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Lab Tests

lab tests lab testing blood tests stool tests blood work
Lab tests provide vital information that guides treatment

Lab Tests and Blood Work

As a naturopathic doctor, I believe in thorough lab tests to find the root cause of your disease.  This is particularly true with hormonal imbalances (hair loss, acne, dysmenorrhea, infertility, irregular periods, weight gain). Thorough testing is often not done by anyone, including fertility clinics.

What lab tests can a naturopath do?

As a naturopathic doctor, I can order almost any blood test that you may be interested in having.  I can order conventional lab tests like thyroid, iron, and detailed hormone analysis.  Also, I have access to specialized testing for just about anything else that you may be wondering about.  I can order in-depth stool analysis for irritable bowel, Crohn’s, colitis or SIBO, blood testing for food sensitivities, heavy metal testing, fertility testing, 24-hour urine hormone analysis, vitamin and mineral analysis, and many others.

Is lab testing mandatory?

Absolutely not! As with any of my recommendations, I will discuss all the testing and non-testing options. We’ll discuss the pros and cons so that you can make an informed choice about the best course of action for you.   While tests can provide specifics about where exactly the problem lies, there are always alternatives to testing.

List of Tests Through a Naturopath

Here is an overview of the types of lab testing that I can order and interpret for you:

  1. Conventional laboratory testing – hormone blood tests (LH, FSH, estradiol, testosterone, DHEAs, androstenedione, DHT, progesterone, HCG), liver function tests (ALT, AST, GGT, bilirubin), kidney function tests (urea, creatinine, creatinine clearance), thorough thyroid testing (TSH, free T3, free T4, anti-TPO, anti-thyroglobulin), adrenal function tests (cortisol – a.m. and p.m., DHEAs, testosterone), cardiovascular (CK, CK-MB, homocysteine, cholesterol, triglycerides), diabetes testing (fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, glucose tolerance test, c peptide), testing for anemia (iron/ferritin, B12, folic acid), autoimmune (ANA, anti-dsDNA), urine testing for bladder infections or most of the other tests that you may normally have done by your family doctor.
  2. Specialized lab tests that conventional medicine doesn’t offer – IgG and IgA food allergy blood testing, comprehensive digestive stool analysis and parasitology, micronutrient (vitamin and mineral) testing, Lyme disease testing, 24-hour urine heavy metals, etc.

Testing removes the guesswork from your treatment.  It helps to narrow down the almost infinite natural treatment options.

What lab tests can you do that my doctor can’t?

Several. There is a wide range of specialized tests that are not covered by OHIP.  Therefore, these are not ordered by medical doctors, even specialists. This includes tests for yeast, food sensitivities, detailed hormone/thyroid/infertility testing, Lyme disease, etc.

MTHFR Testing

How to access MTHFR testing in Ontario

Naturopathic doctors in Ontario are not allowed to order genetic testing of any kind, including MTHFR testing.  Here’s how to access this information on your own:

Order genetic testing yourself through 23andme.com

After your results return, contact 23andme and ask them for your raw data. Input that information into the Found My Fitness app, Sterling’s app, or Genetic Genie for MTHFR interpretation. Book an appointment for guidance on how to manage the results of your test.

How do I get lab tests done through you?

In order for me to order tests for you, you need to be a patient of mine. I cannot justify ordering tests for someone I’ve never seen. Typically at the end of the initial visit, we’ll discuss which tests are most appropriate for you.  I will also help sort out how to go about getting them done. In some instances, we try to recruit the help of your family doctor or specialist if the tests are ones that may be covered through OHIP.

Currently, the Ontario government requires me to send you to a Specimen Collection Centre (lab) for them to collect blood samples. We provide you with a kit or a requisition.  You then take this to the lab for them to draw the blood.  They send the sample to the appropriate lab for testing. Stool samples you collect yourself at home and send directly to the lab.

Which labs do you use?

We use LifeLabs, Dynacare, and Hospitals-in-Common labs. Depending on the test, samples go to specialized labs for testing (such as Meridian Valley, Rocky Mountain Analytical, Igenex, Great Plains, and Alletess). Check out the vast array of integrative medicine testing available through Hospitals-in-Common. If you are wondering about a specific test Contact Us, we’re always happy to help.

Do you have to be in Toronto to do lab testing?

No. In order to provide any treatment advice, you must be in Ontario at the time of our visit. I can do virtual visits either over the phone or by secure video call. If you choose to do a virtual visit, I can email you a requisition for any tests that are required.

For help with this or any health problem, book an appointment here or call the clinic for more information at 416-481-0222.

by Dr. Pamela Frank, BSc(Hons), ND

Picture of Toronto Naturopath Doctor Dr. Pamela Frank, Best Naturopath in Toronto many times over
Dr. Pamela Frank, BSc(Hons), Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Pamela has practiced as a naturopathic doctor in Toronto since 1999. She has received numerous “Best Naturopath in Toronto” awards. She is registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Dr. Pamela Frank uses a natural treatment approach that may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, diet, vitamins, supplements, and other natural remedies to restore balance and provide long-term resolution to almost any health problem.

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