Lab Test Services

Micronutrient Testing

Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals required in small quantities that are essential to our health, development, and growth. Each nutrient known today is responsible for specific physiological functions, making them unique and irreplaceable.

Overwhelming evidence suggests that lack of these vital nutrients has a profound impact on the body’s immune system. Thus, adequate intake of these vitamins and minerals could mean the difference between a healthy life and a life fraught with disease.

Our Micronutrient Test is a comprehensive nutritional analysis of the body’s intracellular function. It measures 35 selected vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other essential micronutrients within your body, but goes even further - it measures functional, long-term levels within the white blood cells, which means, how well your body actually utilizes each nutrient.

This analysis can reveal a person’s functional nutritional status over a much longer period of time than conventional static serum testing, thus, providing you with a more meaningful measurement than all other nutritional testing.

IMMUNIDEX™ AND SPECTROX® TEST

This same micronutrient technology also provides a patient with an lmmunidex™ score which evaluates a person's immune system performance. Since immune function is a systemic measure of general health, a higher lmmunidex™ score is generally desired indicating that a person can respond efficiently not only to exogenous threats such as pathogens or allergens, but also to endogenous threats like tumors. In addition, the micronutrient test also measures total antioxidant function (SPECTROX®), which assesses the ability of cells to resist damage caused by free radicals and other forms of oxidative stress.

BUT I EAT A BALANCED DIET, EXERCISE AND TAKE A MULTIVITAMIN...

Many people lead healthy lifestyles. yet some individuals still have deficiencies. Why?

BIOCHEMICAL INDIVIDUALITY

Because each of us is metabolically and biochemically unique, the micronutrient requirements for one person may be quite different than the requirements of another.

ABSORPTION

Although you may eat a balanced diet, if you do not absorb vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and/or other essential micronutrients properly, you can have deficiencies.

CHRONIC ILLNESS

Health conditions such as arthritis, cancer; cardiovascular disease, diabetes, fatigue and multiple sclerosis, to name a few, can be affected directly or indirectly by micronutrient deficiencies.

AGING

Our micronutrient requirements at age 30 are quite different from our requirements at age 40,50 and beyond. Absorption difficulties, especially of vitamin B 12, quite commonly occur as we age.

LIFESTYLE

Excessive physical activity, prescription drugs, smoking, alcohol and sedentary habits all impact micronutrient demands.

Advanced Testing - What is Measured?

Utilizing advanced technology in intracellular testing, we offer advanced assessment of cardiovascular risk and treatment strategies and provide an innovative diagnostic analysis in the field of anti-aging and personalized medicine.

Micronutrient Testing provides the most comprehensive nutritional analysis available by measuring functional deficiencies at the cellular level.

Comprehensive Test Results

Repletion Suggestions

1. Vitamin 03 (Cholecalciferol) - 1000 IU b.i.d.(2000 IU daily) of Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3-1-alpha 25-dihydroxyvitamin D) 
2. Calcium - 500 mg b.i.d. (1000 mg daily) as citrate, malate, ascorbateor glycinate 
3. Zinc - 25 mg daily 
4. Total Antioxidant Function - Based on Spectrox and individual Antioxidant tests:
   • Glutathione Deficient: 600 mg t.i.d. (1800 mg daily) of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) Take each dose with a meal 
   • Cysteine: The daily dose of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) listed for Glutathione is usually sufficient for Glutathione and/or Cysteine repletion. 
   • Vitamin E: 200 IU daily of mixed tocopherols
   • Selenium: 50 mcg daily 
   • Coenzyme 010: 30 mg daily of CoOl0 Take each dose with a meal 
   • Lipoic Acid: 50 mg daily
   • Vitamin C: 250 mg daily

Nutritional Considerations of Chronic Conditions

Chronic diseases are the most common cause of death in the world and present a great burden for society. particularly diseases such as cancer, obesity. osteoporosis. diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Additionally. the prescriptions used to treat the symptoms of these conditions can further deplete the nutrients most needed for your body

HEART DISEASE AND METABOLIC SYNDROME

Scientists now emphasize that heart disease is actually an inflammatory condition within the blood vessels. Inflammation and oxidative stress work together damaging arteries and impairing cardiac function. Several antioxidant nutrients minimize this inflammatory process.

Glutathione is the most potent intracellular antioxidant and actually helps to regenerate other antioxidants in the body Cysteine. glutathione. B2. selenium. vitamin E and vitamin C work together to reduce oxidative stress throughout the entire cardiovascular system. It is essential that balance in the antioxidant system is critical and that use of a single antioxidant may be detrimental.

Metabolic syndrome is a group of health risks that significantly increase your chance of developing cardiovascular disease. stroke and diabetes. According to a national health survey. more than I in 5 American adults (47 million) and roughly one million adolescents have a metabolic syndrome and the number is rising. The risk of metabolic syndrome increases with age. affecting more than 40 of people in their 60s and 70s.

OBESITY AND BARIATRIC SURGERY

Obesity is a complex. multi-faceted. chronic disease involving social. environmental. genetic. physiological. metabolic. behavioral and psychological components. It is the second leading cause of preventable death in America. second only to cigarette smoking. Obesity increases risk of heart disease. diabetes. hypertension and a host of other illnesses including cancer. Weight loss drugs and bariatric surgery may also increase risk of chronic disease. In fact. an astounding 98 of bariatric surgery patients exhibit micronutrient deficiencies within two years of surgery Neurological complications such as confusion. impaired muscle coordination. even seizures may manifest after bariatric procedures. due to a lack of B vitamins. especially thiamine.

DIABETIC HEALTH

According to the American Diabetes Association. type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. With this type of diabetes. cells do not receive enough insulin. As a result. cells starve for energy. and over time. a glucose buildup in the blood stream causes negative effects on a person's eyes. kidneys nerves and/or heart.

Micronutrients such as niacin. magnesium. calcium. zinc. carnitine. inositol alpha-lipoic acid. as well as vitamins E. B6 and D all play an important role in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

CANCER

Evidence of nutrition in the prevention or recurrence of cancer is mounting. This evidence based on numerous and remarkably consistent observations suggest that individuals who consume high intakes of fruits and vegetables have reduced risks of most cancers, supporting the concept that micro nutrients do in fact play an important role in the prevention of this particular disease.

Antioxidant micronutrients are one of the body's primary defenses against free radicals and reactive oxygen molecules. Low antioxidant status is linked to higher rates of breast and other cancers. In fact, antioxidants such as coenzyme Q I 0, cysteine and vitamin A have been shown to mitigate DNA damage in cancerous tissue and inhibit hormonal toxicities that can initiate cancerous cells.

ADHD AND AUTISM

There has been an unprecedented rise in autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) over the years with overwhelming evidence suggesting that nutritional deficiencies may be a contributing factor. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to autism and in some cases of severe deficiency, high-dose vitamin D therapy actually reversed some autistic behaviors. Some research even suggests that the nutritional status of the mother during gestation can affect behavior in children. One study confirmed that low folate status in pregnancy was associated with hyperactivity in children. Other studies show that persons with a mutation of a common gene, MTHFR, which predisposes them to folate and vitamin B 12 deficiency, were more likely to suffer from ADHD.

Supplementation with thiamine (vitamin B I) has shown clinical benefit among some autistic children. Specifically; a deficiency in vitamin B I has been associated with delayed language development in childhood. When deficient. biotin (vitamin B7) can potentially cause neurological problems associated with autism since the brain is quite vulnerable to biotin deficiency.

CELIAC DISEASE

Comprehensive nutritional testing is extremely important, especially in the case of celiac disease. Whether diagnosed or undiagnosed, celiac patients are notoriously at higher risk for nutrient deficiencies, largely due to malabsorption issues. When it comes to supplements, the "more is better" philosophy does not apply. The key is balance.

WOMEN'S HEALTH

Overwhelming evidence suggests that infertility issues stem from low antioxidant status. Deficiencies in vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, magnesium, folate as well as the powerful antioxidant cysteine have been linked to infertility. In many cases, targeted repletion is very beneficial with fertility and related issues like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. Additionally, the demands for specific nutrients during pregnancy and lactation are particularly taxing on a mother, often draining her nutritional reserves. Since nutritional deficiencies can be passed from a mother to her baby, accurate and targeted diagnostic testing is important before, during and post-partum.

Cardiometabolic Risk

We offer a complete Cardiometabolic Panel to measure risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This new panel, which includes an advanced Lipoprotein Particle Profilel", reports clinically relevant biomarkers in three areas: ( I) Glycemic Control (2) Lipid Metabolism and (3) Vascular Inflammation. Each patient is given a pre-diabetic risk score ranging from 1-8 depending on their results.

Separate from the comprehensive panel, a Pre-Diabetes panel is also available.

WHY SHOULD I GET CARDIOMETABOLIC TESTING DONE?

Your cellular metabolism and your cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels) are intricately linked. For various reasons - not just age - our metabolism changes. SpectraCell's CardioMetabolic panel determines three main areas of risk:

GLYCEMIC CONTROL

Keeping your blood sugar stable

How we metabolize food dictates how healthy we are. One key is to maintain proper blood sugar at all times - before and after eating. Too little blood sugar (hypoglycemia) causes unpleasant symptoms like headaches, fatigue and irritability. Too much blood sugar damages your internal organs.

LIPID PROFILE

Keeping your blood lipids (fats) healthy

Although the notion of "keeping your cholesterol levels healthy" is very familiar to many, it doesn't tell the whole story. Lipoproteins, which carry cholesterol, are the real players in metabolism and health. There are many different lipoproteins - some good, some bad. SpectraCell's Lipoprotein Particle Profile ™ (LLp™) provides a much more accurate cardiovascular risk assessment.This test answers the question: are your lipoproteins good or bad?

VASCULAR INFLAMMATION

Keeping your blood vessels clean and clear

The body's natural response to injury or infection is inflammation, which signals that an area of the body is damaged.

Heart disease is actually caused by the same response - when the blood vessels are damaged, inflammation occurs, which signals that something is wrong. This injury can ultimately cause heart attacks and stroke.

Studies have shown that most people diagnosed with pre-diabetes develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years unless they change their lifestyle.

50% of heart attack victims have normal cholesterol levels.

WHEN SHOULD YOU GET TESTED?

The American Diabetic Association encourages those who are overweight or obese to be tested. However, people who are not overweight should begin testing at 45, and even earlier if they have these risk factors:

• Being physically inactive 
• Immediate family history of cardiovascular disease 
• Gestational Diabetes - baby > 91bs 
• Blood pressure > 135/85 - or on treatment for hypertension 
• HDL < 40 or tryglycerides > 150 
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 
• Insulin Resistance or Glucose Intolerance 
• Ethnicity of African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic! Latino, Pacific Islander American

Hormone Balance

WHY MEASURE HORMONE LEVELS?

Hormones playa much bigger role in maintaining one's health than many people realize. In fact, relatively healthy individuals who follow an optimal diet and supplementation plan may still suffer from hormonal imbalance symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue and mood disorders. For this reason, a proper balance of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol and other hormones are essential.

SpectraCell's hormone panels allow you to pinpoint imbalances, thus, providing you with the information you may need for optimal treatment. In addition, thyroid testing can be added to any panel, which gives you a general scope of metabolic efficiency throughout the body.

DO YOU SUFFER FROM ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS?

• Weight Gain 
• Dry Skin & Hair 
• Insomnia 
• Low Libido 
• Depression 
• Fatigue
• Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
• PMS

DISEASE PREVENTION

Besides affecting the way we look, feel and act, hormone imbalances can increase our risk for the following diseases:

• Osteoperosis 
• Breast Cancer 
• Endometrial Cancer 
• Heart Disease 
• Endometriosis 
• Polycystic Ovary Disease

STEROID (SEX) HORMONES

These include the commonly known sex hormones that impact our mood, metabolism and cancer risk such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. These also include important precursor hormones to testosterone and estrogens such as DHEA-S, considered by many as the "mother hormone" since all other sex hormones are derived from it.

REGULATORY (PEPTIDE) HORMONES

These control the production and release of other hormones. They include follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and lutenizing hormone (LH) which regulate reproductive health in both men and women. In addition, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and prolactin are measured, both which may inhibit the action of major sex hormones like testosterone.

THYROID HORMONES

These affect every cell in our body as most basic functions like metabolism, emotions and thinking are directly regulated by thyroid hormones. We also test several proteins that affect thyroid function as well as antibodies to thyroid which can detect autoimmunity (when the immune system attacks healthy tissue) and your levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

Hormones

Comprehensive male and female hormone test panels are offered. Both end-point steroid hormones as well as precursor hormones are included so the precise place of imbalance in the complicated hormonal cascade can be pinpointed. Several peptide hormones are also included as well as a complete thyroid panel, including thyroid antibody testing. Like nutrients, an imbalance of one hormone can initiate a cascade of events that alters other hormones, so a comprehensive look at hormone status is essential.

Genetic Testing

Telomere Testing

Measures the length of your patient's telomeres revealing risk of age related diseases. Studies have shown a direct correlation between telomere length and cardiovascular health and therapies directed at slowing the loss of telomere length may slow aging and age-related disease.

Genotyping

Reveals genetic markers critical for determining treatment strategies to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic disease conditions. We offer several genetic tests that complement our integrative test menu.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase

The results of MTHFR genotyping give valuable information about a person's ability to methylate. Methylation is a crucial part of cell processes and reduced function has been linked to a multitude of medical conditions.

Apolipoprotein E

The results of the genotyping of ApoE have important implications in the treatment strategies for individual patients in reducing cardiovascular disease risk FactorV Leiden and Prothrombin genotyping indicate whether a person has an increased likelihood of forming blood clots (thrombosis). Presence of either gene increases the chance of deep vein thrombosis, and may also provide useful information on heart attack risk.

Telomere Testing

WHAT ARE TELOMERES?

Telomeres are sections of DNA at the end of each chromosome that serve as a cap to your genetic material. Every time a cell replicates, its telomere will become shorter: Shorter telomeres imply a shorter life span for a cell.

WHAT EFFECT DOES TELOMERE LENGTH HAVE ON MY HEALTH AND WELLNESS?

Age adjusted telomere length is the best method to date to assess biological age using structural analysis of chromosomal change in the telomere. Serial evaluation of telomere length is an indicator of how rapidly one ages relative to a normal population. Therapies directed at slowing the loss of telomere length may slow aging and age-related diseases.

DOES DIET HAVE ANY EFFECT ON TELOMERE LENGTH AND REPAIR?

An inflammatory diet, or one that increases oxidative stress, will shorten telomeres faster: This would include refined carbohydrates, fast foods, processed foods, sodas, artificial sweeteners, trans fats and saturated fats.

A diet with a large amount and variety of antioxidants that improves oxidative defense and reduces oxidative stress will slow telomere shortening. Consumption of 10 servings of fresh and relatively uncooked fruits and vegetables, mixed fiber; monounsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, cold water fish and high quality vegetable proteins can prevent premature shortening. In addition, caloric restriction is advised combined with an exercise program. Fasting for I 2 hours each night at least 4 days per week may also be protective.

WHAT CAN I DO TO REDUCE MY RATE OF TELOMERE LOSS?

Shorter telomeres have been associated with metabolic abnormalities, obesity and several degenerative diseases including cancer; dementia and cardiovascular disease. In vitro studies have shown that telomeres are highly susceptible to oxidative stress, which will shorten telomere length and enhance cellular aging. Minimizing associated risk factors that are linked to shortened telomere activity is recommended and include:

• Reduce oxidative stress 
• Correct micronutrient deficiencies, especially vitamin D 
• Change sedentary lifestyle/ increase physical activity 
• Avoid weight gain or obesity 
• Correct insulin resistance

Studies have shown that telomere length is strongly associated with CVD risk,nutritional deficiencies (particularly antioxidants) and cancer: Telomere testing may be a useful biomarker for risk assessment.

Gene SNP DNA Nutrition & Fitness Analysis

When it comes to our bodies, we want to make choices that have a positive impact on our health. But some of those decisions – eating the wrong foods, making certain lifestyle choices, even the way we exercise – could impact our body's ability to maintain optimum health. Even if we think we’re making the right choices, there are other factors that help determine our overall picture of health. When it comes to your health, the answers are in your genes. Your DNA tells a story: how you process foods, how you react to exercise, how your environment affects your body. The Gene SNP DNA Analysis offers insights into six major categories of weight and wellness.

GENERAL HEALTH

Some genes show correlations between diet and exercise that can affect certain cardiovascular functions.

RISK OF BEING OVERWEIGHT

Specific genes correlate to the buildup of fat tissue in the body. How much a person weighs and how that fat tissue is distributed in the body depends largely on individual genetic makeup. Knowing this information provides a better assessment of what size and weight is realistic.

FOOD CHOICE

Certain genetic variations relate directly to food processing, such as how the body reacts to fat, protein and carbohydrates. These variations, as well as an individual’s eating habits, combine to give an overall picture of how an individual will react to certain food groups.

EXERCISE AND ACTIVITY

Our bodies are made up of two kinds of muscles: slow and fast twitch. Each individual’s genetics favor one over the other, and this information can direct the individual to the type of exercises he or she should employ to more effectively burn fat and help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

BEHAVIOR AND MOTIVATION

Some genetic inclinations determine how easy or difficult it is to make good choices concerning foods. When an individual understands his or her genetic tendencies to cravings and food reactions, they can better manage situations where they may overeat.

NUTRIENTS

Some genetic markers show gaps in a patient’s ability to process vitamins in a way that will maximize their ability to use them. Knowing where the deficiency is allows an individual to complement his or her diet with the best nutrients to help fill in the gaps. Many nutrients help directly in weight loss and the metabolism of fat.

The Gene SNP DNA Analysis combines your individual diet, lifestyle and environmental information and scientifically merges it with your genetic background. Then, it examines a wide variety of genes and SNPs to provide a Health Action Plan designed specifically for you based on your genetic profile. The Health Action Plan makes recommendations based on how your body metabolizes food, utilizes nutrients, removes toxins and responds to physical activity. By understanding how your genetic profile affects your well-being, and then providing practical suggestions that focus on your diet, nutrition, exercise and supplementation, the Gene SNP DNA Analysis will help you take charge of optimizing your wellness. 

BENEFITS

• Learn about variations in your unique genetic code
• Understand how your current nutrition, exercise and lifestyle choices interact with your unique genetic code 
• Make informed decisions regarding eating habits, lifestyle choices and exercise based on your genes
• Learn which market-leading nutraMetrix® nutraceuticals are recommend for your personalized Health Action Plan

FAQ’s

What is the Gene SNP DNA Analysis?

Over the last few decades, developments in the science of genetics and technology have transformed our understanding of disease. This advent in medicine has made early intervention and effective management a real possibility for both Health Professional and patient alike. Today, we know the degree to which diet influences the balance between healthy and disease states may depend on an individual's genetic makeup. Services like genetic analysis can help develop a practice and its wellness program by introducing patients to advantages of testing and improved health outcomes. Some diet-regulated genes (and their normal, common variants) are likely to play a role in:

• Onset
• Incidence
• Progression and/or severity of chronic diseases

Dietary intervention, based on knowledge of nutritional requirement, nutritional status and genotype, can be used to prevent, mitigate or remedy chronic disease. The Gene SNP DNA Analysis is a comprehensive kit that provides a laboratory analysis of specific gene variants in your genetic material (DNA) that have been found to influence health. A helpful guide for Health Professional interpretation provides valuable information about various lifestyle habits that relate to the gene variants being tested and product recommendations.  

Who should use this product?

Anyone under the care of a physician/health professional concerned about how their genetic makeup plays a role in diet, nutrition and exercise should use this product.

How can understanding your genes promote a long, healthy life?

Your health is a result of interactions between your genes and lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, stress, smoking and alcohol. It is your genetic makeup that determines which nutrients are utilized, how they are used, the way toxins are removed and how effective these key processes are within the body. The best part is that the results remain accurate throughout your life since your gene makeup does not change. Since your genes don’t change, you have the ability to optimize the functioning of your genes through diet, exercise and nutritional supplementation. And while you can’t change your genes, you can change your lifestyle and how your genes behave.

Can insurance hold findings from the analysis against me?

Most states have laws prohibiting genetic discrimination, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (or “GINA”), is a federal law that protects Americans from discrimination by health insurance companies and employers on the basis of DNA information. This law does not cover life insurance, disability insurance, or long-term care insurance. For more information, please visit http://www.genome.gov/10002328

How does the Gene SNP DNA Analysis testing process work?

In the privacy of your Dr’s office, we simply use a mouth swab to collect cheek cells, which contain your DNA. The swabs are put into the white swab envelope provided after drying. We send the swabs with the Genetic Assessment Request Form and the Consent Form in the padded envelope with a prepaid shipping label provided in the kit to the processing laboratory. Once at our certified laboratory, DNA is extracted from your swabs and then prepared for analysis. The DNA is analyzed using the latest genotyping technology to give the most accurate results. Your DNA analysis is then matched with the answers you provided into the Online Customer Profile. Once all of this data is compiled, it is entered into a sophisticated, algorithm-based computer software program that generates your confidential, easy-to-follow Gene SNP Health Action Plan.

How long does it take to get my Gene SNP DNA Analysis results?

Typically, it takes three to four weeks for you to receive your Gene SNP analysis results

How accurate are the results of my Gene SNP analysis?

The analysis of your DNA is in compliance with the Quality Assurance and Accuracy Verification Standards of the CLIA certified laboratory. The accuracy of the genetic analysis is greater than 95 percent.

How can my sample fail the Gene SNP DNA Analysis?

Sometimes the sample provided does not contain enough DNA because you just brushed your teeth, or you drank coffee or tea or used tobacco products within 4 hours prior to sampling. Another possibility is, the swabs did not dry long enough before putting the swabs in the envelope, or if it took too long (longer than 10 days) to reach the laboratory for analysis. It is important that we follow the swab instructions in the kit.

How is my privacy protected?

Protecting your privacy is at the core of Gene SNP DNA Analysis. We recognize your need for strong privacy protection and the careful management of your personal information. Any information you share is kept strictly confidential and is secured electronically using sophisticated encryption technology. The laboratory personnel and others who are required in the processing of your genetic results have been trained and tested to meet the requirements of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Your results are handled as Protected Health Information (PHI), as defined in HIPAA and regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in accordance to that defined in 45 CFR, §160 and Subparts A and E of §164.

Should I worry about privacy issues?

Your genetic information will be encrypted and will not be directly associated with your personal information collected from your Online Customer Profile, but will be stored in a database maintained in accordance to CLIA and HIPAA standards. While this information may be used by the laboratory research affiliates to conduct further analyses for commercial purposes, under no conditions will this information be released to third parties in a way that discloses personal information, except with your written permission, unless required by law. The laboratory is vigilant against breaches of security, and improves security and privacy safeguards on a regular basis.

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