LABORATORY TESTING
There are a few labs I use regularly in clinic in order to get to the root cause and help my clients get answers.
This gives us actionable data and allows me to develop a personalised plan that will work for your own body, taking into account your bio-individuality.
The lab tests I recommend (and use the most in my practice) are offered below. When we work together, I can provide you with a referral for any of the following at-home labs, as well as others such as H. pylori detection, Mold mycotoxins testing, Organic Acids Test (OAT), and more.
For self-order within the US, you can order via my LabShop.
SMALL INTESTINAL BACTERIAL OVERGROWTH
(SIBO BREATH TEST)
Pros of the SIBO Breath Test
Reliable results: The SIBO Breath Test offers identification of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and IMO (Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth) when interpreted by a skilled practitioner. I tend to use the European cut-off of 60min to identify SIBO when doing a Breath test.
Early Detection: Detect SIBO at any stage, enabling you to take proactive steps in managing gut health before symptoms worsen or see where you are at in your treatment plan.
Tailored Plan: Armed with SIBO Breath Test results, we can determine the best plan of action in terms of targeted treatments.
Scientifically proven: Receive evidence-based recommendations based on continuously emerging research.
The SIBO Breath test is a simple, safe and non-invasive test that is able to determine if you have SIBO and if so, which type:
Hydrogen, Methane, Hydrogen Sulfide or Mixed SIBO.
All you have to do is blow inside a tube, similar to blowing on a hot soup, at 15-20 minutes intervals for up to 3 hours. There is a sugary drink you need to take after your first breath sample (baseline) to assess if bacteria will ferment it and produce gas.
Get This Test
SIBO BREATH TEST ONLY - CANADIANS 🇨🇦
SIBO Breath Test from a reputable Lab using Lactulose (or Glucose if preferred)
Price includes Shipping & Taxes in Canada
SIBO BREATH TEST PACKAGE - Worldwide
SIBO Breath Test from a reputable Lab in your area + Shipping
Complete results report
A 60-minute online consultation to go over your results
Personalized recommendations
You can also order a SIBO test by yourself using the links below, although you often get better pricing by going through a practitioner:
Trio-Smart (USA only) click here
>> If you already have your results, you can book a consultation with me.
✺ Frequently asked questions about the SIBO Breath Test ✺
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It varies from lab to lab but usually it takes a total of 3 hours. Keep in mind you are not needing to do it continuously for 3 hours, but the breaths samples are taken at intervals of 15 to 20 minutes for a total of 3 hours (usually 10 samples).
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It depends. Both lactulose and glucose sugar substrates have their unique advantages and disadvantages, and there is no consensus on which is the best. I have an article on this specific topic.
Some people actually need both as the bacteria in their small intestine will react to one sugar but not the other. In my practice I tend to go with Lactulose first as I find it gives a better overview.
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The SIBO breath test works on the principle that bacteria ferment carbohydrates and release gas as a by-product. Two of the gases released are hydrogen and methane.
You expel 80% of this gas through your intestines, but the other 20% is absorbed into your blood and travels to your lungs—where you breathe it out. By measuring the levels of gases in your breath, a lab can therefore approximate the degree of bacterial overgrowth.
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Anyone who’s experiencing digestive symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, flatulence, burping, diarrhoea and/or constipation may want to test.
SIBO has also been linked with the following conditions:-Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
-Fibromyalgia
-Acne rosacea
-Chronic fatigue syndrome
-Ulcerative colitis
-Hypothyroidism
That’s not to say SIBO is causing these conditions, but studies have found that SIBO and these conditions often co-exist. For that reason, anyone suffering from the above would also benefit from taking a SIBO test to rule that out.
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Yes, however there is a need for a skilled practitioner to interpret the test, as it can often be hard to distinguish the gases from the small intestine versus the gases from the large intestine (where bacteria are meant to be).
There are also some patterns that can be seen on breath tests, such as a flat line which could indicate Hydrogen Sulfide SIBO.
A skilled practitioner will consider your symptoms in conjunction with your test data.
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There are a few steps that need to be taken before you do the breath test, including a prep diet and a 12-hour fast. If you are taking antibiotics, probiotics or laxatives you will need to stop these before you can do the test. I provide clear instructions once you order and receive the at-home test.
Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus (GI-MAP)
The GI-MAP is highly specific and unique in the field of comprehensive stool testing. It relies exclusively on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology to detect parasites, bacteria, fungi, and more, by targeting the specific DNA of the organisms tested. It is to this date the most advanced test providing numerous insightful markers that can shed a light into what is happening inside your gut.
Pros of the GI-MAP Test
Non-Invasive: The GI MAP test requires a simple one day stool sample.
Early Problem Detection: Can detect gut issues at any stage, allowing for proactive measures to maintain your wellbeing.
Tailored Plan: The approach to managing your gut health, from dietary adjustments to targeted therapies, is 100% bio-individualised in accordance with your gut markers.
Scientifically Grounded Solutions: Benefit from evidence-based recommendations to address your health concerns, improving your overall quality of life.
Available for clients worldwide
You’ll need a referral from a qualified practitioner to order this test. See below for a referral from my clinic.
Report interpretation is included in all my GI-MAP + consultation and Support Packages.
GI-MAP TEST + CONSULTATION PACKAGE
The GI-Map Stool Testing Package includes:
The GI-Map Stool Test from Diagnostic Solutions
Shipping 2-ways in CANADA and USA 🇨🇦 🇺🇸 (excludes the states of NY, NJ, RI). If you reside in one of these states please select the International option below.
Complete results report + interpretation
90min online consultation to go over your results
Personalized protocol recommendations
Please click on the button below according to your location.
✺ Frequently asked questions about GI-MAP ✺
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If you’ve already had multiple doctor visits, allergy testing or colonoscopies but have received no answers about your chronic symptoms, then GI MAP testing could be very helpful for you. It provides us with hundreds of markers showing us the amount of good and bad bacteria in the gut. This testing determines the different types and amounts of other microorganisms like fungi, viruses, and parasites that could be actively disturbing your gut health.
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In general, no. However if you are taking supplements targeted to the gut such as probiotics and digestive enzymes then yes, it would be best to stop taking these for a few days prior to testing.
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< dl indicates less than detectible limit, which means that particular marker was not found in your stool sample.
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It is a very easy 1-day stool test. You will receive everything you need to collect the sample including instructions once you order the test.
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There are absolutely no risks. You just poop as you usually would! ;)
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The GI-Map test provides consistent, reproducible and highly accurate quantitative results. Its accuracy and reliability makes it a very popular stool test among medical health professionals.
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)
A Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis is a safe, reliable and non-invasive test providing invaluable insight into the body’s tissues and cellular activity.
Early Detection: Detect mineral imbalances and heavy metal exposure before they become major health issues.
Holistic outlook: Gain a comprehensive understanding of your body processes (thyroid health, digestive function, stress management), assessing mineral ratios and overall health impact.
Proactive Management: Use HTMA to manage chronic conditions by addressing nutritional deficiencies and imbalances.
Evidence-Based Guidance: Receive science-backed recommendations for diet, lifestyle, and supplements to improve your quality of life.
HTMA TEST + CONSULTATION PACKAGE
The HTMA Testing Package includes:
HTMA test instructions and laboratory cost
Complete results report
A 60-minute online consultation to go over your results
Personalized Protocol & Supplement recommendations.
✺ Frequently asked questions about HTMA ✺
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Your hair contains all the minerals present in your body, including nutritional minerals as well as toxic heavy metals. Hair mineral analysis is a laboratory test that measures this mineral content in the hair. The test results reflect how much of these elements are in your tissues and provide a picture of your internal environment.
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After decades of research hair analysis has emerged as the most practical method of testing for mineral balance in your body. It helps us discover exactly what your body needs, when it needs it. It is a highly valuable tool that can indicate which supplements would be helpful and which ones to avoid.
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With a properly obtained sample (and I can give you guidance on how to take a good sample), hair analysis is extremely accurate. I exclusively work with the most reputable laboratory in the world for this specific test: Trace Elements. They do not wash the hair sample (important for accuracy) and use high sensitivity technology.
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No, we want to get an idea of your mineral levels in the tissues, thus the form that can be seen as storage over a longer period of time (few months).
Blood tests give information about your mineral levels at the time of the test only. This means the results can be highly impacted by what you’ve eaten that day, versus giving you your actual body’s needs. The body also strives to keep blood in homeostasis. This means the mineral levels will more or less be in balance in the blood but at the expense of your other tissues/organs.Testing for minerals in the urine measures the minerals that are being excreted - not necessarily what has been absorbed as fuel for your body.
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This is very important. The preferred hair is from the scalp at the back of the head. In cases where it is impossible, body hair can be used. We need the hair portion that is the closest to the root, and only about 1 to 1 1/2 inches. The excess should be cut and discarded. Ideally we get hair from 3 or 4 different spots at the back of the head, for a total of approximately 1 tablespoon.
The hair collected should be dry, clean (washed the day of collection) and not have been permed, dyed or bleached. If you had such treatment done on your hair then we will need to wait approximately 6 weeks for a regrowth.
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We now know more than ever about the interactions of vitamins and minerals. Too much of a mineral or vitamin can be just as bad as too little.
For example, too much Zinc antagonizes Vitamin D. If you already have high levels and take a multi-vitamin including Zinc, you risk causing an imbalance in Vitamin D. This is just an example and without knowing your particular mineral status, I would advise against multi-vitamins.
Lab Results Review
Already got your results? Need a second opinion?
Book a Review with me to go over them and get guidance for your specific case in accordance with your test results.
Tired of trying to make sense of confusing lab results on your own?
Get a comprehensive analysis that reveals what your numbers really mean for your health.
What You'll Receive:
• In-depth 90 min consultation analyzing your lab work
• Interpretation using functional ranges (not just "normal" ranges)
• Clear explanation of what your results mean for your health
• Customized action plan based on your specific results
• Targeted supplement and lifestyle recommendations
• Written summary of findings and next steps
Perfect for you if:
• You have recent lab work but aren't sure what it all means
• Your doctor said everything is "normal" but you still don't feel well
• You want to understand your results from a functional optimal perspective
• You're looking for natural solutions to address your lab findings
• You need clear direction on which supplements would benefit you most
How It Works:
Book your consultation
Share your lab results before our session
Meet for up to 90 minutes to review your results and get answers
Receive your personalized protocol and recommendations
Leave with a clear understanding and action plan :)
IMPORTANT: When booking this service you will be able to upload your laboratory results directly within the scheduled session.