Functional Testing
Getting to the root cause of your health issues
Clinical assessment of signs and symptoms is a great starting point for determining overall health and wellbeing, however it is sometimes necessary to delve a bit deeper in order to determine the root cause of a client’s health issues.
Nourish To Thrive Family Nutrition offers a range of functional testing options to help you find out exactly what is going on in your body.
As a Clinical Nutritionist, I am trained to interpret the results of many different functional tests and to present these results to you in a clear and simple way, along with relevant personalised diet, lifestyle and supplement suggestions.
If you would like to request any of the tests below, or if you are simply keen to find out a bit more information, please email me (Claire) on info@nourishtothrive.com.au
Note: prices subject to change (current as of May 2024)
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Pathology Testing and Blood Test Analysis
A person’s blood can provide valuable information about their current state of health. I often refer clients for pathology testing and I am trained to analyse blood test results in relation to optimal ranges (based on the healthy population)
Blood Test Analysis - $75 (analysis only, dose not include cost of blood test)
Includes:
a detailed report comparing your results with both optimal ranges and regular reference ranges
suggestions of possible reasons for your results being outside of optimal range, e.g. nutrient deficiencies, digestive dysfunction or dietary issues
Recommendations for correcting any deficiencies or excesses through diet and/or supplements
Not included: blood collection; nutritional consultation
(note: the summary report and recommendations will be sent via email and you are welcome to book in for a consultation to discuss the report in greater detail or if you would like a full treatment plan)
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Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a test that analyses a small sample of your hair to give insights into your body's mineral levels.
Your hair stores minerals, so by testing it, doctors can see if you have too much or too little of certain minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, and others. This info can help understand your overall health, identify imbalances, and guide adjustments in diet or supplements to improve your well-being.
HTMA can also detect heavy metals and toxins in the body.
Cost: $218
($10 discount for pensioners and children 16 years and under)
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myDNA Comprehensive Health Report (nutrigenomic testing)
The myDNA Comprehensive Health Report analyses your DNA to provide insights into how your genes might affect various aspects of your health, for example, potential nutrient deficiencies, how your body processes certain medications, your risk for developing certain health conditions, and recommendations for diet and exercise based on your genetic profile.
It is a simple cheek swab (self-administered in the comfort of your own home) that covers 92 genes and 113 SNPs (gene variants) across the following areas: digestion, energy, hormones, stress and cognitive performance, inflammation, athletic performance, DNA protection and repair, and detoxification.
Cost: $235 + $26 postage fee
Note: you will be required to book a 90 minute DNA Test Interpretation consultation with me ($179) after completing the test in order to discuss the results and receive your report and treatment recommendations.
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GI-Map
The GI-MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus) test is an advanced stool analysis that provides detailed information about the health of your gastrointestinal tract. It uses DNA analysis to detect the presence of various microorganisms, including bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses, in your gut.
The GI-MAP test is valuable for assessing gut health and identifying potential contributors to gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. It provides actionable insights that can guide targeted interventions, including dietary changes, probiotics, antimicrobial treatments, and lifestyle modifications, to support gut healing and restore balance to the microbiome.
Cost: $440
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Complete Microbiome Mapping
The Complete Microbiome Mapping Gut Test is an extensive analysis of the microbiome in your gastrointestinal tract. This test provides a comprehensive view of the bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms that inhabit your gut.
The DNA sequencing data is analysed to provide a detailed report of your gut microbiome composition. This report includes information about the diversity of microorganisms, the presence of beneficial and potentially harmful bacteria, as well as any imbalances or dysbiosis that may be present.
Cost: $389 + $26 postage fee
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Complete Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) Level 2
The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) Level 2 test is an advanced diagnostic tool used to assess various aspects of digestive health. It provides detailed information about the function and composition of the gastrointestinal tract, including the presence of beneficial and harmful microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses), markers of inflammation, and digestive enzyme activity.
The CDSA Level 2 test is a valuable tool for assessing digestive health and identifying underlying factors that may be contributing to gastrointestinal symptoms or conditions.
Cost: $240 + $26 postage fee
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CO-BIOME MetaXplore GI Plus
The Co-Biome MetaXplore GI plus Gut Test is an advanced diagnostic tool designed to provide comprehensive insights into the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal health.
This test uses cutting-edge technologies to analyse the composition and function of the gut microbiota, as well as various factors that may impact digestive wellness, including intestinal inflammation, intestinal barrier, motility, systemic inflammation and digestive secretions.
Cost: $529
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Organic Acids Testing
Organic acids testing is a way to analyze urine to get insights into your body's metabolism and overall health. When your body breaks down food or performs other metabolic processes, it produces organic acids.
By measuring these acids in your urine, doctors can assess how well your body is functioning and identify any potential imbalances or deficiencies. This test can provide valuable information about nutrient absorption, energy production, detoxification pathways, and more. It's like a metabolic report card that helps pinpoint areas for improvement to support your overall well-being.
Cost: $359 plus $25 postage and handling
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DUTCH Complete
The DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) Complete urine test is an advanced diagnostic tool used to assess various aspects of hormone balance and metabolism.
The DUTCH Complete provides a detailed profile of hormone levels, including cortisol, oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and melatonin, along with their metabolites. It also assesses the balance between different hormone pathways, such as the cortisol-to-cortisone ratio and the oestrogen-to-androgen ratio.
Cost: $399 plus $25 postage and handling
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ALCAT Food Intolerance Testing
The ALCAT (Antigen Leukocyte Cellular Antibody Test) food intolerance test is a specialised diagnostic tool used to identify food sensitivities and intolerances.
Unlike traditional allergy tests that measure IgE-mediated immune responses, the ALCAT test measures cellular reactions in white blood cells (leukocytes) to various foods, additives, and other substances.
You'll receive a personalised report detailing the results of the ALCAT test, including a list of foods and substances to which you have demonstrated sensitivity or intolerance. This report may also provide recommendations for dietary modifications to help manage your food sensitivities and improve your overall health and well-being.
Cost:
$270 + $35 blood collection fee (50 foods panel)
$370 + $35 blood collection fee (100 foods panel)
$495 + $35 blood collection fee (150 foods panel)
$615 + $35 blood collection fee (200 foods panel)
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Salivary Cortisol Testing (Adrenal function) - Cortisol Awakening Response
The Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) test is a non-invasive saliva test that serves as a reliable marker of stress response and a critical tool for revealing adrenal imbalances.
The Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) test is a unique assessment measuring the predictable rise and fall in cortisol within the first hour of awakening and also at 12:00 (noon), 4pm and 8pm.
The test is essential in evaluating the overall function of the HPA axis and assessing a client’s ability to deal with stressors.
Cost: $137 + $26 postage fee
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SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) Breath Test
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when there is an abnormal increase in the number or type of bacteria in the small intestine, which can lead to various digestive symptoms and nutrient malabsorption.
The SIBO breath test is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of excessive bacteria in the small intestine.
The results of the breath test are interpreted based on the levels of hydrogen and methane gases detected in the breath samples.
Elevated levels of these gases at specific time points may indicate the presence of bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
Cost: $190 + $26 postage fee