TEST HIGHLIGHTS

Advanced laboratory tests to discover the hidden, internal stressors which decrease female hormone production:


Functional Adrenal Stress and Female Hormone Profile: BHD #205
A key test of the Comprehensive Health Assessment

  • Turnaround: 5 - 8 days
  • 4 Cortisol, 2 averaged DHEA-S, 1 Estradiol, 1 Estriol, 1 Testosterone (AM), 1 Melatonin (bedtime), 1 Progesterone (bedtime)
  • Type of test: Saliva

This profile is clinically indicated to evaluate an individual's ability to adapt to environmental, mental, emotional, and physiological stressors; to determine the efficacy of DHEA therapy; to assess rest and recovery relative to morning and bedtime Cortisol; and bedtime levels of Melatonin and Progesterone.

The Functional Adrenal Stress Profile plus IV provides an adrenal rhythm and a DHEA-S -to-Cortisol ratio. Abnormal adrenal rhythm can negatively influence energy production; immune system health; skin regeneration; muscle and joint function; bone health; sleep quality; and liver, pancreas and thyroid function.

Test Highlights

  • Measures cortisol and average DHEA-S levels from four saliva samples
  • Identifies maladaption to environmental, mental/emotional, and physiological stressors
  • Alerts clinicians to the potential for adrenal exhaustion, infection, and/or food sensitivity
  • Is a critical first step in new patient evaluation and follow-up studies
  • Directs specific clinical protocols
  • Is essential in assessing overall health

Clinical Conditions

  • Adrenal or cardiac failure
  • Adrenal exhaustion/malfunction
  • Compromised mucosal immunity
  • Food sensitivities, including gliaden and lactose/sucrose intolerances
  • Glycemic dysregulation
  • Immune deficiency
  • Infections (parasitic, bacterial, fungal, or viral)
  • Inflammation
  • Liver, thyroid or pancreatic disorders
  • Mental/emotional stress
  • Sex-hormone imbalances
  • Systemic hyperexcitability
  • Systemic hypoexcitability
  • Tissue damage

More Information

Adrenal dysfunction may be associated with the following symptoms: excessive fatigue; chronic stress and related health problems; dizziness upon standing; weakness; hypoglycemia; nervousness; irritability; depression; inability to concentrate; confusion; poor memory; low blood pressure; insomnia; premenstrual tension; sweet cravings; headaches; alcohol intolerance; excessive hunger; alternating diarrhea and constipation; stemocleidomastoid/trapezius pain and spasms; epigastric discomfort; poor resistance to infection; food and/or inhalant allergies; dyspepsia; tenderness in adrenal area; migraine headaches; low body temperature; and diminished sex drive.

Estradiol and Testosterone are included in this profile to further evaluate the efficacy of DHEA therapy. Since DHEA can convert to Estradiol and/or Testosterone, the use of DHEA may be contraindicated if Estradiol and/or Testosterone levels are elevated. Conversely, if Estradiol and/or Testosterone levels are depressed, DHEA and/or other therapeutic measures may be indicated. Bedtime Cortisol, Melatonin, and Progesterone levels are indicators for rest and recovery and are indicated for anyone with sleep disorders.

SUMMARY: Evaluating the Cortisol circadian (24-hour) rhythm along with DHEA-S provides an accurate assessment of adrenal function and can reveal maladaptation to stressors. Saliva (free fraction) testing determines the bioactive level of these hormones at the cellular level, thereby providing a functional assessment of the effects of environmental and physiological stressors.

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Metabolic Assessment Profile: BHD #101
A key test of the Comprehensive Health Assessment

  • Turnaround: 10 - 14 days
  • Lipid peroxides, sulfate, indican
  • Type of test: Urine

This profile is an effective screen for liver and gut problems, and is clinically indicated to assess oxidative stress, liver detoxification capacity, and digestive efficiency. It is recommended as an entry-level test and generally combined with #205.

Test Highlights

  • Provides a comprehensive overview of general digestive metabolism
  • Measures the levels of indican, lipid peroxides, and urinary bile acid sulfates (UBAS)
  • Directs specific clinical protocols
  • Is useful in developing nutritionally based, wellness programs
  • Alerts clinicians to the potential for the development of degenerative diseases, such as gastrointestinal disease, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and cancer
  • Is essential in assessing overall health

Clinical Conditions

  • Bacterial overgrowth
  • Dysfunctional protein metabolism
  • Fungal infection
  • Food allergy
  • Gastrointestinal dysfunction
  • Generalized symptoms
  • Hepatobiliary diseases
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Identifying potential risk for taking prescription drugs
  • Impaired liver function
  • Indigestion
  • Intestinal microbial overgrowth
  • Liver detoxification impairment
  • Low energy
  • Malabsorption
  • Maldigestion
  • Monitoring of prescription drug intake
  • Oxidative stress
  • Parasitic infection
  • Persistent or recurring infection
  • Systemic toxicity
  • Water imbalance

More Information

Lipid Peroxides measure oxidative stress, which is not only implicated in all degenerative disease, but is also the number one cause of cardiovascular disease-the leading cause of death in the United States. Measurement of lipid peroxide levels plays a significant role in evaluating cellular damage caused by oxidative stress and determining an individual's specific need for antioxidant supplementation. Supplying correct antioxidant support is important because excessive levels can cause fatigue and muscle weakness, and inadequate levels can result in uncontrolled free radicals.

Sulfate measures a phase 11 liver detoxification pathway (conjugations, the liver's ability to neutralize toxic byproducts of the oxidation of free radicals). Measuring sulfate helps determine an individual's specific nutritional needs for liver support.

Indican measures the efficiency of protein digestion and can identify if further investigation of digestive problems is needed. Inefficient digestion of protein is typically a result of one or more of the following: overgrowth of harmful bacteria that feed off protein before it can be digested; insufficient HCl and/or protease enzymes; hypermotility of the upper bowel; parasitic or fungal infection; and food reactions.

SUMMARY: This profile measures oxidative stress, phase II liver detoxification, and protein digestion-critical elements in an accurate assessment of the risk of degenerative illnesses, including cancer and cardiovascular disease. Since a great many serious health problems have their origins in the digestive system, determining an individual's ability to digest and absorb nutrients is essential for the early detection and/or avoidance of many potentially serious health problems.

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Mucosal Barrier Function: BHD #304
A key test of the Comprehensive Health Assessment
The only salivary test of its kind

  • Turnaround: 6 - 9 days
  • IgG, IgM, IgA to dietary proteins, yeasts, aerobic & anaerobic bacteria, secretary IgA
  • Type of test: Saliva

The Mucosal Barrier Function test uses saliva to assess the presence of IgG, IgM, & IgA to dietary proteins yeasts, and aerobic and anaerobic bacteria; also assessed is the level of secretary IgA. The dietary proteins are cow's milk, gliadin (gluten), soy, rice, and corn; the yeasts are Candida albicans, C. krusei, and C. tropicalis; the aerobic bacteria are Escherichia coli, E. enterococcus, and E. lactobacillus; the anaerobic bacteria are Bacteroides fragilis and Clostridium perfringens.

Test Highlights

  • A diagnostic breakthrough in assessing mucosal immunity and gastrointestinal physiology
  • Quantifies the strength of our primary defensive barrier
  • Single salivary sample provides direct immunological assessment of mucosal barrier function
  • Directs specific clinical protocols
  • Directs logical sequence of testing
  • Essential in assessing overall health status

Clinical Conditions

  • Autoimmunity
  • Compromised mucosal immunity (lowered, first-line immune defense against all pathogens)
  • Dysbiosis (abnormal ratio of aerobic-to-anaerobic bacteria)
  • Food allergy
  • Gluten intolerance
  • "Leaky Gut"
  • Malabsorption
  • Pathogen and/or yeast overgrowth
  • Systemic immune deficiency

More Information

This test provides a view of the intestinal mucosa as a barrier against some common food antigens and pathogens. Clinical conditions that may be assessed include intestinal mucosal immune dysfunction; systemic immune deficiency; autoimmunity; food allergy; "leaky gut"; malabsorption; abnormal ratio of aerobic-to-anaerobic bacteria; and pathogen overgrowth.

SUMMARY: The evaluation of the intestinal mucosa as a selective antigen filter can be regarded as an essential tool assessing health status. The BHD #304 can be used as an immunological indicator of overall intestinal mucosal integrity, as well as of gastrointestinal physiology. It is sufficiently comprehensive to be used either in initial screening or as a follow-up, and is especially helpful in chronic and complex cases having a variety of possible etiologies. The Mucosal Barrier Function test can assist in more quickly organizing diverse data in formulating a diagnosis, in directing further diagnostic tests, and in precisely tailoring therapeutic protocols.

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GI Pathogen Screen: BHD #401
A key test of the Comprehensive Health Assessment
Identifies factors that can interfere with intestinal function and overall health

  • Turnaround: 8 - 11 days
  • Ova & parasites x 4 plus antigens to Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium parvum, Entamoeba histolytica, bacteria, fungi, yeasts, occult blood, Clostridium difficile colitis toxins A & B
  • Type of test: Stool

This profile tests for bowel tissue infections that may be responsible for compromised digestion, absorption, nutritional deficiencies, toxicity, active and/or chronic illness and degenerative disease.

Test Highlights

  • Detects intestinal microflora
  • Measures the level of IgG in response to Cryptosporidium parvum,
  • Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia lamblia antigens in stool
  • Determines the presence of bacteria, fungi (including yeasts), occult blood, and Clostridium difficile colitis toxins A and B
  • Involves direct microscopic examination, immunological analysis, and chemical testing
  • Involves five stool samples and one smear taken over a four-day period
  • Directs specific clinical protocols

Clinical Conditions

  • Adverse alterations in pH
  • Chemical and physiological upset
  • Compromised immune system function
  • Intestinal dysfunction (general)
  • Intestinal inflammation
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Joint and/or muscle pain
  • Malabsorption
  • Maldigestion
  • Muscle and nerve tissue damage
  • Suspected parasitic or pathogenic infection
  • Blastocystis hominis
  • Candida albicans
  • Clostridium difficile
  • Cryptosporidium parvum
  • Entamoeba histolytica
  • Giardia lamblia
  • Ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease)

More Information

GI infections pose an increasing threat to the U.S. and all other countries. This problem is especially insididuous due to the fact that an absence of GI complaints and/or symptoms does not rule out the presence of these potentially life-threatening infectious organisms. This profile is therefore critical to a thorough GI health assessment and should be considered as an entry-level test for every new patient, along with #101 & #205. The GI Pathogen Screen includes a patient education tape with each kit.

Ova & Parasites x 4, plus Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium parvum, and Entamoeba histolytica Stool Antigens: Detects the three general classifications of parasites that can inhabit humans. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a minimum of three stool specimens for highest detection efficiency. Mucosal rectal swabs are not recommended, as they provide inadequate specimens for accurate parasitology studies.

  1. Protozoa (single cell parasite): Amoeba, Giardia, Trichomonas hominis, Balantidium coli, Cryptosporidium, Blastocystis hominis, Chilomastix mesnili, Iodamoeba butschlii, Dientamoeba fragilis, et al.
  2. Platyhelminthes (flat worms): flukes (liver, intestines, lungs and blood) and tapeworms (intestines).
  3. Nemathelminthes (round worms): Strongyloides, Trichuris, Trichinella, Pinworms, Ascaris, et al.

Important note: Antigen on stool is the best method of detection for Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium infections.

Bacterial Pathogens: Campylobacter, Proteus, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Toxic E. Coli, Vibrio, Yersinia, al.: This culture detects acute and/or chronic bacterial infections that should be ruled out as an underlying cause of health problems. When tests for bacterial infections are positive the lab automatically runs a culture and sensitivity.

Yeast & Fungus: This culture can detect all types of fungus and yeast overgrowth often associated with chronic health problems (i.e. Candida albicans, 8 other opportunistic Candida species, aspergillus) that a potentially pathogenic.

Occult Blood: When this test for occult blood is positive, it is commonly a sign of hemorrhoids, fissures and/or polyps, as well as less serious conditions. However, if positive, it may be an indication of potentially serious bowel problems, including cancer, and should be thoroughly investigated.

Clostridium Difficile: Colitis Toxins A & B. This is a common and potentially serious infection that can develop after antibiotic use. A common cause of irritable bowel and IBD/ulcerative colitis.

Please note: In response to the very serious problem presented by undetected GI infections, the State of California sends 5 previously tested fecal samples to labs 3 times per year. In order to maintain state accreditation, all labs must match the state's test results minimum 60% accuracy. BioHealth Diagnostics' Microbiology Department has for over 9 years achieved an extremely rare proficiency rating of 100%. Records are on file.

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Parasite Antibodies Profile: BHD #352
A key test of the Comprehensive Health Assessment

  • Turnaround: 5 - 9 days
  • IgG, IgM to Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), Blastocystis hominis, Cryptosporidiumparvum, Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia
  • Type of test: Blood

The Parasite Antibodies Profile uses serum to assess the presence of IgG + IgM to a group of common parasites, which include: Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm),Blastocystis hominis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia.

This test along with the Pathogen Screen, #401 (stool x 5) is essential for ruling in or ruling out both acute and chronic common parasite infections that are involved in a multitude of diseases.

SUMMARY: The evaluation of serum antibodies to these common parasite infections increases detection of acute and chronic common parasite infections.

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H-pylori Antibodies & Parietal Cell Antibody: BHD #382
A key test of the Comprehensive Health Assessment

  • Turnaround: 5 - 9 days
  • IgG, IgM, IgA to Helicobacter pylori; IgG to Parietal Cell
  • Type of test: Blood

The Helicobacter pylori Antibodies and Parietal Cell Antibody test uses serum to assess the presence of IgG, IgM and IgA to Helicobacter pylori and IgG to Parietal Cell.

This test provides data relevant to a multitude of health disorders. Its findings are applicable in treating a broad range of health concerns, primarily GI related problems (i.e. hypochlorhydria, achlorhydria, stomach ulcers, B12, folate, iron deficiency and stomach cancer) as well as autoimmune parietal cell conditions.

SUMMARY: Serum IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies provide the highest detection of both acute and chronic H-pylori infections. Elevated IgG to Parietal Cell indicates chronic H-pylori infection when IgG, IgM and/or IgA are positive to H-pylori as well as an autoimmune Parietal Cell process.

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Male Hormone Panel (for Men and Women): Diagnos-Techs

Introduction:
The Male Hormone Panel is intended to measure and evaluate the androgen pathway and its derivatives that are pertinent to male andrology.

The Pathway:
The androgen precursor and pathway are shown below. The highlighted hormones are measured in the panel, namely: DHEA, Androstendione, Testosterone, DHT (5-dihydrotestosterone), Progesterone and Estrone.

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Bone Resorption (Rate of Bone Loss), Osteomark© NTx: BHD #110

  • Turnaround: 5 - 9 days
  • This single test utilizes a urine sample to measure a molecule called NTx which is released into the bloodstream during bone breakdown (resorption).
  • Type of test: Urine

The Bone Resorption test measures urinary cross-linked N-telopeptides. Identifies risk (elevated NTx) for bone loss and is used as a follow-up test to assess the adequacy of therapies implemented to reverse bone loss and is complimentary to bone mineral density BMD testing.

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Cardio Profile: BHD #215

  • Turnaround: 4 - 8 days
  • The Cardio Profile utilizes a blood draw to measure total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides, Lipoprotein(a), Homocysteine, Fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein (highly sensitive).
  • Type of test: Blood

This test analyzes blood for markers associated with inflammation, lipid deposits, endothelial dysfunction, clotting factors and other related factors that reveal the underlying cause(s) of cardiovascular disease.

Lipoprotein factors: Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (direct), Triglycerides and Lipoprotein(a).

Lipoprotein ratios: LDL/HDL and total HDL.

Chronic inflammatory markers: C-reactive protein (highly sensitive) and Fibrinogen.

Oxidant stress / Inflammatory factor: Homocysteine.

SUMMARY: The Cardio Profile provides a broad screen for primary markers associated with cardiovascular disease.

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