Urine tests

This is non invasive and used as part of a screening process. In the case of an abnormal result, the sample is usually sent on to the lab for further analysis.

Blood tests

There are literally thousands of markers that can be tested for using blood samples.
The most common screening test requested is a Haematology/ Biochemistry screen. This looks at red blood cells, white blood cells, inflammatory markers, kidney function, liver function, blood glucose, lipid profile, uric acid, calcium, phosphate and iron.

Other markers are requested depending on the clinical picture, such as thyroid function, rheumatology markers, osteoporosis markers, male and female hormonal function, antibodies etc.

More frequently we are requesting tests for nutritional markers via blood samples. Rather than in serum, where results are inaccurate, gold standard tests such as ferritin (iron storage), red cell magnesium, white cell zinc, Essential fatty acids in red blood cells, vitamins etc. are commonly requested. This is proving to be a very valuable intervention in the management of many patients for a whole range of conditions from musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), cardiovascular risk management, hormonal problems, immune related problems, fatigue and depression to name a few.

Food Intolerance

Whilst still controversial in medical circles, many patients and clinicians are seeing the value of testing for food intolerance.

Currently the UK incidence of true allergy (a fast acting immune mediated response) is only about 3%; there is growing evidence that there are many slow acting responses particularly to food, some of which may not be immune mediated.

Here at The Health Equation our preferred test is the Food Allergen Cellular Test (FACT), tested on blood samples. The FACT tests a large number of foods for the production of leucotriene (an inflammatory mediator). A positive (graded) response indicates that the individual has an intolerance against that particular food. FACT also gives a total IgE count, which if abnormal, may indicate that classic allergy testing (IgE) is appropriate for individual allergens.

Saliva tests

Many patients present with fatigue and it is important to assay hormones connected with adrenal function, commonly cortisol and DHEA. Because there is diurnal variation in these hormones (the hormones go up and down depending on the time of the day), it is more useful to have several measurements during the day to see a pattern rather than just the one sample obtained by blood test.

Patients are provided with a saliva test kit with instructions on collecting the samples and posting the completed kit directly to the laboratory for testing.

Stool tests

The gastro intestinal (GI) tract is often the body’s main line of defence to foreign bodies. Many chronic health conditions can partially be caused by problems in the GI tract. We offer a comprehensive digestive stool analysis with parasitology which provides important information about digestion, absorption, bacterial balance, yeast overgrowth, inflammation, metabolic activity and immune function. Patients are provided with a stool test kit with instructions on collecting the samples and posting the completed kit directly to the laboratory for testing.