There are many tests that can help to find the reason why you are not feeling your optimum. Many can be ordered from your GP or integrative medical practitioner.

You can order any of the following tests directly from the lab. Once you get your results, please bring them to your next appointment.

 

• Coeliac Check
• Intestinal Permeability (Leaky Gut) Check
• Parasite PCR Check
• Helicobacter Pylori
• SIBO Check
• Gut Inflammation
• Pancreatic Function
• Pancreatic Insufficiency Check
• Digestive Stool Analysis – Level 4+
• Microbiome Testing
• Essential Fatty Acids Check
• FODMAP Check
• Allergy Check
• Food Intolerance testing
• Adrenal fatigue test
• Heavy Metal Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis

Coeliac Check Buy here

People with coeliac disease who eat gluten have higher than normal levels of tissue transglutaminase antibodies in their blood. These antibodies are produced by the immune system because it views gluten – the proteins found in wheat, rye and barley – as a threat. This gluten intolerance test is positive in about 98% of patients with coeliac disease who are on a gluten-containing diet.
Note that a negative result does not necessarily exclude coeliac disease, and if you are symptomatic you may require further testing. A biopsy of the small intestine is the only way to formally diagnose coeliac disease.

This coeliac serology test measures:

Transglutaminase IgA

The tTg antibodies test is the most sensitive and specific gluten intolerance test for coeliac disease. This tTG blood test can also be used to help evaluate the effectiveness of treatment as antibody levels should fall when gluten is removed from the diet.

Deamidated Gliadin Antibodies

Anti-gliadin antibodies are produced in response to gliadin, a prolamin found in wheat.

Total IgA

IgA provides protection against infection in areas of the body such as the respiratory tract and the gastrointestinal tract.

Parasite PCR Check Buy here

Some gut problems can be a consequence of an undetected gut infection. A significant number of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) cases could actually be due to undiagnosed gut parasites such as Blastocystis hominis and Dientamoeba fragilis.

Technology for detecting parasites and other pathogens has improved dramatically since 2013. This PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test looks for the genetic fingerprint of a wide range of pathogens. This is a far more sensitive test than the old fashioned technique of looking through a microscope.

Faecal Occult Blood

This test is used to detect bleeding in the digestive tract. It can detect tiny traces of blood in the stool, and can indicate the presence of disease at a relatively early stage when stools may appear normal.

This stool test measures:
Stool Form
A formed stool is considered normal. Variations to this may indicate abnormal gastrointestinal conditions.

PCR Test – Bacteria

This faecal multiplex PCR test detects the following pathogenic bacteria:

Salmonella

Salmonella infection usually results from ingestion of the bacteria from contaminated food, water or hands. Eggs, milk, meat or poultry are particularly high risk foods.

Campylobacter

Campylobacter infection (campylobacteriosis) is a bacterial infection which most commonly causes gastroenteritis (also known as ‘gastro’) but may also cause illness affecting the entire body.

Shigella

Shigella infection (shigellosis) is a type of gastroenteritis caused by Shigella bacteria. The symptoms of Shigella infection include fever, diarrhoea, (sometimes with blood and mucous), vomiting and stomach cramps.

Yersinia enterocolitica

This infectious bacteria can cause gastroenteritis and symptoms beyond the gut. Symptoms include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain. It can mimic appendicitis or Crohn’s disease.

Aeromonas

Aeromonas are bacteria that can cause an acute diarrhoeal illness that normally clears without treatment. It is a fairly common cause of gastroenteritis, which occurs most often throughout the warm summer months in most countries.

Plesiomonas

Plesiomonas shigelloides is a bacteria found in aquatic environments that has been associated with sporadic cases and outbreaks of diarrhoeal disease.

PCR Test – Parasites

This faecal multiplex PCR test detects the following parasites:

Giardia intestinalis

Symptoms of Giardia infection can occur with 3 to 25 days and may include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, pale greasy foul-smelling stools, stomach cramps, passing excess gas, bloating, weight loss and fatigue.

Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that causes the diarrhoeal disease cryptosporidiosis. Both the parasite and the disease are commonly known as “Crypto.”

Dientamoeba fragilis

The bacteria can be present in the gut for months or year and misdiagnosed as IBS. Infection can cause diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping, anal itching, nausea, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, depression, weight loss and fatigue.

Entamoeba histolytica

Amoebiasis is a parasitic disease (also known as amoebic dysentery) caused by infection with Entamoeba histolytica or another amoeba (for example, E. dispar). The disease may not cause symptoms in most individuals.

Blastocystis hominis

Some research suggests that people with IBS may be more likely to have Blastocystis hominis organisms in their stool.

SIBO Check Buy here

The large intestine is packed with bacteria, whilst the small intestine typically contains very few bacteria. If the small intestine becomes overgrown with bacteria it can lead to malabsorption of key nutrients, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrohoea, bloating, fatigue, malabsorption of nutrients and weight loss. SIBO is also thought to be a possible factor in some cases of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Glucose Breath Test

Bacteria in the small intestine produce hydrogen and methane gas when exposed to glucose. This test compares the hydrogen and methane levels in the 30, 60 and 90 minute breath samples to the baseline (0 minute) sample.

This glucose breath test measures:

Peak hydrogen increase over baseline

Bacteria in the small intestine produce hydrogen and methane gas when exposed to glucose. SIBO is typically diagnosed if there is a rise in breath hydrogen or methane by 12ppm above the baseline.

Peak methane excretion over baseline

Bacteria in the small intestine produce hydrogen and methane gas when exposed to glucose. SIBO is typically diagnosed if there is a rise in breath hydrogen or methane by 12ppm above the baseline.

Lactulose Breath Test

The lactulose test is used to measure oro-caecal transit time (OCTT) – this is the time interval between ingestion of lactulose and rise in breath hydrogen. Prolonged OCTT has been associated with SIBO.

This lactulose breath test measures:

Hydrogen increase over baseline by 60 mins

Bacteria in the small intestine produce hydrogen and methane gas when exposed to lactulose. Hydrogen excretion is indicated by >10ppm sustained rise upon lactulose challenge.

OCTT (oro-caecal transit time)

Normal OCTT (the time it takes for lactulose to pass through the gut) in healthy adults is approx 60-120min. Prolonged transit time has been linked to SIBO.

Pancreatic Function Buy here

Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are broken down by stomach acids, enzymes produced by the pancreas, and bile from the liver. This process also releases micronutrients. This blood test measures the levels of enzymes produced by the pancreas.

This blood test measures:

Lipase

An enzyme produced by the pancreas which is released into the digestive tract to help digest fatty foods.

Amylase

An enzyme made mainly by the pancreas which is released from the pancreas into the digestive tract to help digest starch in our food.

Digestive Stool Analysis – Level 4+  Buy here

The CDSA Level 4+ is the most comprehensive stool assessment available for the assessment of digestive, absorption, metabolic, inflammation and tumour ulcer markers. This CDSA Level 4+ stool test is recommended for individuals with gut related symptoms such as IBS, indigestion, dysbiosis, constipation, and diarrhoea.

Faecal Macroscopy

Macroscopy looks at stool colour and formation, as well as for evidence of mucous or blood which may require further investigation.

This macroscopy test measures

Stool Colour
Brown is the colour of normal stool. Other colours may indicate abnormal gastrointestinal conditions.

Stool Form
A formed stool is considered normal. Variations to this may indicate abnormal gastrointestinal conditions.

Mucous
Mucous production may indcate the presence of an infection, inflammation or malignancy.

Faecal Occult Blood
This test is used to detect bleeding in the digestive tract, and is used in Australia’s National Bowel Screening program. This test can detect tiny traces of blood in the stool, and can indicate the presence of disease at a relatively early stage when stools may appear normal.

Digestive & Metabolic Markers

Microscopy is performed for detection of blood cells which may indicate infections or inflammation, as well as markers of maldigestion. The presence of food remnants may indicate poor digestion from too little gastric acid or reduced output from the pancreas.

This microscopy test measures

pH
Imbalances in gut pH influence short chain fatty acid production and their effect.

Red blood cells
The presence of red blood cells in the stool may indicate the presence of an infection, inflammation or haemorrhage.

White blood cells
The presence of white blood cells in the stool may indicate the presence of an infection, inflammation or haemorrhage.

Food remnants
The presence of food remnants may indicate maldigestion.

Meat fibres
The presence of meat fibres may indicate maldigestion from too little gastric acid or reduced output from the pancreas.

Vegetable fibres
The presence of vegetable fibres may indicate maldigestion from gastric hypoacidity or diminished pancreatic output.

Fat globules
Too much fat in your faeces is called steatorrhoea which can be a sign of malabsorption. This means your body either isn’t absorbing nutrients properly or isn’t making the enzymes or bile needed to digest food effectively.

Starch
The presence of starch grains may indicate carbohydrate maldigestion.

Digestive Markers

This blood test measures:

Chymotrypsin
Chymotrypsin is a pancreatic enzyme involved in protein digestion. Low levels of chymotrypsin may indicate protein maldigestion due to pancreatic insufficiency.

Short Chain Fatty Acids, Putrefactive
Putrefactive SCFAs are produced when anaerobic bacteria ferment undigested protein, indicating protein maldigestion.

Meat fibres
The presence of meat fibres may indicate maldigestion from too little gastric acid or reduced output from the pancreas.

Vegetable fibres
The presence of vegetable fibres may indicate maldigestion from gastric hypoacidity or diminished pancreatic output.

Pancreatic Elastase 1
Pancreatic Elastase is used to assess pancreatic exocrine function and levels reflect the activity of the pancreatic enzymes trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylase and lipase.

Absorption Markers

This blood test measures:

Triglycerides, Stool
Elevated levels of Triglycerides in the stool may indicate lipid maldigestion.

Long Chain Fatty Acids
Elevated levels of LCFAs in the stool may indicate inadequate lipid absorption.

Cholesterol, Stool
Elevated levels of Cholesterol in the stool may indicate inadequate absorption.

Phospholipids
Elevated levels of Phospholipids in the stool may indicate inadequate absorption.

Metabolic Markers

This blood test measures:

Short Chain Fatty Acids, Beneficial
SCFAs are molecules produced by bacteria when they ferment dietary components (primarily fibre: non-digestible carbohydrates) inside the colon.

Butyrate
Decreased Butyrate levels may indicate inadequate colonic function.

b-Glucuronidase
Increased levels of b-Glucuronidase may reverse the effects of Phase II detoxification processes.

pH
Imbalances in gut pH influence short chain fatty acid production and their effect.

Acetate
Decreased Acetate levels may indicate inadequate colonic function.

Propionate
Decreased Propionate levels may indicate inadequate colonic function.

Inflammation Markers

This blood test measures:

Transglutaminase IgA
The tTg antibodies test is the most sensitive and specific gluten intolerance test for coeliac disease. This tTG blood test can also be used to help evaluate the effectiveness of treatment as antibody levels should fall when gluten is removed from the diet.

Eosinophil Protein X
There is increasing evidence that eosinophils are functionally involved in the pathophysiology of various inflammatory disorders of the gut.

Faecal Calprotectin
This protein is released into the stool when the intestinal lining is damaged. It’s usually very high in cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), and low in IBS. Calprotectin is also elevated with gut infections and colon cancers.

Tumour/ Ulcer Markers

This blood test measures:

M2 Pyruvate Kinase
2-PK is the key regulator of tumour metabolism and its measurement in faeces identifies gastrointestinal tumours, even in the absence of gastrointestinal bleeding.

H.Pylori antigen
A positive test result indicates the presence of a current infection and is not affected by the presence of other organisms, antacids, barium sulphate, blood or fat.

Beneficial Bacteria

Significant numbers of bacteria are normally present in the healthy gut. Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in particular, are essential for gut health because they help to inhibit gut pathogens and carcinogens, control pH, reduce cholesterol and synthesise vitamins.

This stool test measures

Bifidobacteria
Bifidobacteria are considered “friendly” bacteria that are found in fermented foods like yogurt and cheese, and are used in probiotics. The gut needs these bacteria to perform several jobs, including breaking down foods, taking in nutrients, and preventing overgrowth of “bad” pathogenic bacteria.

Lactobacilli
Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria are essential for gut health because they prevent overgrowth of gut pathogens, and contribute to managing intestinal pH, cholesterol, and synthesis of vitamins and disaccharidase enzymes.

Eschericia coli
Most E. coli strains are harmless and play an essential role in keeping the digestive system healthy, helping to digest food and producing Vitamin K. However, some E. coli bacteria are pathogenic and can cause disease.

Enterococci
Together with other healthy bacteria and fungi, enterococci work to keep unhealthy (pathogenic) bacteria from flourishing and helps to restore the balance of the microbiome.

Potentially Pathogenic Bacteria

This panel also looks for evidence of other bacteria which may be pathogenic in nature, such as Citrobacter and Klebsiella.

This stool test measures

Klebsiella
Klebsiella forms part of the normal gut flora in small numbers, but can be an opportunistic pathogen

Citrobacter
Citrobacter is considered an opportunistic pathogen and therefore can be found in the gut as normal flora. It is occasionally implicated in diarrhoeal disease, particularly C. freundii, C. diversus and C. koseri.

Pseudomonas
Pseudomonas is found in water and soil as well as fruits and vegetables, and is considered an opportunistic pathogen.

Proteus
Part of the normal flora of the gastrointestinal tract, though has been shown to be an independent causative agent of intestinal disorders. May also play a role as an opportunistic organism in enteric infection due to other pathogens. Food has been implicated as a vehicle of infection.

Campylobacter
Campylobacter infection (campylobacteriosis) is a bacterial infection which most commonly causes gastroenteritis (also known as ‘gastro’) but may also cause illness affecting the entire body.

Salmonella
Salmonella infection usually results from ingestion of the bacteria from contaminated food, water or hands. Eggs, milk, meat or poultry are particularly high risk foods.

Streptococcus species
Streptococcus is common in the gut flora. With the exception of very rare cases, streptococcus species are not implicated in gastric disease.

Yersinia
Yersinia infection (yersiniosis) is a bacterial infection of the bowel (intestine). It occurs worldwide, but is fairly uncommon. Many domesticated and wild animals carry Yersinia in their intestines, and spread to people occurs by eating food or water contaminated by infected faeces.

Enterococcus Faecalis & Faecium
Enterococcus species are part of normal flora in the human gut, but can however be implicated in a variety of infections of which urinary tract infections are the most common.

Mucoid Eschericia Coli
Most E. coli strains are harmless and play an essential role in keeping the digestive system healthy, helping to digest food and producing Vitamin K. However, some E. coli bacteria are pathogenic and can cause disease.

Other Bacteria
Other bacteria tested for include alpha-haemolytic Streptococcus, gamma-haemolytic Streptococcus, Pseudomonas species, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Bacillus species, Citrobacter amalonaticus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae

Yeasts

This test looks for evidence of candida or other yeast overgrowth. Whilst yeasts are a normal inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract, they may become an opportunistic pathogen after disruption of the mucosal barrier, imbalance of the normal intestinal flora or impaired immunity. This can be caused by things like antibiotics, antacids and stress.

This stool test measures

Candida albicans
Candida albicans is the main type of yeast which colonises the human body. It normally lives in the gastrointestinal tract and other areas of the body without causing problems, but imbalance in the microbiome can lead to overgrowth.

Geotrichum
Geotrichum yeasts can be found in soil, dairy products and in human skin and mucosae, and are usually only considered an opportunistic pathogen in immune-compromised hosts. Geotrichum may play a role in IBS.

Rhodotorula
A common environmental yeast which is not considered pathogenic in nature. These yeasts are ubiquitous in the environment and can be found on fruits, vegetables and other plant materials.

Other yeasts
Whilst yeasts are a normal inhabitant of the gut, they may become an opportunistic pathogen after disruption of the mucosal barrier, imbalance of the normal intestinal flora or impaired immunity. This can be caused by things like antibiotics, antacids and stress.

Parasites

Some gut problems can be a consequence of an undetected gut infection. A significant number of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) cases could actually be due to undiagnosed gut parasites such as Blastocystis hominis and Dientamoeba fragilis.

This stool test measures

Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that causes the diarrhoeal disease cryptosporidiosis. Both the parasite and the disease are commonly known as “Crypto.”

Giardia intestinalis
Symptoms of Giardia infection can occur with 3 to 25 days and may include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, pale greasy foul-smelling stools, stomach cramps, passing excess gas, bloating, weight loss and fatigue.

Entamoeba histolytica
Amoebiasis is a parasitic disease (also known as amoebic dysentery) caused by infection with Entamoeba histolytica or another amoeba (for example, E. dispar). The disease may not cause symptoms in most individuals.

Blastocystis hominis
Some research suggests that people with IBS may be more likely to have Blastocystis hominis organisms in their stool.

Dientamoeba fragilis
The bacteria can be present in the gut for months or year and misdiagnosed as IBS. Infection can cause diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping, anal itching, nausea, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, depression, weight loss and fatigue.

Other parasites

Essential Fatty Acids Check Buy here

Good sources of omega-3s and omega-6s should be consumed in the proper ratio. Omega-6 fatty acids compete with omega-3s and can inhibit their effect. Ideally the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 should be around 2:1, but the typical Western diet is closer to 16:1 due to processed foods and oils. This imbalance may be responsible for a number of inflammatory diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and play a key role in the development of obesity.

Omega Fatty Acid Profile

This essential fatty acid blood spot test measures the levels of essential fatty acids and their ratios that are critical to good health.

This blood spot test measures:

Omega 3 Index

Blood omega-3 fatty acids are a strong reflection of dietary intake and considered a risk factor for coronary heart disease. As a part of an overall healthy lifestyle, an Omega-3 Index in the 8-12% range may help to maintain heart, brain, eye and joint health. The omega-3 index is the sum of the fatty acids Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) in red blood cell membranes, and is expressed as a percentage.

Omega 6 to Omega 3 Ratio

Excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids and a very high omega 6: omega 3 ratio (as is found in today’s Western diets) promote the development of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids (a low omega 6: omega 3 ratio) exert suppressive effects.

AA to EPA Ratio

The AA/EPA ratio is considered the best marker of cellular inflammation in the body. It represents the ratio of the omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid (AA) and the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).

Trans Fat Index

Trans fatty acids (trans fats) in our blood come only from the food we eat, with the vast majority being from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. Consumption of industrially-produced trans fats has been linked to poorer heart health.

Allergy Check Buy here

Allergies are on the increase, and food allergies in particular are becoming more common. Allergies are caused by an overreaction of the body’s immune system to certain innocuous molecules from the outside world. These allergens may be from foods, pollens, house dust, animal hair or moulds.

Total IgE

Elevated IgE levels can indicate a tendency to be hyperallergic – this is often characterised by conditions such as eczema, hay fever, or allergic asthma.

This blood test measures:

Total IgE

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a protein associated with allergic reactions that is normally found in very small amounts in the blood. IgE functions as part of the body’s immune system (its defence against ‘intruders’).

Staple Food Mix

This blood test measures:

• Egg White
• Milk
• Fish
• Wheat
• Peanut
• Soyabean

Seafood Mix

This blood test measures:

• Fish
• Prawn
• Blue Mussel
• Tuna
• Salmon

Nut Mix

This blood test measures:

• Peanut
• Hazelnut
• Brazil Nut
• Almond
• Coconut

House Dust & Mite Mix

This blood test measures:

• Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus
• Dermatophagoides farinae
• Housedust
• Cockroach

Regional Grass/ Australian Pollen Mix

This blood test measures:

• Rye
• Bahia
• Bermuda
• Plantain
• Ragweed
• Goosefoot

Animal Epithelia Mix

This blood test measures:

• Cat
• Dog
• Cow
• Horse Dander

Mould Mix

This blood test measures:

• notatum
• herbarum
• fumigatus
• alternata

Adrenal Fatigue Check Buy here

Measuring the adrenal hormones cortisol and DHEA-S with this adrenal fatigue test provides an assessment of how well you manage and internalise stress. These hormones must be in proper balance with each other for optimal health, and an imbalance can be caused by prolonged stress. Cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day and so 4 samples need to be collected to show your body’s cortisol rhythm.

This adrenal fatigue test is a saliva hormone test that measures:
A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland in response to stress.
The hormone is secreted in a daily pattern rising in the early morning, peaking around 7 am, and declining in the evening.

Cortisol Daily Total
Cortisol levels are generally high in the morning as we wake from a prolonged period of sleep, with an increase of up to 50% in the first half an hour after waking. This is known as the ‘cortisol awakening response’.

Cortisol Morning
As the day progresses cortisol levels naturally begin to drop in a fairly constant and regular fashion that is termed a diurnal rhythm, ending up as low in the late evening.

Cortisol Midday
As the day progresses cortisol levels naturally begin to drop in a fairly constant and regular fashion that is termed a diurnal rhythm, ending up as low in the late evening.

Cortisol Afternoon
Cortisol levels drop very low in the evening and during the early phase of sleep which allows the body to keep a regular sleeping pattern.

Cortisol Evening
A long-acting adrenal hormone that regulates energy production, the immune system, brain chemistry, bone formation, muscle tone and libido.

DHEA-S
Low DHEA relative to cortisol has been linked to increased inflammation, suppressed immune function, hyperglycaemia, as well as impaired detoxification, skeletal health and cognitive function.

DHEA-S/Cortisol Ratio