10 Most Important Tests in One -Direct Labs

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Includes: CWP, Homocysteine, CRP, hs, Ferritin, Hgb A1C, DHEA,s, Testosterone total & free, Estradiol, Progesterone, and Vitamin D

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Heavy Metal Testing

(Incl. Beneficial Minerals & Trace Minerals)​

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Exposure to harmful heavy metals is increasingly prevalent and unavoidable in today's world, and the effects on our health can be far-reaching. From cognitive decline, mood issues like anxiety and depression, hormonal imbalances, rapid aging, and more, all of these issues can be attributed to heavy metal exposure. While copper, iodine, magnesium, selenium and zinc are considered essential nutrients and critical components for enzyme synthesis of our happy, feel-good neurotransmitters -- there is a catch. If the levels of any of these "essential elements" become too high, or out of their optimal range, it can have a negative impact on our cardiovascular, nervous and endocrine (hormone) systems and have a noticeable effect on how we function and feel. Even someone who follows a healthy lifestyle can be susceptible to the risk from a high level of exposure to heavy metals and toxic elements commonly found in food, tap or well water, mercury in dental fillings and personal care products. Environmental pollutants in excess, and when persistent, can affect the synthesis and actions of hormones essential for managing our general health. Our Minerals & Metals Test may have confirmed an exposure -- but this test takes an even deeper look. Using both blood spot and urine collection methods, this test will dig deeper into your "total toxic load" and provide the answers you need to rebalance the body.

Food Sensitivity IgG Test

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Having an IgG food sensitivity is very different from having a food allergy. Where food allergy tests look for severe, life-threatening or immediate food reactions, an IgG food sensitivity test looks for foods that may be causing hidden immune reactions 24-72 hours after eating. If you're experiencing persistent health issues, it may be due to ongoing food sensitivities, that when left unaddressed can lead to unbalanced inflammation.

By learning which common foods you have an IgG sensitivity to, you can start to eliminate these foods from your diet. Your body will be better equipped to function and by decreasing potential inflammation, numerous bodily systems will work more effectively. This test will provide an in depth glance at 190 common food sensitivities as well as provide a snapshot of potential yeast and candida, so you can make crucial adjustments to your diet and alleviate challenging symptoms.

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Comprehensive Hair Loss Panel​

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Is a hormone or thyroid imbalance, stress, autoimmune concern, or something else causing your hair loss? This specially designed panel provides an in-depth look at these culprits of hair loss.

Hormone Balance

The hair growth cycle could be affected by hormone imbalances – this panel provides insight into important steroid hormone levels.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a potent androgen hormone known to contribute to hair loss. An overproduction of DHT can cause hair follicles to shrink and shorten the hair growth cycle.1

DHEA is a precursor hormone that influences the production of other hormones in the body, like estrogen and testosterone. Fluctuations in DHEA-s levels may impact hair growth and quality.

Free and Total Testosterone - testosterone can influence hair growth patterns, and imbalances in testosterone may contribute to hair loss in both men and women.

Estradiol levels play a critical role in maintaining hair health, and imbalances in estradiol can contribute to hair thinning and hair loss.

Insulin Resistance

Insulin is an important hormone in monitoring metabolic disease, which can influence hair health. Insulin resistance can play a significant role in hair loss concerns, leading to an inflammatory response that may shrink hair follicles. Insulin may also play a role in DHT's effects on hair growth patterns.3

Thyroid Function

Thyroid dysfunction can disrupt the hair growth cycle, and lead to hair thinning or hair loss – this panel provides comprehensive thyroid testing for TSH, Free T3, Free T4 and reverse T3.2

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is a primary indication of thyroid function, which plays an important role in hair health. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are both associated with widespread hair loss. Testing TSH provides insight into thyroid function and detects abnormalities that may be impacting your hair growth cycle.2

Free T3 is the bioavailable form of T3 (triiodothyronine), which is the most active thyroid hormone.

Free T4 is the bioavailable form of T4 (Thyroxine), which is the primary hormone produced by the thyroid. T4 is also converted to the more active hormone T3. Healthy levels of both T3 and T4 are necessary for normal thyroid activity. Both low thyroid hormone activity (hypothyroidism) and high thyroid hormone activity (hyperthyroidism) are associated with hair loss concerns.

Reverse T3 is a non-functioning form of T3 and can provide additional insight into symptoms of low thyroid function. T4 is normally converted to T3, but other factors, like stress-induced elevations in cortisol, may inhibit this conversion and produce reverse T3. Reverse T3 can interfere with T3’s normal effects and produce symptoms of low thyroid function, contributing to hair loss.

Stress

Stress is not only a significant overall health hazard, but it can also cause hair follicles to go into the resting phase and stop hair from growing. As a result, hair can fall out weeks to months later. This type of hair loss is called telogen effluvium and it can be triggered by any stressful event such as: infections, medication side effects, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and any acute stress or traumatic event.

Cortisol is a primary biomarker for monitoring stress. Chronic high or low levels can reflect acute or ongoing stress and point toward stress-related hair loss.1

Inflammation

Chronic inflammation can impact hair follicle health and contribute to hair loss.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive marker of systemic inflammation. Inflammation of hair follicles and associated inhibition of hair growth has been observed in hair loss concerns.5

Autoimmune Concerns:

Many autoimmune diseases are associated with hair loss, especially alopecia areata but also systemic lupus erythematosus, Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, psoriasis, Crohn’s Disease, and ulcerative colitis.6

ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies)testing is a primary screening tool for autoimmune conditions, which contribute to hair loss. Evaluating ANA can help determine if autoimmune concerns may play a role in hair loss.4

Iron Status

Ferritin is an iron storage protein used to evaluate iron status. Iron deficiency anemia has been linked to hair loss, due to iron’s important role in hemoglobin production and nutrient distribution throughout the body. When ferritin is low, hair follicles may enter a dormant state and fall out due to low iron status.7

Note

If you are supplementing with any hormones, we suggest taking them approximately 2 hours prior to having your blood drawn to see peak levels. Hormones are best drawn between 8-10 AM.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7432488

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10492440

3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4144211

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4377414

5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7667670

6. https://doi.org/10.1159/000527933

7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20021982

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Gut Barrier Panel

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The Gut Barrier Panel tests for key markers involved with regulating intestinal barrier function to determine if leaky gut may be a concern: Zonulin, Occludin, and Candida albicans.

*NEW* Now contains LPS (Lipopolysaccharides), an additional marker used to evaluate intestinal integrity, at no additional cost!

The Gut Barrier Panel tests for key markers involved with regulating intestinal barrier function to determine if leaky gut may be a concern: Zonulin, Occludin, and Candida albicans.

A healthy intestinal lining provides a critical barrier to inflammatory substances, toxins, pathogenic microorganisms, and undigested proteins. When the intestinal lining does not function optimally, it becomes more permeable, increasing the risk of unwanted substances entering circulation, leading to inflammation, excess immune reactivity, and other health concerns. Diminished intestinal barrier function and excess permeability is often referred to as “leaky gut”.

The Gut Barrier Panel provides a simple way to assess the functional integrity of your gut lining, by measuring your immune system’s response to key markers involved with intestinal permeability.

IgG(1-4)/C3d and IgA(1-2) antibody responses are measured for the following markers:

Candida albicans

Immune response toward Candida albicans may indicate some degree of heightened intestinal permeability. It can be an early sign of leaky gut issues.

Zonulin

Zonulin is a protein involved with regulation of intestinal permeability via its effects on intercellular tight junctions. Positive reactivity toward zonulin, suggests excess gut permeability leading to increased zonulin uptake into circulation. Typically, it reflects an intermediate level of leaky gut issues.

Occludin

Occludin is an enzyme involved with stabilization of intestinal tight junctions. As occludin does not typically enter circulation, positive reactivity toward occludin suggests a deterioration of tight junctions, allowing occludin to enter circulation. Typically, it reflects a later stage and/or chronic leaky gut situation.

LPS (Lipopolysaccharides)

LPS (Lipopolysaccharides) are a major structural component found in the outer membrane of pathogenic gram-negative bacteria within in the intestinal wall. When LPS enters the bloodstream, it triggers a release of inflammatory cytokines, and can create damage in the gut lining. Positive reactivity towards LPS suggests a weakened intestinal barrier - IgG positivity can signify long-term chronic exposure, while IgA positivity can indicate damage and inflammation at the intestinal wall.

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Bacteria, Yeast & Parasite Stool Test

 

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Mold Exposure Test

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Concerned with mold exposure? The Mold Exposure Mycotoxin panel helps determine the body’s mold exposure by measuring urinary mycotoxins.

Mycotoxins are substances produced by mold associated with a variety of potential health complications. Exposure to mycotoxins occurs through food supply due to mold contamination as well as through environmental exposure in buildings with mold, often related to water damage. Urinary mycotoxins reflect excretion of these substances and help indicate the body’s recent exposure to mold.

Common complaints related to mold exposure include respiratory and sinus concerns, cognitive dysfunction, neurological issues, fatigue, changes in mood and more.

Mold is a key element of indoor air contamination that few people understand; yet, is a widespread issue that affects quality-of-life for many. What many people also don't realize is that mold can make you extremely sick. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all molds have the potential to cause ill health.1

Our food supply is another primary source of mycotoxin exposure. Even when eating a healthy diet, mycotoxin exposure can occur:

According to the World Health Organization (WHO):

“[Mold] growth can occur either before harvest or after harvest, during storage, on/in the food itself often under warm, damp and humid conditions. Most mycotoxins are chemically stable and survive food processing.”2

“Exposure to mycotoxins needs to be kept as low as possible to protect the people. Mycotoxins not only pose a risk to both human and animal health, but also impact food security and nutrition by reducing people’s access to healthy food.”2

“The effects of some food-borne mycotoxins are acute with symptoms of severe illness appearing quickly after consumption of food products contaminated with mycotoxins. Other mycotoxins occurring in food have been linked to long-term effects on health, including the induction of cancers and immune deficiency.”2

The Mold Exposure Mycotoxin Panel detects 16 urinary mycotoxins, including those associated with “black mold” (Stachybotrys), categorized in the following 5 groups:

Ochratoxin A

Ochratoxin reflects exposure to certain species of aspergillus and penicillium. With prolonged exposure, Ochratoxin A is associated with kidney and cancer concerns. Ochratoxin A has a longer elimination time than other mycotoxins and may reflect exposure over the past several weeks.

Aflatoxins

Aflatoxins are produced by various Aspergillus species. Humans are usually exposed to aflatoxins from contaminated food and other environmental sources. Chronic exposure may be associated with liver and kidney damage, as well as DNA damage and cancer risk.

Macrocyclic Trichothecenes (Black Mold group of toxins)

Macrocyclic Trichothecenes are produced by a variety of fungal species. Humans are commonly exposed to this group of mycotoxins from water-damaged building materials and ventilation/HVAC systems. Exposure to macrocyclic trichothecenes is associated with a wide variety of health concerns including, but not limited to: skin and GI concerns, blood pressure and cardiovascular abnormalities, inflammation and changes to immune response, as well as toxicity to the nervous system, liver, and DNA.

Gliotoxin-Derivatives

Gliotoxin is produced by several mold species and is usually encountered from contaminated food and other environmental sources. Exposure to gliotoxin may be associated with suppression of the immune system, DNA toxicity and increased severity of fungal infections.

Zearalenone

Zearalenone is produced by Fusarium species and commonly encountered as a food contaminant, especially in warmer climates. This mycotoxin acts as an endocrine disruptor, by mimicking estrogen, leading to reproductive and hormonal abnormalities in both men and women. Zearalenone may also be associated with cancer, immune, and blood abnormalities.

Collection Instructions

Sample Report

Notes:

Processing Laboratory: US BioTek

Testing methodology: ELISA

Turnaround Time: 10 business days from when sample is received. The results for this test can only be received via mail, e-mail, or fax.

Restrictions: This test is not available in PA, AK, or HI.

Additional Mold Testing Options:

Worried about mold or mycotoxins in your home or office? A convenient home-test for mold, the EMMA (Environmental Mold & Mycotoxin Analysis), is available here:

EMMA (Environmental Mold & Mycotoxin Analysis)

Want to get the complete picture and test both the body’s mycotoxin exposure as well as the mold and mycotoxins in your home? The EMMA is also available in combination with the Mold Exposure Mycotoxin panel at an additional discount here:

Body and Home Mold & Mycotoxin Combo Test

Testing both is considered the best approach as it allows comparison of the suspected environment to the level of mycotoxins being excreted in the urine. This combination provides the best information for greater clarity of the environmental contribution to excreted mycotoxin levels.

To check for genetic predisposition to mold sensitivity, the HLA Mold Genetic susceptibility test is suggested: HLA DR Mold Genetic Test

References:

1. http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html (Accessed February 2024)

2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mycotoxins (Accessed February 2024)

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MTHFR & Genetic Testing

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Analyzes genetics in 7 key areas of health (methylation, neurotransmitters, mitochondrial health, detoxification, inflammation, and more) and provides genetically targeted nutritional suggestions.

Are you looking to optimize your health and supplementation regimen through personalized nutrigenomic (nutrition/genetic) testing? The Optimal Wellness Genetic Insights Panel analyzes your genetics for 7 key areas of health and provides genetically targeted nutritional suggestions and health information in these key areas:

• Methylation (methylfolate [5-MTHF] and methyl & adenosyl-B12)

  • This panel includes testing for the common C677T and A1298C variations of MTHFR, along with testing for 11 other genes involved in the methylation cycle and B12/Folate metabolism.

• Neurotransmitter Production (B6, taurine, TMG, inositol, methionine, glycine and more)

  • Includes testing for common variations in the MAO, COMT, GAD genes responsible for neurotransmitter production, conversion, and breakdown.

• Mitochondrial Function (CoQ10, PQQ, carnitine, magnesium, and other nutrients to support the electron transport chain)

• Detoxification (NAC, glutathione, lipoic acid, antioxidants and more)

• Neuro-Inflammatory Potential (Curcumin, Omegas, resveratrol, quercetin and more)

• Environmental/Dietary Inflammation Risk (gluten sensitivity/intolerance risk, histamine breakdown, need for prebiotics, Vitamin D/K, expected benefits from curcumin and more)

• Health Precautions (risk of salt retention, risk of problematic estrogen metabolites, hypothyroid risk and more)

The Optimal Wellness Genetic Insights Panel is for those looking for customized insights based on their individual genetic uniqueness into methylation, detoxification, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, gluten risk, histamine breakdown, probiotics and so much more.