allergies and sensitivities.
Type I - IgE
Immediate Hypersensitivity Allergic Reactions - Approximately 20% of the population has allergies to food or inhalants that show symptoms immediately. Symptoms include difficulty breathing due to constriction of airways, redness and swelling and low blood pressure which can be fatal.
Type III - IgG
Delayed Onset Allergic Reactions - These allergic reactions are difficult to diagnose because reactions do not occur until hours or days after exposure to an allergen. With delayed hypersensitivity reactions, an antibody called immunoglobulin G (IgG) is released in response to the allergen.Symptoms: skin conditions, swelling and dark circles around the eyes , headaches, high blood pressure ,arthritis, and autoimmune diseases.
The adrenal hormones cortisol and DHEA are actively involved in the body's development, growth, immune response, and cardiovascular function. They affect carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism, serve as anti-inflammatory agents, modulate thyroid function, and increase resistance to stress. Thus, changing amounts of DHEA and cortisol may signal important alterations in adrenal function that can profoundly affect an individual's energy levels, emotional state and general sense of well-being.
A combination of tests that help to personalize diet and nutritional supplementation, aiming to promote optimal brain function. The profile includes evaluation of: Essential & Metabolic Fatty Acid Analysis , IgG Food Antibodies Celiac Disease screen and APOE (apolipoprotein E). Useful in the assessment of Autism and ADHD/ADD.
This test is critical in the prevention of bone loss throughout all stages of life. Accelerated bone loss leads to a condition known as Osteoporosis, which is defined as reduced bone density causing an increased risk of fractures. Specific Urinary markers for bone loss are measured to identify if accelerated bone loss is occurring.
A comprehensive cardiovascular profile includes markers that detect risk factors for heart more effectively compared to conventional cholesterol testing alone. Additional scientific markers include: Homocysteine, Lipoprotein-a, CRP, Fibrinogen, in addition to HDL: Total Cholesterol ratio risk assessment.
Evaluation of digestion adequacy, absorption, pancreatic function, and inflammation, in addition to bacterial balance, yeast, and parasite infection. This test features exclusive new markers for assessing irritable bowel syndrome, sub-mucosal inflammation, colorectal cancer risk, pancreatic insufficiency, and occult infection.
Salivary hormone testing provides an accurate assessment of your hormonal balance by measuring stored levels of hormones. Hormones are related to the aging process, emotional health, heart health, fertility, immune function and cancer.
This test evaluates genetic variations, called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in genes that modulate blood pressure regulation, lipid balance, nutrient metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
This test evaluates SNPs associated with increased risk of impaired detoxification capacity especially when exposed to environmental toxins. It also identifies individuals potentially susceptible to adverse drug reactions and chemical sensitivities.
This test evaluates genetic variations in genes that modulate immune and inflammatory activity. These variations can affect balance between cell (Th-1) and humoral (Th-2) immunity, trigger potential defects in immune system defense, and stimulate mechanisms underlying chronic, overactive inflammatory responses, and Vitamin D3 metabolism.
This test evaluates genetic variations in genes that modulate bone formation (collagen synthesis), bone breakdown, and inflammation, including mechanisms affecting calcium and Vitamin D3 metabolism.
The Lyme Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) detects antibodies (IgG, IgM, IgA) against B.burgdorferi in a patient's serum. Therefore, it is useful as a screening test at all stages of the disease. IgM-specific antibodies are usually high during the early (or active) stage of the disease; and in some patients IgM may persisit for a long time. Antibody levels tend to rise within 2-3 weeks after an infection. IgG appears later in the disease, but may remain present in low levels long after the disease is cured. A panel approach for initial Lyme that includes Lyme IFA screening test and Lyme Westren Blots IgG and IgM is recommended for better diagnosis.
There is evidence confirming that nutrient deficiencies have been shown to contributing to chronic disease process including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer's. The Nutreval test measures amino acid status, as well as vitamin and mineral status to assist in determining the optimal nutritional supplemental protocol for each individual.
There are two essential fatty acid pathways: omega 3 and omega 6. The relationship between the omega 3, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and the omega 6, arachidonic acid (AA) is particularly important as the ratio of these two fatty acids is an excellent marker of inflammation. Adequate levels of omega 3 fatty acids have proven protective against heart disease. In addition, a healthy ratio of AA to EPA has been associated with improvements in a variety of diseases like: rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and diabetes. Some cancers may also benefit from a lowered ratio of AA to EPA.
Heavy metals and essential minerals are quantitatively measured using a provocation urine collection. It is important to remove toxins from your body as an increased burden of toxic elements is related to many chronic diseases.