Laboratory Testing
Often laboratory tests
are the fastest and most effective way to
find the root causes of health
problems.
They can be used for
assessing organ function (eg digestion
efficiency, liver detoxification, thyroid
function), gut dysbiosis, food allergy or
intolerance, hormonal imbalances and
nutritional status to name a few.
At Essentia we use the
most advanced tests available on the
market, and for some tests specimens are
sent to labs in the United States for
analysis.
Click on the
following links to obtain details of the
tests we offer:
|
Gastroinstestinal
(digestive) tests |
|
|
|
|
To order
tests, request further information or
advice on which tests are appropriate
for you, please contact Essentia
Nutrition
|
|
Gastrointestinal
(digestive) tests
|
GI Effect
Stool Profile -
Complete Profile
|
stool sample
|
£297
|
|
Essentia
Nutrition uses state-of-the-art stool
testing developed in the U.S.A. for the
most accurate analysis available.
Launched in the spring of 2007, the GI
Effects use DNA analysis to identify gut
microbes with 100% accuracy including
anaerobes, a previously immeasurable
area of the gut environment.
This
comprehensive test assesses the widest
range of intestinal conditions. It
provides information on digestion,
metabolism, absorption of nutrients, as
well levels of beneficial and harmful bacteria, yeasts,
and parasites (worms, eggs, larva and
protozoa).
|
GI Effect Stool Profile -
Microbial Ecology Profile
|
stool sample
|
£172
|
|
|
Microbial
Ecology Profile
|
stool sample
|
£172
|
|
A comprehensive
assessment of beneficial and harmful gut
bacteria, yeasts and parasites.
|
Intestinal Permeability
Assessment
|
urine
|
£94
|
|
Increased
permeability of the small intestine,
commonly referred to as ‘leaky gut’, can
lead to malabsorption of nutrients,
and an increased number of toxins and
antigens entering circulation leading
to over-burdened immune and
detoxification systems. This test directly
measures the ability of two
non-metabolised sugar molecules, mannitol
and lactulose, to permeate the intestinal
mucosa.
|
Candida
Antibody Profile
|
saliva
|
£73
|
|
This saliva test uses a
very sensitive technique to measure
levels of antibodies to Candida. It is
used not only for detecting the presence
of the infection but also as an
indicator of the stage of the condition.
|
Coeliac
(Gluten Sensitivity) Profile,
|
blood
|
£78
|
|
Identifies the
level of antibody response to the protein
gluten, which is found in wheat, rye and
barley. Tests for IgA human tissue
trans-glutaminase (IgA-tTG) and IgA
antigliadin antibody (IgA-AGA)
|
Helicobacter Pylori breath
test
|
breath
|
£83
|
|
H. pylori is the bacterium
believed to cause gastritis and
virtually all abdominal ulcers, apart
from drug-induced forms. Requires 2 x breath samples at a 30
minute intervals following a 4 hour fast
|
Helicobacter Pylori Stool test
|
stool
|
£104
|
|
Stool testing is
appropriate for both diagnosis and
follow-up testing
|
Intestinal Permeability test
|
urine
|
£94
|
|
A urine test used to
assess the permeability of the gut wall
(leaky gut syndrome), which is associated
with the development of food sensitivities
and candida infections in addition to a
build up of potentially damaging toxins
|
Candida Antibody Profile
|
blood
saliva
|
£73
|
|
|
Vaginosis
Profile
|
vaginal
swab
|
£83
|
|
Evaluates vaginal
bacteria, yeast, cytolysis, leukocytes,
RBCs and Trichomonas to identify
imbalances that can lead to vaginitis.
|
|
|
Allergy tests
|
A food
intolerance is an adverse reaction to a
food or food ingredient which may
manifest as a number of different
reactions. These tests measure immune
reactions to a number of different
foods.
|
Foodprint IgG food intolerance tests
|
finger prick |
|
Foodprint
Indicator |
£19.50 |
Foodprint
40+ |
£99 |
Foodprint
60+ |
£149 |
Foodprint
120+ |
£199 |
Foodprint
200+ |
£275 |
Foodprint
Vegetarian |
£149 |
Foodprint
Vegan |
£149 |
Foodprint
Herbs & Spices |
£99 |
Foodprint tests
require only a small volume of blood which
can be obtained by pricking a finger with
a disposable lancet. The test does not
require a venous blood sample taken by a
medical professional. For most people,
specimen collection can be carried out at
home, perhaps with the aid of a friend. A
simple kit is provided that contains all
you need to take your own blood sample.
|
|
blood
|
£245
|
|
Measures a
cascade of immune reactions to around
170 different foods, including common
seasonings, colourings, additives and
beverages.
|
|
blood
|
£105
|
|
Measures
sensitivities against all cow, sheep,
goat and soya products, common grains
and yeast. A marker called tissue
transglutaminase (tTGA), which is highly
specific at identifying untreated
Coeliac disease, is also measured.
|
|
blood
|
£300
|
|
This
profile consists of the full FACTest,
IgE Food Allergy Panel and a marker
called tissue transglutaminase (tTGA)
which is highly specific at
identifying untreated Coeliac Disease,
is also measured.
|
|
|
Hormonal
(endocrone) tests
|
Adrenocortex Stress
Profile
|
urine
|
£75
|
|
This saliva test
can detect imbalances in the daily
circadian secretions of the stress
hormones cortisol and DHEA. Imbalances in
these hormones can indicate an
inappropriate response that can negatively
impact energy levels, emotions, and many
other health complaints. These include
anxiety, chronic inflammatory conditions,
allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome,
insomnia, depression, migraines,
headaches, recurrent infections, menstrual
difficulties and infertility.
|
Adrenal – Thyroid Profile
|
saliva, urine
|
£146
|
|
Adrenal
evaluation is commonly considered for
patients with fatigue and a host of other
complaints resulting from a history of
chronic psychological or physiological
stress. However adrenal evaluation is also
vital for treating patients with
hypothyroidism, due to the close
interaction of these endocrinal systems.
Urinary T3 levels are a sensitive measure
of the active thyroid hormone which can
give an accurate reflection of overall
thyroid hormone levels. To help evaluate
these intricately-linked areas, we have
developed the Adrenal-Thyroid Profile.
This consists of the Adrenal Stress
Profile, (salivary cortisol and DHEA), as
well as urinary T3 levels.
|
Total Thyroid
Screen
|
blood
|
£99
|
|
A comprehensive
test to measure levels of all thyroid
hormones to assess thyroid function, and
auto antibodies for the early detection of
thyroid disease. Known as the ‘unsuspected
illness’, hypothyroidism accounts for a
great number of complaints amongst
children, adolescents and adults alike.
The total thyroid screen serves as an
initial investigation into suspected
thyroid dysfunction, including central
gland activity, possible secondary gland
involvement, hormone secretion and
peripheral conversion of T4 to T3. It will
also highlight autoimmune responses such
as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Grave’s
disease. These represent the most common
autoimmune disorders, affecting women 10
times more frequently than men and
increasing in incidence with age.
|
Reverse T3
|
blood
|
£62
|
|
Under certain
conditions, the conversion of T4 to T3 can
be impaired, resulting in high levels of
reverse t3 (rT3). Although chemically
similar to T3, reverse T3 is completely
inactive and lowers the amount of active
thyroid hormone available to the cells. A
selenium deficiency, excess physical,
mental and environmental stresses can all
inhibit the deiodinating enzyme which is
responsible for this conversion. This can
be termed 'sick euthyroid' or 'low T3
syndrome'. Reverse T3 can be included in
the Total Thyroid Screen on request.
|
Rhythm (Female Hormone Profile)
|
Saliva
|
£165
|
|
|
1 Day Progesterone/Oestradiol
|
Saliva
|
£68
|
|
|
Menopause Profile
|
Urine
|
£259
|
|
Although
menopause is a normal part of a woman's
maturation, many experience discomfort
both during and after menopause. This
profile combines 4 different tests in one:
the 1-Day Progesterone/Oestrogen,
Testosterone, Oestrogen Metabolism, and
Osteoporosis Risk Assessment.
|
Bone Resorption Assay
(Osteoporosis Risk Assessment)
|
Urine
|
£78
|
|
Detects
biochemical markers which reflect present
remodelling activity
|
Male Hormone Plus
|
Saliva
|
£166
|
|
|
ADMA (Asymmetric
Dimethylargine)
|
Blood
|
£111
|
|
|
|
|
Metabolic
tests
|
Liver Check
|
finger prick
|
£99
|
|
LiverCheck is a home finger prick blood
test that allows you to check the health
of your liver. Alcohol, obesity, diabetes,
hepatitis and drugs can all cause liver
disease. By taking care of your liver you
can prevent diseases which can develop as
a result of these factors. Your results
pack is posted to you within 10 days of
order which includes:
-
Your laboratory
results - which provide a unique
colour coded LiverCheck score based on
your liver's enzymes
-
Results guidebook –
providing a detailed explanation of
your results, plus general advice on
the key risk factors affecting liver
health
-
Lifestyle audit –
which allows you to identify the risk
factors that may be affecting your
liver health
-
Lifestyle planner –
which allows you to plan and monitor
your goals
|
Homocysteine
|
finger prick
|
£75
|
|
A few drops of
blood from a pin-prick is needed to
measure homocysteine levels, which are
implicated not only the risk for
cardiovascular disease but also many other
chronic diseases. Certain key nutrients,
including vitamin B12, vitamin B6 and
folic acid, are necessary for homocysteine
metabolism.
The
Homocysteine Test is also suitable for
anyone that is concerned about their heart
health. A recent review* of the research
on homocysteine suggested that each 3
µmol/L point decrease in homocysteine
levels might, on average reduce the risk
of:
-
Heart
attacks by 16%
-
Strokes
by 24%
-
DVT
(deep vein thrombosis) by 25%
Elevated
levels of homocysteine, a reactive amino
acid, are thought to play a role in the
development of heart disease, strokes,
diabetes, deep vein thrombosis, arthritis,
Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease,
depression, problem pregnancies - the list
goes on. Your Homocysteine level is linked
to more than 100 serious medical
conditions.
Many factors
are thought to raise levels of
homocysteine. Among them are poor diet,
poor lifestyle especially smoking and high
alcohol intake. As with cholesterol,
family history and genetic make up can
play a part in causing raised levels as
can obesity and lack of exercise.
|
Chronic fatigue Screen
|
saliva, urine
|
£250
|
|
|
|
blood
|
£140
|
|
A
comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular
risk, measuring various important markers
such as cholesterol, triglycerides,
homocysteine, coenzyme Q10 vitamins and
minerals, as well as key inflammatory
markers. This unique test combines both
traditional and cutting-edge indicators of
cardiovascular health that can often be
with nutritional intervention.
|
|
|
Nutritional
tests
|
Nutrient & Toxic Elements
|
hair
|
£59
|
|
|
Bloodspot Amino Acid
Assay-11
|
finger prick
|
£100
|
|
|
Bloodspot Fatty Acid Profile
|
finger prick
|
£100
|
|
|
TRIAD Profile
|
urine, finger prick
|
£364
|
|
|