Pathology Testing (Blood Testing)
Pathology testing (blood testing) from a Naturopathic viewpoint is used to track key biomarkers in your blood before they become a health issue. The values we look for are optimal levels which are different to the standard GP’s reference range.
This approach to monitoring helps us identify what’s required to maintain your key biomarkers at optimal normal levels. We want your body to operate as healthily as possible, and this strategy helps to prevent future health conditions and disease.
What We Can Test
Full Blood Count
The full blood count is used as a broad screening test to check for such disorders as anaemia (decrease in red blood cells or haemoglobin), infection, and many other diseases. It is actually a group of tests that examine different parts of the blood. Results from the following tests provide the broadest picture of your health.
E/LFT (Liver Electrolyte Function Test)
Your liver metabolises carbohydrates, proteins and fats, processes bodily toxins, hormones, drugs and alcohol, filters environmental toxins and chemicals, stores vitamins and minerals, activates vitamin D and produces bile and enzymes. This liver function test examines enzymes and other markers for evidence of damage to your liver cells or a blockage near your liver which can impair its function. Read more – click expandable to see the various tests below
Blood Glucose
Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose molecules to be used inside cells for energy. To get glucose into the cells we need insulin. Blood sugar problems occur when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin (type 2 diabetes) or the cells ignore insulin (syndrome X) and glucose builds up in the body and eventually leads to problems with the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and blood vessels.
Thyroid
To gain an accurate understanding of how the thyroid is functioning a full thyroid panel is needed. This would include thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), free T4, triiodothyronine (T3) free T3, reverse (rT3), thyroid antibodies are tested to look for autoimmune thyroid conditions.
Vitamins and Minerals
Assesses levels of vitamins and minerals at a given time and can indicate deficiencies. Common ones tested are Vit D,Vit A, zinc, B12, Folate, Magnesium and B6.