Advanced Laboratory Testing

Advanced laboratory testing is a key aspect of functional medicine that can help healthcare practitioners develop a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for patients. This type of testing goes beyond the standard lab tests that are typically ordered by conventional doctors and can help identify imbalances and deficiencies in the body's systems, including nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and genetic mutations.

One of the most significant benefits of advanced laboratory testing is that it allows practitioners to take a proactive approach to health care rather than a reactive one. Rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, practitioners can use advanced testing to identify potential health risks and address them before they become more serious. By using this approach, practitioners can help patients achieve optimal health and wellness and prevent chronic diseases from developing.

Some examples of advanced laboratory tests that may be used in functional medicine include:

1. Nutrient testing: This type of testing can help identify deficiencies in key nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. By identifying these deficiencies, practitioners can develop targeted supplement plans to address the patient's needs.

2. Hormone testing: Hormone testing can help identify imbalances in key hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This type of testing can be especially useful for women experiencing menopause or other hormonal changes.

3. Genetic testing: Genetic testing can help identify mutations that may be contributing to health issues or that may increase the risk of certain conditions. By identifying these mutations, practitioners can develop personalized treatment plans and lifestyle recommendations to help mitigate their impact.

4. Inflammatory markers: Inflammation is a key contributor to many chronic diseases, and testing for markers of inflammation can help identify potential health risks. By addressing inflammation through dietary and lifestyle changes, practitioners can help prevent the development of chronic diseases.

At Sandhills Functional Medicine, we use advanced laboratory testing in conjunction with our functional medicine approach to develop personalized treatment plans for our patients. By analyzing a patient's biomarkers and other data, we can identify potential health risks and develop targeted interventions to address them. We use LabCorp for all of our lab testing during the functional medicine process.

Sources:

- "Advanced laboratory testing in functional medicine" by Kellman, R. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5540764/

- "The role of laboratory testing in integrative and functional medicine" by McCann, M. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5807222/

- "Functional medicine: the ultimate approach to personalized health" by Hyman, M. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5137923/