Specialist Laboratories
Many Functional and Biochemical Tests can be accessed via specialist laboratories. Where tests are indicated, details of the recommended test(s) will be provided to you for consideration.
Most of these tests can be completed at home and may involve a urine, saliva, blood or stool sample which is then sent off to the laboratory directly. Some require a blood sample which can be taken by attending the lab directly. If you are unable to attend the lab itself (usually in London) some GP surgeries will take the blood sample for a small fee. There are also private hospitals in Brighton and Hove which can do this for a nominal fee of £15-20.
Tests are optional but will always be discussed with you if they seem appropriate in order that you are able to make an informed decision about whether this is something you wish to take forward.
Copies of reports can be made available to both you and your GP/Consultant and the interpretation fee is included in the cost of the tests in most cases.
Tests may be funded privately or in some cases through Private Medical Insurance Providers. Costs will be discussed at the time of the appointment.
Examples of the kinds of tests available:
Adrenal Stress Profile
Saliva test taken at home and sent to the lab. This is a good test for people who are very fatigued, have depression, high stress at work or home, frequent energy slumps and recurrent infections/poor immunity. Click here for a Sample Test Report
Metabolic Profiles
Urine sample collected at home and sent to the lab. These are excellent baseline health screening tests providing a wealth of information about many different areas of bodily function. These kinds of tests are invaluable where there are multiple symptoms, complex conditions and where people have experienced 'nagging symptoms' but have no diagnosis. Tests include markers for neurotransmitters (mental health), detoxification, energy production and digestive function (including markers of yeast overgrowth or 'bad bacteria'). An Amino Acid Profile can also be included and is especially relevant where there are mental health issues or in degenerative illness such as Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson's Disease. Click here for a Sample Test Report
Essential Fatty Acid Profile
Finger prick or blood sample. This test looks at the balance of fats such as Omega 3 and Omega 6 and is very helpful where there are mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, hormone problems like PMS, inflammation, heart disease and chronic pain. Click here for a Sample Test Report
Cardiovascular Risk Profile
Blood sample. This extensive health profile looks at heart and vascular health and is useful where there are 'early warning signs' of potential heart problems such as high cholesterol, where there is a family history of heart disease or to monitor the improvement in markers as diet and lifestyle changes are made. Click here for a Sample Test Report
Female Hormone Panel
Saliva sample. This test may be recommended if there are fertility problems, PMS, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, acne,excess body hair, menstrual irregularities or to check on hormone balance as part of planning for a healthy pregnancy. Click here for a Sample Test Report
Metabolic Syndrome Profile
Blood sample. Diet and lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Metabolic Syndrome occurs where there are a collection of symptoms known to increase a person's risk of these diseases. This test is indicated where there is a family history of diabetes or heart disease , where there are symptoms like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or where someone has a high percentage of weight around the middle/waist area ('apple shape') Click here for a Sample Test Report
Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis & Parasitology
Stool samples taken at home and sent to the lab. This comprehensive test looks many areas of digestive function and absorption . Even with the best diet in the world, if the digestive system is not functioning correctly the nutrients from food can not actually get into the body. Supporting gut function is the first step in managing many health conditions. This test can also include a parasite profile. Gut parasites are becoming increasingly common and can be picked up while travelling abroad or from food and drinks, many of which are now imported in the UK . This test can help formulate a targeted gut recovery programme for people who suffer from recurrent constipation, diarrhoea, IBS , multiple food allergy or other digestive symptoms. Click here for a Sample Test Report
Food Intolerance Profile
Blood test. May be relevant in refining an exclusion diet to identify high risk foods for that individual. Please note, food allergy or intolerance tests may not be the initial test of choice where there are multiple digestive symptoms or evidence to suggest that gut imbalances may be at the root of the food intolerance symptoms. Click here for a Sample Test Report
Laboratories used by Change Nutrition
Biolab - based in central London, Biolab was established by Dr Stephen Davies with Dr John McLaren Howard in 1984 and is a medical referral laboratory specialising in nutritional and environmental medicine. The nutritional biochemistry laboratory is led by Dr Nicholas Miller PhD MCB FRCPAth. Biolab undertakes tests for mineral and vitamin levels, toxic metals and a range of other biochemical and functional tests. The laboratory is staffed by a highly qualified team and participates in a number of external quality control schemes. Many of the tests require expensive high-tech instrumentation which is not ordinarily available in hospital pathology laboratories. Biolab staff are actively involved in researching the effects of nutrition and the environment on health and disease and and have published many papers in medical and scientific journals.
Genova Diagnostics – based in Surrey and previously known as IWDL, Genova Diagnostics has been performing laboratory tests in the UK since 1996 . It is a centre of excellence overseen by consultant pathologist, Dr F.J. Ahmad who is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists. The Scientific Director, Dr Nigel Abraham PhD FIBMS, a Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science, who pioneered functional testing in the UK. Genova Diagnostics has stringent external and internal quality assurance and participate in UK NEQAS schemes (National External Quality Assessment Scheme) where available.
Metametrix –based in Atlanta Georgia, Metametrix is one of the largest laboratories undertaking Functional Laboratory testing in the US and worldwide and has been in operation since 1984. Nutrition Geeks manages the test distribution for Metametrix in the UK via approved practitioners listed on their website. The analytical performance of Metametrix is monitored through external and internal programs. External proficiency testing includes participation in programs conducted by the College of American Pathologists, New York State Department of Health, and Quebec Institute National de Sante Publique du Quebec. Internal Quality Control is also in place. Metametrix is licensed by CLIA, the federal agency regulating laboratories, as well as by those states requiring individual licenses.