Functional lab testing available for our clients

Functional lab testing can be a helpful way of helping assess the needs of your body.  They can be very helpful for understanding the “why” you have symptoms and shed light on where imbalances may be.

Functional laboratory testing use blood, stool, urine, saliva or hair samples to provide information about a variety of systems. This type of testing can be helpful for issues such as:

  • metabolic imbalances
  • hormonal issues (female, male, adrenal, thyroid)
  • Gastrointestinal
  • Detoxification
  • Stress/anxiety/sleep
  • DNA snps that can affect your metabolic pathways

At Johnson Compounding and Wellness, we offer many functional lab tests for our clients.

Below are some of the more common tests we have available for our clients

Dutch Adrenal

The DUTCH Adrenal provides free cortisol patterns that parallel saliva with the addition of metabolite measurements for an improved marker for total cortisol production. This test is run on LC-MS/MS: the most accurate way to test cortisol and metabolites!

This kit includes:

  • Easy directions and filter paper collection strips
  • Requisition form for patient information, pertinent supplements, medications, hormone replacement and a health questionnaire
  • Sealable return mailer (Domestic Only)

The results include:

  • Daily free cortisol pattern (4)
  • Daily free cortisone pattern (4)
  • Cortisol metabolites (a-THF, b-THF)
  • Cortisone metabolites (b-THE)
  • DHEAS
  • Graphical representation of results

View sample report:  female   male

Dutch Complete

The Dutch Complete™ is Dutch’s  flagship product. This test is a comprehensive assessment of sex and adrenal hormones and their metabolites. It also includes the daily, free cortisol pattern, organic acids, melatonin (6-OHMS), and 8-OHdG.

Analytical and Clinical Validation

Precision Analytical’s testing methods go through a rigorous validation process to verify accuracy, recovery, and linearity. We pride ourselves in relentlessly pursuing the most accurate and precise techniques available for testing. See the data on the next page to support the analytical and clinical validation of this powerful new testing model.

The Easiest Patient Collection

Patients collect just four or five dried urine samples over a 24-hour period. Dried samples are stable for several weeks making them convenient to ship worldwide.

Effective HRT Monitoring

DUTCH testing was designed to be optimally effective for most forms of hormone replacement therapy. Unique methods are used for improved monitoring of oral progesterone and vaginal hormones.

View sample report:  female  male

Dutch Cycle Mapping

WHAT IS DUTCH CYCLE MAPPING™?

For some women, testing reproductive hormones (progesterone, estrogen, etc.) on a single day is sufficient. In other scenarios, the clinical picture cannot be properly captured without “mapping” out the hormonal pattern throughout their menstrual cycle.

The expected pattern of hormones shows relatively low estrogen levels early in the cycle, a surge around ovulation and modest levels in the latter third of the cycle (the luteal phase). Progesterone levels, on the other hand, stay relatively low until after ovulation. After ovulation, levels ideally increase (>10-fold) and then drop back down at the end of the cycle. A disruption in this cycle can lead to infertility or hormonal imbalance.

WHEN IS DUTCH CYCLE MAPPING™ RECOMMENDED?

• Women struggling with infertility
 Women with cycling hormones and no menses
 Partial hysterectomy (ovaries intact but no uterus)
 Ablations
 Women with irregular cycles
 PCOS
 If the luteal phase shifts from month-to-month
 Not sure when to test due to long or short cycles
 Women whose hormonal symptoms tend to fluctuate throughout the cycle
 PMS, mid-cycle spotting, migraines, etc.

WHEN IS DUTCH CYCLE MAPPING™ NOT NEEDED? (DUTCH COMPLETE™ IS SUFFICIENT)

 Postmenopausal women
 Women on birth control
 Women with cycles that follow the expected pattern

View sample report

Dutch Plus

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. 

What is the Cortisol Awakening Response and how do we test for it?

When we open our eyes upon waking, cortisol levels naturally begin to rise by an average of 50%. 30 minutes after waking, cortisol levels will still show this sharp increase. By 60 minutes after waking, cortisol levels have peaked and begin to decline. Measuring this rise and fall of cortisol levels at waking can be used as a “mini stress test”. Research shows that the size of this increase correlates with HPA-axis function, even if the sample measurements are all within range. A quick saturation of saliva swabs upon waking, and at 30 and 60 minutes after waking, provide what is required to assess a patient’s Cortisol Awakening Response.

A low or blunted Cortisol Awakening Response

This can be a result of an underactive HPA axis, excessive psychological burnout, seasonal affective disorder
(SAD), sleep apnea or poor sleep in general, PTSD, chronic fatigue and/or chronic pain. A decreased CAR has also been associated with systemic hypertension, functional GI diseases, postpartum depression, and autoimmune diseases.

An elevated Cortisol Awakening Response

This can be a result of an over-reactive HPA axis, ongoing job-related stress (anticipatory stress for the day), glycemic dysregulation, pain (i.e. waking with painful joints or a migraine), and general depression (not SAD). A recent study1 showed that neither the waking nor post-waking cortisol results correlated to Major Depressive Disorder, but the CAR calculation (the change between the first two samples) did. This measurement of the response to waking has independent clinical value showing dysfunction that may be hidden by current testing options.

GI MAP

Optimal Health — It All Starts with the GI-MAP®

Overwhelmingly, research indicates that gut health impacts overall health. The gut microbiome, in particular, plays a critical role in mediating the effects of diet and other factors on health, including digestive, immune, metabolic and neuroendocrine functions. Assessing GI health with the proper tools can help practitioners get to the root cause of chronic illness.

The GI-MAP (Microbial Assay Plus) is 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.

Who Should Have the GI-MAP Comprehensive Stool Analysis Done?

Almost every patient can benefit from a GI-MAP gut health assessment. Some patients are looking to achieve optimal health, while other patients have been chronically ill and frustrated without a diagnosis for years.

Some conditions that warrant testing are:

  • Autoimmune diseases
  • IBS/IBD
  • Digestive complaints, diarrhea or constipation
  • Brain fog
  • Skin problems, like acne and psoriasis
  • Mood disorders, depression, and anxiety
  • Diabetes and weight loss issues

View sample report

Methylation Panel Doctors Data

Normal metabolism of methionine is critical for cellular methylation of DNA, proteins and neurotransmitters. Aberrant methionine metabolism can occur in anyone at any age and can be associated with numerous health consequences including cardiovascular disease and cancer. The Methylation Profile provides a functional assessment of the phenotypic expression of common SNPs (MTHFR, MS, CBS) by evaluating the plasma levels of methionine, cysteine, SAM, SAH, homocysteine, and cystathionine. It also provides the important “methylation index”, a ratio of SAM to SAH.

View sample report

Methylation Panel Genova

The Methylation Panel is an innovative test designed to offer insight into the critical biochemical methylation pathway. Methylation metabolites are measured in plasma, and genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are analyzed via buccal swab. The results are synthesized on a front-page Interpretation-at-a-Glance (IAAG) graphic for quick methylation status assessment. Within the report, results are shown in a methylation pathway graphic to provide a clear understanding of the biochemistry involved.

What is Methylation?

Methylation is a chemical process that happens billions of times per second in every cell of the body.1 Methyl groups are transferred and donated between many different molecules which change their structure and function. Methyl groups act like billions of switches which turn genes on or off, help regulate mood, detoxify hormones, produce energy, and promote healthy aging.

Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids from the diet are needed to keep this process running smoothly. There are also genetic factors and oxidative stressors which can affect how well this pathway works.2

Why is Methylation important?

Methylation is needed to create DNA and RNA and regulate gene expression. It helps make creatine, which is needed for skeletal muscle contraction. Methylation is involved in basic energy production, fat metabolism, immune responses, vascular health, and cell membrane repair. It produces and metabolizes neurotransmitters to regulate mood. Methylation also works to neutralize toxins and hormones.

Methylation defects have been associated with many clinical conditions including, but not limited to cancer, autism, ADHD, congenital and neural tube defects, cognitive decline, depression, cardiovascular disease, and schizophrenia.3-11

View sample report

Nutreval

Genova’s nutritional profiles are breaking new ground!

The NutrEval, and its subpanels, have been redesigned and reimagined to offer even greater clinical utility!

Our nutritional profiles help practitioners identify root causes of dysfunction and treat clinical imbalances that are inhibiting optimal health. These advanced diagnostic tools provide a systems-based approach for clinicians to help their patients overcome chronic conditions and live a healthier life.

New product line features include:

  • The Metabolic Analysis Profile is being renamed “Organic Acids” – with additional organic acids – including oxalates!
  • Functional pillars with a built-in scoring system to guide therapy around needs for methylation support, toxic exposures, mitochondrial dysfunction, fatty acid imbalances, and oxidative stress
  • Dynamic biochemical pathway charts to provide a clear understanding of how specific markers play a role in biochemistry
  • Updated Interpretation-At-A-Glance pages providing educational information on nutrient function, causes and complications of deficiencies, and dietary sources
  • Nutrient recommendations for key vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and digestive support based on a functional evaluation of important biomarkers
  • Literature-cited, clinically valid support materials to aid in result interpretation

Organic Acid Test ( OAT ) GPL

The Organic Acids Test (OAT) offers a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of a patient’s overall health with 76 markers.  It provides an accurate evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria. Abnormally high levels of these microorganisms can cause or worsen behavior disorders, hyperactivity, movement disorders, fatigue and immune function. Many people with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders often excrete several abnormal organic acids in their urine. The cause of these high levels could include oral antibiotic use, high sugar diets, immune deficiencies, acquired infections, as well as genetic factors.

GPL Organic Acids Test also includes markers for vitamin and mineral levels, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter levels, and is the only OAT to include markers for oxalates, which are highly correlated with many chronic illnesses.

If abnormalities are detected using the OAT, treatments can include supplements, such as vitamins and antioxidants, or dietary modification. Upon treatment, patients and practitioners have reported significant improvement such as decreased fatigue, regular bowel function, increased energy and alertness, increased concentration, improved verbal skills, less hyperactivity, and decreased abdominal pain. The OAT is strongly recommended as the initial screening test.

View sample report

DNA analysis-Functional Genomic Nutrition

ASSESS, ANALYZE & DESIGN SUPPORT
Exclusively for health care practitioners, Functional Genomic AnalysisTM is a proprietary, cloud-based software that maintains unprecedented analytical capabilities using genomic raw data.
Designed and routinely updated by an expert team of researchers and practitioners, the software’s analysis process  is based on our custom Pyramid approach, which has received rave reviews from functional medical doctors. The software
integrates genetic raw data, lab work results and patient symptoms side-by-side in one program. Once the software runs its complex sequence of mathematical algorithms, it automatically generates detailed reports with dynamic information.
• Gene Report – the number of SNPs/variants
• Patient/Client SNP report
• Practitioner SNP report
• Supplement report – highlights estimated needed nutritional support based on the patient’s SNPs, labs and symptom surveys, with warnings for contraindications 

Pyramid report – summarizes all the SNPs, labs and symptoms to make the most effective clinical decision

The software provides a wealth of information as to how our patients’ bodies make and use proteins and enzymes that
are critical components to rebuild and repair cells, produces antioxidants, and the ability to detoxify. We now have
the ability to take proactive, rather than reactive action in supporting our patients’ health.

Health professionals all across the country agree this program is the leading software for functional genetic nutrition analysis, as it combines genetic raw data, a symptom survey, and labs to help you decide if SNPs are being expressed.

for more info on DNA testing click here

For more information about hour testing may be helpful for you, please contact:

Gary:  gary@naturalcompounder.com  781-893-3870 x111

Tamara:  tamara@naturalcompounder.com 781-893-3870 x104

Alora:  alora@naturalcompounder.com 781-893-3870 x 149

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About drgaryk

Dr. Gary Kracoff is a registered pharmacist with a doctorate in naturopathic medicine who provides in-depth consultative services at Johnson Compounding & Wellness. Gary’s guiding philosophy is to treat the person as a whole, not to chase symptoms. He focuses on finding the “why” to what is happening physically and mentally, and works with individuals to restore balance in the body. Gary frequently lectures at pharmacy, medical, and health-oriented conferences. He is an educator at the Academy of Integrative Medicine, conducting two-day seminars for health care professionals twice a year. Gary also serves on the faculty of the Center for Education and Development of Clinical Homeopathy.
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