Laboratory Testing's Role in Functional Medicine
Laboratory testing can prove critical both for chiropractic treatment and for the creation of holistic functional medicine plans. The right tests can reveal a wealth of information about your body function, general health, and the presence or absence of specific diseases or disorders that merit our chiropractic team's prompt attention. Steven B. Wasserman, R. N., D. C. performs laboratory testing to gain the clearest possible understanding of how we can optimize your well-being and to get to the root of an illness or chronic disorder.
Steven B. Wasserman, R. N., D. C. collects data, not only on your symptoms, but also on key physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors that influence your health. The data we gather from laboratory testing plays a crucial role in identifying both the underlying problem and its effects on you.
The results of your lab tests may determine what specific kinds of treatment you need. For example, high yeast levels may indicate that you suffer from a suppressed immune system. This in turn might point toward a nervous system dysfunction that can be corrected through the chiropractic adjustment. Yeast levels can also alert your chiropractor toward possible diabetes, which may benefit from a holistic program of dietary modification, exercise, and other functional medicine modalities.
Types of Tests Performed
Dr. Wasserman performs a number of laboratory tests at your evaluation. A complete blood chemistry panel measures kidney, liver, thyroid, and other organ functions, along with blood sugar, electrolyte, and micronutrient levels. Other types of laboratory tests may include:
- Food sensitivity tests
- Chemical and metal sensitivity tests
- Gut health tests (to check for leaky gut syndrome and other digestive problems)
- Adrenal tests (a useful measure of how stress affects your body)
- Hormone level tests
- DNA genetic tests (which can reveal genetic predispositions for certain conditions)
Once Dr. Wasserman has analyzed the results of all these tests, you'll receive recommendations for a comprehensive, personalized treatment or preventative wellness plan.
Many of the Lab Tests Utilized:
(sent to directly to your home for your convenience!)
A nutritional tests that provides an analysis of key nutritional biomarkers. A first morning void (FMV) urine collection, with optional add-on bloodspot finger stick and buccal swab, the Metabolomix+ nutritional test is a non-invasive, patient-friendly way to assess the functional needs for; antioxidants, B-vitamins, minerals, digestive support, organic acids, oxidative stress makers, nutrient and toxic elements, fatty acids, and amino acids. Insights from this test allows clinicians to target nutritional therapies to the precise needs of the patient. 
The Metabolomix+ Profile report allows for easy interpretation and clinically actionable results. It includes a Suggested Supplement Schedule that provides personalized recommendations based on test results. The Interpretation-At-A-Glance section of the report provides facts related to nutrient function, causes and complications of their deficiencies, and dietary sources.
Common clinical indications for testing include:
- Mood Disorders6,7
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction8
- Fatigue9
- Chronic Stress10
- Inflammation11
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The DUTCH Plus® takes hormone testing to a whole new level. In addition to sex hormones and their metabolites, the DUTCH Complete™ looks at the overall diurnal pattern of free cortisol, and the total and distribution of cortisol metabolites. The DUTCH Plus® adds the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) to bring another important piece of the HPA-axis into focus.
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