Laboratory and Diagnostic Testing
We value the importance of diagnostic testing as it is essential to know exactly what we are treating before  
we design a treatment plan.

We use standard blood and serum tests, as well as x-rays and ultrasound.  All of these tests are valuable     
tools that complement a thorough history and physical exam.

Standard Blood Chemistry Screening, Complete Blood Count & Lipid Studies
  •   Blood Chemistry ---evaluates electrolytes, liver and kidney function, as well as             
       serving as a general health screening, including looking at possible nutritional
       deficiencies
  •   Complete Blood Count ---screens for anemia, infection, allergies, parasitic               
       infection, as well as some nutritional deficiencies
  •   Lipid Studies --- cholesterol screening, includes HDL, LDL, and triglycerides


Hormone testing
When indicated, we will assess hormone status using specialized tests.  Such testing can      
be used to diagnose or rule out, menopause, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction,       
adrenal fatigue as well as a variety of other endocrine dysfunctions.

The type of sample we use depends on the hormone or system we are interested in.  
There different ways to assess certain hormones.  For many of the sex hormones   
(estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) we are using blood tests as we find them to be more
reliable than saliva tests.

Imaging (X-rays, Ultrasound, MRI and CT) -- are ordered when indicated.


Some examples of more extensive testing that we order are the following:

Adrenal Stress Test:
This test uses four salivary samples collected by the patient at home.  It  provides us with       
the following results: four measurements of cortisol, DHEA, 17-hydroxyprogesterone,    
wheat intolerance, insulin (fasting and after eating) and secretory IgA
--helpful to rule out underlying causes of fatigue, insomnia, mood swings, hypoglycemia,
and hormonal imbalance

Gluten Allergy and Celiac Disease Tests
A variety of tests can be done to determine if gluten is a problem.  It is important to note that
not all gluten allergies, intolerances or celiac disease cases will involve digestive complaints.

VAP Cholesterol Test:
A more comprehensive evaluation of subfractions of HDL and LDL as well as other markers
evaluating risk for cardiovascular disease.

Complete Digestive Stool Test:
Stool analysis for parasitic infection, including candida, bacterial infections, and markers for digestive
function and inflammation.

Comprehensive Thyroid Function Testing:
Free T4, Free T3, and TSH, Thyroid Antibodies and reverse T3 when indicated -- a more complete look at
thyroid status
--These tests help rule out sub-clinical hypothyroidism, and thyroid conversion problems commonly
missed with standard thyroid tests

Serum Ferritin:
Tests for the storage form of iron (ferritin) which gives a much more accurate measure of iron deficiency.
This  test is performed when a client's history and/or symptoms warrant further testing.  Sometimes iron   
deficiency anemia will not be seen on general screens (Complete Blood Count), thus this test can be
extremely valuable.

Urine Test for Heavy Metals:
This is a screening test for heavy metals that have accumulated in the body.  The test is done in conjunction     
with taking a heavy metal chelator; this is a type of "heavy metals challenge testing."

There of course are many other tests, too many to list, that may be indicated once we
take into consideration a client's history and symptom picture.
Holistic doctors San Diego, Natural Hormones, Bioidentical hormones, Bio-identical Hormones, Naturopath San
Diego, Naturopathic Doctor San Diego, Anxiety San Diego, Depression San Diego, Fatigue San Diego, Chronic Fatigue
San Diego,  Homeopathy  San Diego, Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, Alternative Medicine San Diego, Holistic Doctors,
Integrative medicine, Homeopath San Diego, Natural Medicine San Diego, Natural Menopause Treatment, Holistic
Pediatric Doctors, Naturopathic San Diego, Licensed Naturopathic Doctors