Conventional lab testing diagnoses a current disease, while functional medicine labs can help prevent disease. For example, with a traditional blood test, providers will analyze blood chemistry to identify signs of disease. They evaluate whether the blood work falls within a predetermined pathological range to diagnose certain medical conditions. With a diagnosis, they can begin treatment.

The problem with traditional lab testing is that action is only taken when the lab results are out of the predetermined range of what is considered normal. Individuals may not have a disease yet but still experience chronic symptoms. Traditional tests are designed to diagnose diseases once they are present — not prevent them. 

Conversely, a functional medicine lab can help prevent diseases and enable individuals to maintain wellness. These tests are broader than conventional tests, gathering more information and measurements to determine why symptoms are present and what underlying causes may lead to health issues. Providers can use the lab work to assess meaningful patterns of imbalances or pathologies that precede disease. Early detection and intervention can help prevent certain conditions that would be difficult to manage if diagnosed later.

Metabolic Panel-

A basic metabolic panel assesses how nutrients are metabolized to determine whether the process is causing health issues. It can evaluate kidney and liver function, measure blood glucose levels, and monitor hydration and electrolyte balance.

Nutrition Tests-

The body requires a specific macronutrient ratio to be healthy and function properly. Nutrient deficiencies can lead to health issues such as fatigue, brain fog, mood disorders, sleep disturbances and other chronic diseases. A nutrition panel can help individuals gain insights that can inform their diet and supplement choices to optimize their health.

Micronutrient panels can also be beneficial, as they evaluate the balance of essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. Standard lab tests may only measure a few levels, such as vitamin D or vitamin B12, while a functional medicine test looks at more factors to get a more detailed picture of an individual’s health.

Hormone Tests-

Hormones direct bodily functions. When they are imbalanced, individuals can experience various medical conditions, including mood issues, fatigue, weight gain, infertility and other chronic problems. A complete hormone panel can reveal balances of hormones such as cortisol, testosterone, progesterone, estrogen and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

​

​