Naturopathic Pathology Testing and Diagnostics

Comprehensive Bloodwork (Baseline Panel)

A comprehensive blood panel gives a clear snapshot of your overall health and helps us target care where it counts. The exact markers are tailored to you and may include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Immune health and oxygen-carrying capacity

• Thyroid function: TSH ± FT4/FT3 for energy, mood, metabolism

• Liver & kidney function: LFTs, eGFR for detoxification and filtration

• Lipid profile: Cholesterol and cardiovascular risk

• Iron studies: Ferritin and transferrin saturation for fatigue and hair/skin health

• Blood sugar markers: Fasting glucose and/or HbA1c for metabolic balance

Why it matters: Establishes a baseline, flags nutrient or organ stress, and tracks progress over time so we can fine-tune your plan.

Access & cost (Australia):
Blood draws are completed at your local collection centre. Where appropriate, your GP may order standard pathology (Medicare rebates may apply). Private/functional add-ons are self-funded and paid directly to the lab. Typical range: A$150–A$450 (varies by lab and markers). Results are forwarded to me for interpretation in your follow-up consult.

Food Reactions (Allergy, Intolerance & Sensitivity)

Not all food reactions are the same. We’ll clarify what’s most likely for you and choose the right pathway—often starting with a targeted elimination-and-rechallenge plan before testing.

What we may arrange (case by case):

• IgE allergy testing (true allergy, immediate reactions): Blood specific-IgE or skin-prick testing via your GP/allergist. Best for hives, swelling, wheeze, or rapid-onset symptoms.

• Intolerance/diagnostic testing: e.g., lactose or fructose hydrogen breath tests, coeliac serology (and referral pathways if needed), or assessments related to histamine sensitivity.

• IgG “food sensitivity” panels (delayed reactions): Optional and interpreted cautiously. These do not diagnose allergy; results are used alongside your clinical history and a structured elimination-rechallenge to guide a practical food plan.

Why it matters:
Pinpointing your personal triggers can reduce inflammation, calm gut/skin symptoms, and simplify your diet to what actually serves you.

Access & cost (Australia):
Standard medical tests may be available via your GP (Medicare rebates may apply). Private functional panels are self-funded and paid directly to the lab. Typical range: A$200–A$700, depending on the test.

Safety note: If you suspect a severe allergy or anaphylaxis, please see your GP or call emergency services.

Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)

A small hair sample can reflect longer-term mineral patterns and screen for potential heavy metal exposure. It’s a useful adjunct for nutrition planning and tracking trends over time.

What it can show

• Essential minerals (e.g., magnesium, calcium, potassium) and key ratios that inform metabolic and stress patterns

• Screening for metals such as mercury, lead, and arsenic (flagging possible exposure)

Why it matters
Helps identify nutrient gaps, guides supplementation, and can spotlight environmental exposures that may affect energy, metabolism, skin, and immune health.

Good to know

• HTMA does not diagnose acute toxicity; any concerning elevations should be confirmed with medical testing (blood/urine) via your GP.

• Hair treatments and external contamination can affect results—please follow the kit instructions carefully.

Access & cost (Australia)
This is a private, at-home kit arranged through independent labs. You pay the lab directly. Typical range: A$150–A$350. Results are sent to me for interpretation in your follow-up consult (online).

Salivary Hormones (Stress & Sex Hormone Profile)

A simple, at-home saliva kit that helps map daily stress hormones and selected sex hormones—useful for spotting patterns that a single blood draw can miss.

What it can show

• Diurnal cortisol rhythm (morning → night) and, if indicated, the cortisol awakening response (CAR)

• Sex hormones such as estradiol, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA (with cycle-specific timing where relevant)

• Pattern insights for PMS/perimenopause/menopause, sleep issues, low energy, and stress recovery

Why it matters
Links symptoms to hormone patterns over a day or cycle, helping us fine-tune lifestyle, nutrition, and herbal support—and decide if further testing is warranted.

Good to know

• Not used to diagnose thyroid conditions; thyroid is best assessed via blood tests.

• Hormone therapy (HRT), contraceptives, and collection timing can affect results—your kit will include clear instructions.

• In some cases, blood or urinary metabolite testing may be more appropriate; we’ll choose the right tool for your goals.

Access & cost (Australia)
Private, at-home kit arranged through independent labs; you pay the lab directly. Typical range: A$150–A$450. Results are sent to me and reviewed together in your online follow-up consult.

Comprehensive Stool Analysis (Microbiome & Digestion)

An at-home stool kit that maps your gut microbiome, screens for pathogens, and checks digestive and inflammation markers—useful for persistent bloating, IBS-type symptoms, skin issues, low immunity, or fatigue.

What it can show

• Microbiome balance: Diversity and dysbiosis (helpful vs. opportunistic bacteria)

• Pathogens/overgrowths: Parasites, pathogenic bacteria, and yeast (e.g., Candida)

• Digestive function: Pancreatic elastase, fat/protein breakdown, bile acids

• Gut inflammation & barrier: Calprotectin, sIgA, occult blood (screening indicators)

• Metabolites: Short-chain fatty acids, beta-glucuronidase, pH

Why it matters
Links symptoms to underlying gut patterns so we can target diet, lifestyle, and herbal/nutrient support—and track progress over time.

Good to know

• Results require clinical correlation; this is not a colon-cancer screening test or an emergency assessment.

• Recent antibiotics, probiotics, herbal antimicrobials, PPIs/NSAIDs can affect results—your kit includes timing guidance.

• A single sample is a snapshot; retesting can help measure change.

Access & cost (Australia)
Private, at-home kit arranged through independent labs; you pay the lab directly. Typical range: A$250–A$700. Results come to me and we review them together in your online follow-up consult.

Unsure if this is right for you? Book an online consultation and we’ll decide together.

Organic Acids Test (OAT) — Metabolism & Microbiome

A first-morning urine panel that maps metabolic by-products, giving a systems view of energy production, nutrient needs, and gut microbial balance.

What it can show

• Microbial imbalance: Yeast/fungal (e.g., Candida) and bacterial overgrowth markers

• Energy production: Krebs cycle patterns, carbohydrate and fatty-acid metabolism

• Nutrient cofactor needs: Functional indicators for B-vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12/folate), vitamin C, carnitine, CoQ10

• Oxalate metabolism and related risk markers

• Detox & oxidative stress indicators: Inferred markers of glutathione status and phase-2 support (not a direct toxin test)

Why it matters
Connects symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, mood changes, and gut issues to modifiable pathways, helping personalise diet, lifestyle, and targeted supplementation—and track change over time.

Good to know

• Not diagnostic for any single condition; results are interpreted alongside your history and other labs.

• Certain foods, supplements, and medications can influence metabolites—your kit includes simple prep instructions (some items are paused briefly before collection).

• Collected as a first-morning urine sample at home.

Access & cost (Australia)
Private, at-home kit arranged through independent labs; you pay the lab directly. Typical range: A$380–A$700. Results are sent to me and we review them together in your online follow-up consult.

SmartDNA Genomic Wellness Plus Test

A simple saliva test that analyses ~160 gene variants to personalise nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle strategies. Results highlight how your body may process fats and carbs, handle inflammation and detoxification, and respond to stress and sleep—so we can tailor a plan that fits your biology.

What it can show (examples)

• Lipid & glucose metabolism: cholesterol handling, metabolic syndrome/Type 2 diabetes tendencies.

• Inflammation & oxidative stress markers; Phase I/II detox pathways.

• Vitamin cofactor needs (e.g., B-vitamins, vitamin D/E, CoQ10), methylation/folate, choline.

• Food-related insights: lactose intolerance, coeliac risk markers, caffeine metabolism.

• Stress (HPA axis) & sleep/seasonal variation, weight-management tendencies, and exercise response.

Good to know

• Practitioner-only test; results are released to your practitioner for interpretation.

• Shows predispositions, not diagnoses; best used alongside your history and other labs.

• Optional reporting of APOE genotype requires specific consent.

Access & cost (Australia)
Ordered by an accredited practitioner; you collect a saliva sample at home and return it to the lab. Typical kit price: ~A$400–A$600.

Next step: Book an online consultation. I’ll confirm whether this test suits your goals, arrange the kit through an independent lab, and we’ll interpret your report together to craft a personalised plan.