Laboratory & Testing
With the purpose of providing a thorough analysis of a patient’s health, our naturopathic doctors offer comprehensive diagnostic testing.
In addition to specialized naturopathic testing, conventional blood and urine testing can be ordered by our naturopathic doctors, through Alberta Precision Laboratories. As naturopathic services are not covered by Alberta Health Care, there is an additional fee for these tests.
BIOELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE ANALYSIS (BIA)
A BIA machine uses an electrical current to provide vital information on body composition, overall hydration, cellular health and toxic burden. These measurements are done in-office.
WHY YOUR DOCTOR MAY CONSIDER THIS TEST
If you are are looking to have a better understanding of your body composition (muscle mass vs. body fat) and are looking to set goals, a BIA can be a helpful tool. Running a BIA on your can help determine a baseline of measurements prior to starting a new diet and exercise regime.
BORRELIA ELISPOT TEST
This is a blood test that is sent to Armin Labs in Germany. The Elispot test is a T-cell test that determines if there is any current cellular Borrelia burgdorferi activity of chronic and recent infections.
WHY YOUR DOCTOR MAY CONSIDER THIS TEST FOR YOU
If you or your naturopathic doctor are suspecting that Lyme Disease may be a component to your illness, this is the test of choice for many Lyme-literate physicians. For patients getting this test done, blood samples are collected in-office on Monday mornings.
CHRONIC VIRAL INFECTIONS
This is a blood test that assesses the presence of chronic viral infections including cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr (EBV) and Coxsackie virii.
WHY YOUR DOCTOR MAY CONSIDER THIS TEST FOR YOU
If you are suffering from chronic fatigue, frequent illnesses and a run-down immune system, you or your naturopathic doctor may suspect that a chronic viral infection may be a component to your illness. These infections are often screened in conjunction when testing for Lyme and other tick-borne infections. For patients getting this test done, blood samples are collected in-office on Monday mornings.
DUTCH HORMONE TESTING
DUTCH is a an acronym for Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones. This test is a comprehensive analysis of adrenal and sex hormones using easy-to-collect dried urine samples. This panel includes an in-depth evaluation of your hormones and how they detoxify in your body, along with the oxidative stress marker, 8-Hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) and other organic acid markers.
WHY YOUR DOCTOR MAY CONSIDER THIS TEST
There are many reasons why a DUTCH test can be helpful in understanding whether or not your hormones are balanced or not - PMS, menopause, acne, libido, fatigue and insomnia. Understanding the ratios of your various forms of estrogens, DHEA and testosterone may be the key in sorting out the imbalances you’ve been experiencing.
FOOD SENSITIVITY TEST (IgG)
This is a simple in-office finger prick test assesses delayed sensitivity reactions to specific foods. While this test will not diagnose or confirm a food allergy, it is a helpful test to help you discover if any foods you are eating may be leading to inflammation in the body.
WHY YOUR DOCTOR MAY CONSIDER THIS TEST
Understanding any potential food sensitivities may help you and your naturopathic doctor determine if there are any foods in your diet that might be contributing to your symptoms. These symptoms include: bloating, IBS, joint pain, eczema, acne, migraine headaches and weight gain.
G.I. MAP STOOL TEST
The G.I. MAP stool test is a comprehensive stool analysis that gives us information about your microbome. Your microbiome is a community of bacteria (good and bad), yeast, viruses and sometimes parasites that lives in your large intestine. It is very important to ensure great digestive health as 70 to 80 percent of your immune system lives in your colon!
WHY YOUR DOCTOR MAY CONSIDER THIS TEST FOR YOU
If you’ve been suffering with unexplained constipation or diarrhea, mood concerns, autoimmune conditions such as Crohn’s or colitis, weight gain/loss, it may be valuable to determine if there is an
imbalance or overgrowth in your colon. The stool test provides useful information that helps guide our treatment plan more efficiently to help resolve your concerns.
INDICAN TEST FOR DYSBIOSIS
This in-clinic urine test is a simple and fast screening tool for the identification of protein putrefaction in the gastrointestinal tract. In order to perform this test, your naturopathic doctor may ask you to bring in a first-morning urine sample to an appointment.
MARCONS NASAL SWAB
MARCoNS stands for Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus. This test uses a nasal swab to assess for MARCoNS and other bacteria isolated and fungi including mold and yeast. It can also include susceptibility testing on organisms found on testing to help determine the most appropriate treatment regimens.
MYCOTOXIN URINE TEST
This simple test using your first-morning urine sample, measures several different mycotoxins from at least four types of mold.
WHY YOUR DOCTOR MAY CONSIDER THIS TEST FOR YOU
Fungus is able to grow on almost any surface, especially if the environment is warm and wet. Inner wall materials of buildings. These fungi then release mycotoxins into the environment causing symptoms of many different chronic diseases including respiratory symptoms, brain fog, chronic fatigue, skin rashes and mental health conditions including depression, ADHD and anxiety.
NON-INVASIVE PRENATAL SCREEN
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), also known as cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening, is a safe, simple and reliable method of screening for common chromosome abnormalities as early as 10 weeks into pregnancy. NIPT uses a single maternal blood test which includes the maternal and fetal DNA fragments that are then compared against a set of reference chromosomes.
WHY YOUR DOCTOR MAY CONSIDER THIS TEST
Women of advanced maternal age or with a history of miscarriages may be recommended to consider this highly informative test, However, professional societies, including the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), have recommended NIPT as an option for all pregnant women, regardless of age or risk.
At Grassroots, we are pleased to offer this state-of-the-art testing through Access Genomics, a Canadian laboratory. Various panels are offered to screen chromosomes 21, 18 and 14, along with sex chromosome status/aneuploidy and microdeletions. A blood sample will be taken in-office and results are expected in five business days. Genetic counselling with their in-house genetic counselor is available to all patients running a NIPT.
LIQUID BASED PAP SMEAR
This is a liquid-based Pap is done to look for changes in the cells of the cervix. This is offered as part of a regular gynecological physical examination for patients who may not have a regular family physician and are due for this assessment.
WHY YOUR DOCTOR MAY CONSIDER THIS TEST
In Alberta, the recommended routine screening is as follows:
Women younger than 25: If you are in this age group, routine screenings are not recommended.
Women 25 to 69: If you are in this age group, screening is recommended every 3 years.
Women 70 and older: If you are age 70 or older, and have had 3 negative Pap tests results in a row in the last 10 years, screening is no longer needed. If you haven't had regular screenings, continue getting tested until you have 3 negative test results.
If you are unsure if you should have a Pap test done, please talk with your family physician, gynecologist or knowledgeable naturopathic doctor about cervical cancer screening.
SIBO 3-HOUR BREATH TEST
This at-home test uses a Lactulose-challenged, three-hour hydrogen/methane breath test to determine the presence of an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. It can indicate the presence of hydrogenic or methanogenic SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth). There is a 24-hour preparation protocol for this test, including a 12-hour restricted diet followed by a 12-hour fast.
TESTING FOR TICK-BORNE CO-INFECTIONS
A variety of tests to help identify tick-borne infections other than Lyme, such as Babesia, Bartonella and Ehrlichia/Anaplasmosis.
TESTING FOR OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS RELATED TO TICK-BORNE INFECTIONS
A variety of tests to help identify opportunistic infections that arise after the onset of a tick-borne infections, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae.
URINE TOXIC METALS (HEAVY METALS)
Urine analysis is a simple way to measure levels of essential and toxic elements. The presence of toxic elements has been linked to neurological problems, memory impairment, learning difficulties and possibly, gastrointestinal issues.
WHY YOUR DOCTOR MAY CONSIDER THIS TEST FOR YOU
Urine can be used to look for essential element deficiencies and for the presence of toxic elements. Many practitioners use a chelating agent to release toxic metals from storage in the tissue so they can be eliminated in urine. Typically, the collection time is six to eight hours and is done in the comfort of your own home.
ZINC TALLY TEST
A Zinc Tally Test provides a simple in-office method for evaluating zinc status. After placing 10 mL of Zinc Tally in the mouth, a lack of taste or a delayed taste perception suggests a possible zinc insufficiency.