Lab Testing

There are several different ways of measuring the hormones in a person’s body. Most blood and serum tests look only at the level of hormones that are present in a person’s tissues. This is known as “bound hormone levels”.

Saliva testing looks at the “unbound hormone levels” also known as “free fraction hormone levels” which are the hormone levels that are available to be used by the body’s tissues. This gives providers a better idea of the levels of hormones that are actually influencing the tissues, rather than just the level of hormones that are present in the tissues.

Measuring free fraction hormone levels gives a provider more information than measuring bound hormone levels. Usually, when bound hormone levels are measured, a provider needs to guess at the level of hormones affecting the tissues. This is not the case when measuring free fraction hormone levels.

The accuracy of saliva testing, together with its affordability, convenience, and the ability to collect multiple specimens makes saliva testing superior to blood testing.

This includes a review of all systems in one hour. A physical examination is a series of routine tests your doctor will perform to check your overall health. It is also known as a wellness check.

According to the National Institutes of Health, these exams are used to:

• Check for possible diseases, so they can be treated early
• Identify any issues that may become medical concerns in the future
• Update any necessary information with prescriptions, supplements or immunizations.
• Ensure that you are maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine

The doctor will begin the exam by inspecting your body for any unusual marks or growths. She will check your circulation and nail and hair health. You may sit or stand during this. She will then move on to looking in your ears, eyes, nose and throat. She will test visual acuity, your peripheral vision and your pupil’s reaction to light.

Your doctor tests your sense of smell as well. She will feel for your lymph glands in specific areas and feel your thyroid gland. She may also perform a hearing test at this time if indicated.

Next, she will have you lie down and will feel your tummy and other parts of the anterior side of your body looking for healthy organs (spleen, liver etc). When doing this, she is inspecting the consistency, location, size, tenderness, and texture of your individual organs.

Your doctor will use a stethoscope—the listening device doctors typically keep around their necks—to listen to various parts of your body. This could include listening while you take deep breaths, listening to your heart and listening to your intestines. Your doctor uses a technique known as “percussion,” tapping around the body like it was a drum. This helps her discover fluid in areas where it should not be, as well as locate the borders, consistency and size of organs.

Your doctor will test your cranial nerves by looking for responses to specific tests done on the body. This helps her to better understand what may be going on in your neurological system. She will test your reflexes and lastly your doctor will also check your height, weight, temperature, blood pressure and pulse.

Be sure to communicate with her if you have any concerns throughout the exam or would like extra attention to a specific area.

The PAP smear is a routine screening test used to detect potentially pre-cancerous and cancerous changes in the cells of the endocervical canal of the female reproductive system. Studies show that regular cervical screening can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer by up to 70% (BC Cancer Screening Agency).

Our physicians provides patients with a safe, clean, relaxing environment for her patients to have their PAP tests done. Our doctors provide a unique PAP exam experience by not only professionally completing the procedure but also by presenting the opportunity for women to learn more about their bodies and be involved in the procedure if they wish. The comprehensive PAP exam with your doctor also includes a manual pelvic exam that feels for cysts and other abnormal tissue in the ovarian and uterine area and a manual breast exam. Many patients comment that they feel empowered about their bodies after leaving what used to be a dreaded test for them.

Studies have shown a 20% reduction in prostate cancer in men who are screened for the disease and removal of precancerous polyps reduces the risk of colon cancer by 90% (BC Cancer Agency).  This is a gentle procedure done in the office to detect early signs of benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostatitis.

In-House Random Glucose Testing

Blood Sugar Panel

Looking to see your risk factors for Diabetes? Wondering why you are always shaky after eating or if you go too long before eating? This panel tests your Hemaglobin A 1C which is a marker of sugars over time on your red blood cells, your fasting glucose which is a measurement of who well your body moderates insulin and your blood sugars and can also test insulin as an add on if deemed diagnostically relevant.

The ASI panel is a simple non-invasive test utilizing four saliva samples collected at specific time periods during the day as the human adrenal glands do not secret steroid hormones at a constant level throughout the day. An abnormal adrenal rhythm can influence many functions of the body, including; energy production, muscle and joint function, bone health, immune health, sleep quality, skin regeneration, thyroid function, glycemic dysregulation, allergies/autoimmune disorders and depression/ADD. The ASI panel was introduced by Diagnos-Techs in 1989 to evaluate stress, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and is used by Dr. Denoon to help develop individual recovery plans for her tired but wired patients.

What’s tested?

• Four Cortisol tests (Free Fraction)
• DHEA/DHEA-S (Free Fraction) – Master Hormone
• 17-Hydroxyprogesterone – Needed to make Cortisol and sex hormones
• Two insulin tests (fasting and non-fasting) – Insulin is inhibited by Cortisol which is how blood sugars can be affected with high stress over a period of time
• Total Salivary SIgA – An immune marker to see just how worn out you are

Expanded Female Hormone Panel

Are you having trouble conceiving and not sure why? Have you been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or having irregular cycles? Do you have tender breasts, moods that you cannot control or heavy bleeding? Do you find yourself having cyclical depression and not sleeping? The Female Hormone Panel™ (FHP™) is a non-invasive test consisting of 11 saliva specimens collected during specified time periods throughout the menstrual cycle. The ovaries are a major component of the female reproductive cycle and they release hormones in a cyclical manner, which is referred to as the menstrual cycle. The Female Hormone Panel™ provides a dynamic mapping of the free fraction levels of Estradiol (E2) and Progesterone (P) throughout one cycle. In addition, the cycle average of Testosterone (T) and DHEA are measured.

The Female Hormone Panel™ includes:

• Estradiol (x11)
• Progesterone (x11)
• Cycle average Testosterone and DHEA/DHEA-S
• 3 Progesterone production indices
• 4 Estradiol production indices
• A full cycle P/E ratio graph and an example of a restorative plan.

The Expanded Female Hormone Panel™ (eFHP™) includes: an additional five (5) FSH and five (5) LH measurements.

(cost of 2 LH kits + visit)

This method uses the body as our teacher and is often a great place to start for woman who have had a hard time conceiving for 3+ months and are not interested in going to the next level of hormone testing. Dr. Denoon teaches you fertility charting using your basal body temperature and cervical signs throughout the month. She also includes 2 LH ovulation kits, which offer 6 opportunities each to test if you are ovulating. This program is 3 months and is a viable way to ensure that you are ovulating… the basis of conception! Using this as a starting point to plan intercourse, along with ruling out other reasons you may not have conceived to date, is a part of Dr. Denoon’s diagnostic investigation to help you get answers, and pregnant!

Perimenopausal Hormone Panel

Postmenopausal Hormone Panel

 Expanded Postmenopausal Hormone Panel

Menopause is a natural and usually gradual change in glandular function in women resulting in substantial shifts in hormone levels. This transition produces a variety of bodily manifestations and symptoms, due to the changes in the production of hormones and the timing of their release. This may be a test to consider if you’re often feeling hot and wet and not in a good way! If you are experiencing a change in your cycle with increased bleeding or less bleeding. Having a hard time sleeping “all of the sudden” or perhaps feel like your body has become a dry desert and your skin is less supple than before.

The Postmenopause Panel™ provides measurements of six key hormones and is run after a patient is menopausal (without a period for minimum of one year):

1. Estrone (E1)
2. Estradiol (E2)
3.  Estriol (E3) 4. Progesterone (P) 5. Testosterone (T) 6. DHEA, DHEA-S (pooled)

The Perimenopause Panel™ contains the same components as the Postmenopause Panel™ but sampled twice, 13-15 days apart. The two measurements account for the fast that the patient is still menstruating and cycling but things are shifting signicantly and can become less regular.

The inclusion of FSH and LH in the expanded Postmenopause Panel™ (ePostM™) and expanded Perimenopause Panel™ (ePeriM™), extends the interpretation to include pituitary involvement. The right balance of hormones is important to long-term emotional, mental, bone health, breast tissue health and bodily health.

The aging process is inevitable. However, restoring lost male vitality is within reach. The hormones involved in this restoration can now be collectively measured in one salivary sample using the regular or expanded Male Hormone Panels™ (MHP™ and eMHP™).

Using a saliva sample, the regular MHP panel measures seven hormones:

• DHEA,
• androstenedione,
• testosterone, dihydrotestosterone,
• estrone,
• estradiol
• progesterone.

The expanded MHP panel measures these seven hormones plus FSH and LH. Age-related imbalance in these hormones can lead to decreased muscle mass and strength, decreased vigor or low energy, decreased libido, insomnia, nervousness, depression and hair loss. This test can also be used to help assess prostate risk and male pattern balding risks.

(See Physical Screening Tests)

Here we test serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), the one that comes from your brain to ‘stimulate the thyroid’ to produce T4 (the inactive thyroid molecule). T3, the thyroid molecule activated in your peripheral tissue and used by the body is tested along with TPO, which is an auto immune marker that helps us determine if your body is attacking itself and thus why your thyroid is not working. All of these 4 markers are the bare minimum in looking for a comprehensive thyroid diagnosis. Thyroglobulin antibody can be added on to this package if deemed diagnostically relevant.

Hormones produced by the thyroid gland are involved in regulating heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and weight. Thyroid hormones can also increase energy, help food move through the gastrointestinal tract and increase perspiration. Given their broad effects, deficiencies of thyroid hormone can result in, or contribute to, a number of health conditions including: depression, fatigue, cold body temperature, arthritis and muscle cramps, headaches, weight gain, poor reflexes. Standard tests for thyroid function may underestimate the incidence of thyroid disease. A 24-hour urine collection can be used to help determine if symptoms are thyroid related. This test also helps to identify if conversion from T4 (inactive form) to T3 (active form) is the problem with testing selenium levels.

Iodine is a key component of the thyroid hormones T3 (tri-iodothyronine) and T4 (tetra-iodothyronine). Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism – the process of converting stored energy into usable energy – and as such are essential for proper development of brain and body. Thus, an inadequate intake of iodine is of particular concern during pregnancy.

The importance of testing iodine: Iodine deficiency is a signficant health concern, and measuring iodine in urine is the best method we have for assessing whether iodine intake is sufficient. Too much iodine can shut down thyroid hormone production and cause hypothyroidism. Therefore, it is not appropriate to supplement with iodine without testing to see if iodine supplementation is indicated.

The importance of testing bromine: Bromine competes with iodine for transport into the thyroid, thus interfering with the beneficial effects of iodine. Animal studies show that having adequate iodine decreases the amount of bromine that is taken up by cells. Widespread use of bromine (disinfectants, pesticides, fire retardant chemicals) has greatly increased the average person’s exposure to this potential toxin.

 

Maintaining a healthy GI system is essential to your overall health. GI infections and inflammation can lead to a wide range of abdominal symptoms and decrease the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. This test is cruital in helping to rule out causes for on going diarrhea, cramping, abnormal bowel patterns, digestive concerns and yeast symptoms. Commonly, parasites are thought to only be found in developing countries, but they are a cause of GI symptoms in millions of people in the North America as well. The GI Health Panel provides non-invasive screens of the GI system and its function. This panel combines, early immune-detection of parasites via the comprehensive testing of three stool samples to ensure the most accurate results. It evaluates pathogens, inflammatory markers, occult blood, and functional markers.

The GI-1 panel screens for:

• Bacteria– to look for infectious organisms (including H. pylori) and to help evaluate balance of “good and bad” bacteria in the gut
• Fungi and yeast– to identify overgrowth of yeast (including Candida) and fungi that may be associated with GI symptoms
• Parasites– with both microscopic evaluation of samples and identification of immune markers of infection
• Antibodies to gluten– to evaluate potential benefit of gluten-free diet
• Digestive function markers
• Markers of intestinal inflammation
• Fecal occult blood– to look for GI bleeding
• Total sIgA– to evaluate function of immune barrier in the GI tract

Food sensitivities are delayed reactions to specific foods that are triggered by IgG antibodies. In an IgG reaction, the IgG antibodies attach themselves to the food antigen and create an antibody-antigen complex. These complexes are normally removed by special cells called macrophages. However, if they are present in large numbers and the reactive food is still being consumed, the macrophages can’t remove them quickly enough. The food antigen-antibody complexes accumulate and are deposited in body tissues. Once in tissue, these complexes release inflammation-causing chemicals, which may play a role in numerous diseases and conditions.

IgG food sensitivities have been implicated in migraine headaches and irritable bowel syndrome (alternating diarrhea and constipation). Bloating and indigestion are also common food sensitivity reactions, as is fatigue. Continued consumption of reactive foods may contribute to weight gain and/or difficulty losing weight. Eczema is also commonly associated with food reactions. Because IgG food reactions take hours or days to develop, this makes it difficult to determine which food is responsible for the reaction without doing testing. This is a great preventative test to do when trying to build optimal health or a nutritional guideline tailored specifically for your body. The IgG food sensitivity panel tests the 96 most common food allergens via blood analysis.

In a food reaction, the immune system reacts by releasing cells called antibodies. Foods that cause antibodies to be released are called antigens or allergens. Two types of antibodies commonly produced in response to foods are IgE (immunoglobulin E) and IgG (immunoglobulin G). Food allergies and food sensitivities differ by the type of antibody produced and the speed of the reaction. Food allergy is an immediate reaction caused by the production of IgE antibodies, while food sensitivity is a delayed reaction caused by the production of IgG antibodies to specific foods.

IgE reactions generally occur within minutes of eating a reactive food, which is why they are also called ‘immediate’ hypersensitivity reactions. After the first exposure to a food allergen, the body remembers what the allergen looks like and keeps a supply of IgE ready for immediate release if it sees that allergen again. Food allergies can be lifethreatening (for example, an anaphylactic reaction to peanuts), but these reactions are rare, occurring in less than 1% of people. Skin reactions like hives and eczema, plus breathing and digestive problems are also common IgE reactions.

This panel tests both IgG and IgE antibody reactions to 96 most common food allergens.

 

Many people go a large portion of their lives with gastric upset, bloating, and malnourishment without ever knowing why. Gluten sensitivity and celiac disease are reactions to proteins found in wheat gluten. In the case of gluten sensitivity, the body produces antibodies to the protein in wheat, which inflames the gut lining, but does not appear to cause permanent damage. In celiac disease, eating gluten triggers the immune system to attack and damage the villi (small finger-like projections) of the small intestine, seriously impairing the ability to absorb nutrients from food.

The Celiac Profile measures several antibodies: IgG and IgA to gliadin, a protein found in wheat gluten – which, when elevated indicate gluten sensitivity or possibly celiac disease. IgA antibodies to tissue transglutaminase are also measured, and when elevated strongly suggest celiac disease.

(stool test and a swab)

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by yeasts that belong to the genus Candida. Candida yeasts normally live on the skin and mucous membranes without causing infection; however, overgrowth of these organisms can cause symptoms to develop. Symptoms of candidiasis vary depending on the area of the body that is infected. Candidiasis that develops in the mouth or throat is called “thrush” or oropharyngeal candidiasis. The Candidiasis on babies bottoms is often referred to as “diaper rash”. Candidiasis in the vagina or foreskin is commonly referred to as a “yeast infection.” Candidiasis on your feet looks like that thin white scum between your toes. “Athletes foot” is actually something a bit different, though still a fungus and is called tinea pedis. Invasive candidiasis occurs when Candida species enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. Some of the symptoms that can appear then are foggy thinking, skin rashes, sugar cravings, poor digestion and are usually accompanied by a history of at least one of the above mentioned symptoms.

The most comprehensive way to test for systemic fungus, is through stool (poop) and saliva testing. Stool testing tests your feces (an easy sample to collect from your digestive tract). The Saliva test tests your spit and the layer of cells on your inner cheek.

This panel looks at your cardiac risk. Whether you have a family history, had a heart attack, stroke, or high cholesterol readings in the past, there are important markers that you and Dr. Denoon can review to help modify lifestyle and dietary factors to improve outcomes. This panel tests your blood pressure, discusses lifestyle risk factors, and includes the following blood tests:

Lipid profile (lipid profile measures cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, “good” cholesterol), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, “bad” cholesterol). Triglycerides are also measured and are the major form of fat found in the body and their function is to provide energy for the cells)

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) High normal levels of hs-CRP in otherwise healthy individuals have been found to be predictive of the future risk of heart attack, stroke, sudden cardiac death, and peripheral arterial disease, even when lipid levels are within acceptable ranges.

Homocysteine – An inflammatory marker used to determine cardiovascular risk associated with stroke, and clots. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood may be associated with atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries) as well as an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, blood clot formation, and possibly Alzheimer’s disease.

Soon to be added to this panel will be: Apo A, Apo B, Lp(a), Apo B/Apo A-1 ratio, Oxidized LDL, Non-HDL –C

The Fatty Acid Profile measures the percentage of fatty acids in red blood cells from a convenient dried blood spot. Measurements include the Omega-3 Index and Omega-3 score to assess for heart disease risk, the ratio of Arachidonic Acid (AA) to Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) as a marker of inflammation, total Omega-3 fatty acids, total Omega-6 fatty acids along with mono-unsaturated fatty acids, trans fatty acids and saturated fats. Measurement of fatty acid content in red blood cell membranes shows less biological variability than measurement in plasma or serum.

These measurements are important markers at determining your risk of heart disease and heart attack and can show you how your numbers compare to the general population.

Elements of the chemical periodic table include among them essential nutrients and toxins, both of which affect our health. Good health depends in part on having adequate amounts of essential nutritional elements, and low levels of toxic elements. Element imbalances may contribute to symptoms and biochemical changes that eventually lead to illness. Hair element analysis shows nutrient status (essential elements) and toxic element exposure for the length of time it took to grow the hair supplied for testing (usually about three months).

If you work in an industrial environment, or have been surrounded with chemicals, heavy metals or pesticides (lead paint, plumbing, diesel fumes etc) this may be a worthwhile test. Urine element testing can be used to measure both essential and toxic elements. Measuring essential elements (minerals) reveals information about your diet and how your body absorbs nutrients. Measuring toxic elements in urine may help identify possible contributors to chronic health problems. Toxic elements can block the beneficial effects of essential elements by taking their place in different biochemical pathways. Toxic elements can also increase free levels that contribute to tissue inflammation and chronic disease. The presence of toxic elements has been linked to: neurological problems, memory impairment, learning difficulties and gastrointestinal problems.

This panel is an extensive look into your liver function, kidney function and protein levels. The test also looks at your blood sugar markers and electrolytes as well as comprehensively covering your cholesterol (lipid panel) and Iron levels. This is a great test for people wanting to establish a base line or follow up yearly with lab values.

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This blood test is often used when symptoms of numbness and tingling are present, shortness of breath and very low energy. This is also a consideration for vegetarians and vegans due to the lack of B12 in food sources used in those diets. Dr. Denoon likes to routinely test B12 levels in her elderly population as B12 deficiency is common amongst this population and a very easy fix for more energy.

This blood panel includes a Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differentials evaluating the cells that circulate in blood. Blood consists of three types of cells suspended in fluid called plasma: white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), and platelets (PLTs). They are produced and mature primarily in the bone marrow and, under normal circumstances, are released into the bloodstream as needed. This panel identifies the size and color as well as the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in your blood. Along with the CBC your ferritin, which is your iron storage, is measured. The two together help our doctors to determine if low iron is the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, lack of muscle strength, changes in menstrual cycle and others. Total Iron binding Capacity, Iron and Transferrin saturation may be elected for at the doctors discretion.

To screen for metabolic and kidney disorders and for urinary tract infections (UTIs). This is also a part of a diabetes investigation used to look at urinary glucose. When to Get Tested? During a routine physical or when you have symptoms of a UTI, such as abdominal pain, back pain, frequent or painful urination; as part of a pregnancy check-ups and diabetes investigation. This test is complimentary but mandatory before starting any IV therapies.

In house urine test used to detect pregnancy