Laboratory Tests
Here is the list of common laboratory tests utilized in our facility.
NO-Tyrosine:
NO-Tyrosine is the marker of brain dysfunction and oxidative stress. It is elevated in many chronic diseases and especially neurological disorders such as autism and Alzheimer’s. NO-Tyrosine if elevated can function as a marker for treatment success. NO-Tyrosine levels lower gradually over time with a successful treatment program.
Glutathione Level:
Glutathione is the body’s primary cleaning agent and detoxifier. People with MTHFR defects and chronic disease states such as fibromyalgia and autism generally have glutathione levels that lower than the normal population. If glutathione levels are low then a person has difficulty clearing toxins from their body and protecting their cells from oxidative stress. Our treatment protocols devote a considerable amount of effort to raising glutathione levels.
Urine Organic Acids:
The Laboratory Tests measures the compounds found in the urine. The quantity of each of these compounds gives us valuable information about key biochemical processes and nutrient levels in the body.
The test also detects compounds excreted by many pathogens such as yeasts, and toxic bacteria. The Laboratory Tests requires collection of morning urine and the avoidance of certain foods that can interfere with the test results.
GI Health Panel:
Most people with chronic diseases also have concurrent problems with their bowel. Bowel inflammation can be one of the main contributing factors to the overall disease process. Reducing inflammation in the GI Tract is most of the most important steps in the recovery process of most chronic illnesses. The GI Health Panel measures multiple parameters of GI Health including cultures for Yeast and Bacteria, Parasite panels, Inflammatory markers, Protective levels, and more. This Laboratory Tests are usually abnormal in patients with chronic disease. This test requires both saliva and stool samples that are collected over a three day period. It takes about 30 days to get results.
Amino Acids:
Urine amino acids provide information on a variety of biological processes Including: Nutrient Adequacy: The quality and quantity of dietary protein, Digestive disorders, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies (Particularly Folic Acid, B 12 , B 6 Metabolism, Zinc and Magnesium). In addition amino acid analysis provides important diagnostic information about Hepatic and Renal Function, Availability of Precursors of Neurotransmitters, Detoxification Capacity, and many disorders in Amino Acid Metabolism.
Environmental Toxin Screen:
This affordable test measures the levels of common environmental toxins such as: Styrene, Benzene, Para Benzene, Phthalates, etc. The test is very simple to perform. The sample strip is dipped in the first morning urine and sent to the lab. We have found most autistic children have extremely high toxin levels. We use the same test in adults with any signs of chronic illness or neurological disease.
Food Allergy Screen:
This test measures IgG antibodies to 88 different foods. Food allergy is a source of inflammation to the bowel and secondarily may affect cognitive function.
MTHFR:
These Laboratory Tests measures a genetic marker that if positive are associated with number of illnesses Including: Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke, Cancer, Fibromyalgia, Autism, and variety of other Chronic Diseases. This test is not only helpful to the patient, But to other family members as well, Since many of the problems associated with MTHFR defects can be avoided by supplementation or with certain medications. MTHFR anomalies are associated with low Glutathione, Our body’s master antioxidant.
Heavy Metal Challenge Test:
Heavy metals can be difficult to detect in autistic children as the pathways that promote excretion are not working well. Consequently, Just looking at a urine collection or hair sample may give a false negative. The challenge test uses a chelating agent also known as a provoking agent to help release toxic heavy metals, So they may be detected. The Laboratory Tests uses two urine collections, Usually first morning urine done one day apart.
The first collection is done without a chelating agent. The second collection is done with a provoking or chelating agent that helps the body release heavy metals. Typically DMSA is used as the provoking agent. The provoked sample often shows very high levels of toxic metals in comparison to unprovoked sample. Often this test will be highly positive as compared to a hair sample.