Functional lab tests provide a great deal of information about how your body functions at a particular moment. They can be used to aid in the diagnosis of a range of health conditions or help manage a condition following a diagnosis.
Part of taking charge of your health is understanding functional lab tests, why they are done, and what your doctor can learn from them. This quick guide provides details on several of the most commonly performed lab tests, including what conditions they help diagnose or manage, whether they require blood or saliva, and whether any preparation is required, such as fasting or avoiding certain medications.
In all cases, follow your doctor’s recommendations and instructions to ensure your lab test results are accurate.
General Wellness
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Type: Blood
The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel provides your doctor with information on your body’s metabolism. The panel includes tests for liver function, kidney function, electrolytes, and glucose levels by measuring the levels of calcium, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride), kidney function markers (BUN, creatinine), and liver enzymes (ALP, ALT, AST, bilirubin) in your blood.
Fasting may be required for 8 to 12 hours before this test. Your doctor will let you know.
HbA1c
Type: Blood
The HbA1c measures the percentage of sugar-coated (glycated) hemoglobin in your blood. This test helps diagnose and manage prediabetes and diabetes by providing you and your doctor with information about your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months.
Fasting is usually not required for this test, but follow your doctor’s instructions.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Type: Blood
Your blood contains several types of cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, that all perform different tasks. The Complete Blood Count (CBC) measures these different types of cells, along with hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body) and hematocrit (the percentage of red blood cells in your blood).
These measurements help your doctor identify conditions like anemia, infections, and other disorders.
Before taking this test, inform your doctor if you are taking any medications or supplements and follow the instructions provided on whether to take them before the test.
Nutrition & Gut Health
Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE)
Type: Blood
The Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) test is done to identify what type of allergen is causing a reaction. The test measures the level of IgE antibodies in your blood in response to specific allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, foods, or insect stings. By understanding what substances you’re having an immune response to, your doctor can create a plan to help you manage your condition.
If you are taking any medications or supplements, let your doctor know, as these may impact test results.
Vitamin Deficiency
Type: Blood
If you don’t have enough vitamins in your diet, you may start experiencing certain health issues, including fatigue, bone health conditions, and immune deficiencies. Your doctor may request a test to measure the levels of specific vitamins in your blood, most commonly the B vitamins, vitamin D, and vitamin E. If you are deficient in one or more of these crucial vitamins, your doctor may recommend supplementation.
Fasting may be required before this test. Your doctor will let you know.
Metabolism
Type: Blood
This test evaluates your metabolic rate and overall metabolic health by measuring various markers, such as your basal metabolic rate (BMR), thyroid function, or other hormones. This information can be helpful for weight management or if you are beginning a fitness plan.
Fasting may be required depending on what type of test you are taking. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Nutritional Genomics
Type: Saliva
Your genes affect the way your body metabolizes nutrients. This test analyzes the related genetic markers to help your doctor better understand how your body responds to your diet. Using this information, your doctor can provide you with personalized dietary recommendations based on your genetics.
No preparation is usually required for this test.
Hormones
Hormonal Level
Type: Blood
Hormonal imbalances can often cause reproductive health issues, adrenal disorders, and other conditions. Measuring the level of hormones, such as estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, and insulin, in your blood allows your doctor to assess your endocrine function and diagnose or manage these conditions.
Depending on which hormones are being measured, fasting may be required. You may also need to have your blood drawn at a specific time of day. Follow your doctor’s exact directions to ensure measurement accuracy.
Thyroid Function Tests (TSH)
Type: Blood
Thyroid function tests measure the levels of certain thyroid hormones in your blood, including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). These levels help your doctor determine how well your thyroid is working. Both too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) and too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) can lead to significant health problems.
Certain medications may affect the test results, so review your medications with your doctor and follow the provided instructions.
Schedule Routine Testing at Total Health Systems
Diagnostic testing is a core part of functional medicine because it provides the insights needed to create individualized treatment plans.
If you’re looking for solutions to your health issues, schedule an appointment at Total Health Systems. We’re a multi-disciplinary center in Michigan providing comprehensive medical care and other services, including chiropractic care and physical therapy, to help you maintain and improve your health.
Take charge of your health today, and book an appointment at one of our six locations.
