Lab Testing
Naturopathic doctors in Ontario have access to a wide variety of lab tests to assist in determining the root cause of their patients symptoms.
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Some tests require a blood draw from LifeLabs. Others can be completed in the comfort of your home using a specific kit that you will ship directly to the lab.
Once results are received, Dr. Emily ND will provide a comprehensive review and explanation of the results to ensure all of your questions are answered. A treatment plan will also be discussed.
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Some of the most commonly used include:
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Blood testing
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Blood samples are collected at Lifelabs.
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Aids in diagnosing specific conditions (ex: thyroid, hormones, autoimmune disorders, inflammation).
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Used to investigate various nutrient deficiencies (ex: vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron).
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Identifies areas of your health that require optimization (ex: cholesterol, blood sugar, liver function, kidney function).
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Helpful for monitoring treatment progress.
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food sensitivity testing
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Food sensitivities can be investigated with a standard elimination diet or with a blood test. Dr. Emily McLaughlin ND can support you through either process, regardless of the route you choose.​
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The IgG Food Sensitivity Blood Test checks your immune system's response to 220+ foods. Results are used to lead a short-term individualized elimination diet, while we work on treating the cause of your symptoms. Foods are then systematically reintroduced. Most people can incorporate several foods previously identified as "sensitivities" back into their diets while remaining symptom-free.
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hormone testing
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Hormones and their metabolites can be measured through blood and urine testing (ex: DUTCH test) to identify imbalances present within the body.
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Female, male, thyroid, and adrenal (stress) hormone panels are available.
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Organic acids test (OAT)
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Involves collecting a urine sample in the comfort of your home.
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Assesses various metabolic processes in the body to determine if there are issues in energy production cycles, imbalances in neurotransmitter levels, nutritional and antioxidant deficiencies, as well as gut bacteria and yeast imbalances.
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comprehensive Digestive stool analysis
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Involves collecting a stool sample in the comfort of your home.
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Provides information about the health of the large intestines.
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Determines if pathogenic bacteria, yeast, and parasites/worms are contributing to your symptoms.
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Markers of digestion, absorption, inflammation, immunity, and overall intestinal health are also tested.
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small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) Test
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This is a breath test that is completed in the comfort of your home.
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SIBO is a condition where bacteria located in the small intestines ferment off foods we eat and produce significant amounts of gas, in the form of hydrogen and methane. These gases are released in the breath and can be measured to diagnose hydrogen-dominant, methane-dominant, or mixed-type SIBO.
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heavy metal testing
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Involves collecting a urine sample in the comfort of your home.
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Assesses for exposure to and accumulation of heavy metals in the body, which may come from occupational exposures, exposures from hobbies (for example, welding), contaminated food and water, or waste handling.
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Please note: Lab testing is only available to patients of Dr. Emily McLaughlin ND.
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Lab testing is not covered by OHIP. However, many extended health insurance plans cover lab testing.