Naturopathic doctors in Ontario have access to a wide variety of lab tests.

Some of the most common tests utilized include: 

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Blood testing

Naturopathic Doctors can requisition blood testing, available through Lifelabs. It is useful in diagnosing specific conditions, investigating nutrient deficiencies, and monitoring treatment progress. 

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food sensitivity testing

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 blood test is called an IgG Food Sensitivity Test. It tests your immune system's response to 220 different foods. These results are used to lead a short-term individualized elimination diet. During this time, we work on healing the gut lining, rebalancing the bacterial composition in your digestive system, and ensuring you are maintaining adequate nutritional levels. Once the gut is healed and inflammation is decreased, foods are systematically reintroduced. Most people can add the foods identified previously as sensitivities back into their diets without symptoms.

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hormone testing

Hormone testing is available through saliva, urine, or blood. Many hormones and their metabolites can be measured to identify imbalances present within the body. Female, male, thyroid, and adrenal (stress) hormone panels are available.

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Organic acids test

The Organic Acids Test (OAT, for short) is a urine test that assesses various metabolic processes in the body. Based on the different metabolites measured, we can 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

The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis is a detailed test performed on a stool sample. This test provides information about the health of the large intestines. From this test, we can determine if pathogenic bacteria, yeast, or parasites are contributing to your symptoms. We can determine if you have appropriate levels of the beneficial bacteria present in the gut. Markers of digestion, absorption, inflammation, immunity, and overall intestinal health are also tested. 

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small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) Testing

SIBO is diagnosed using a breath test. In SIBO, bacteria located in the small intestine ferment off the 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 SIBO (high amounts of both methane and hydrogen gases). 

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heavy metal testing

Exposure to and accumulation of heavy metals in the body can be investigated using a urine test. Heavy metals within the body can come from occupational exposures, exposures from hobbies (for example, welding), contaminated food and water, or waste handling. Accumulation of heavy metals can cause a variety of symptoms and have negative consequences on several body systems.

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Please note: Lab testing is not covered by OHIP. Many extended health insurance plans cover lab testing.