Specialized Testing in Calgary
Specialized Testing in Calgary
The Integrative Health Centre provides the following specialized testing services including blood analysis in Calgary:
Salivary Hormone Tests in Calgary
Used to assess hormonal status, salivary hormone tests is a specialized lab testing service that evaluates levels of hormones including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, cortisol and DHEA (stress hormones) present in a client’s saliva. Imbalances of these hormones may result in a number of complications, including menopausal symptoms, decreased ability to adapt to stress, temperature and metabolism imbalances, cancer development, cardiovascular degeneration and an inability to lose weight. Currently, Naturopathic Doctors in Alberta are unable to prescribe hormones and hormone therapies, however, the results of a salivary hormone test can be helpful in assessing whether herbal supplements would be the best course of action in treating symptoms or if a discussion with the client's MD could be a better approach.
Specialized Urinalysis in Calgary
Urinalysis is a specialized lab testing service that involves a urine test used to evaluate properties such as acidity, concentration (a measure of hydration or dehydration), and the presence of sugars, blood, or protein in an individual’s urine. These properties may help to indicate irregularities and disturbances in the urinary system. Specialized urinalysis is used to further evaluate chemical imbalances and stressors within the body.
All specialized testing at the Integrative Health Centre is used for functional assessment of the body systems and not for diagnostic testing.
Live Blood Analysis in Calgary
Live Blood Cell Analysis is a form of specialized testing that is not a diagnostic blood test, but rather an educational tool that allows the client to view their blood under a microscope to learn about cell health, hydration status and whether nutritional or lifestyle changes could be helpful in increasing the overall state of health. Blood carries nutrients to the cells and waste products away from the cells in your body. Knowing how well the blood performs these functions with this form of specialized testing can be helpful in evaluating how well the body is functioning on a day to day basis. Live blood analysis is performed by placing a drop of blood from the client's fingertip on a microscope slide. The slide is then viewed at high magnification with a dark-field microscope that sends the image to a television monitor in real time. Both the practitioner and client can see the blood cells live in action, which appear as dark dots outlined in white. Results of the live blood analysis are used as a basis for suggesting supplement protocols, nutritional counselling, water intake and more. Please note: live blood cell testing can not evaluate for cancer cells, viral infections, or any issues related to previous vaccine exposure. It’s simply an assessment of the health of the cells in the bloodstream at the time of testing, Additionally, a live blood cell analysis can only be done within a consultation. We do not offer live blood cell testing as it’s own appointment.
Blood work through Alberta Precision Laboratories
Naturopathic doctors now have the opportunity to run lab work through Alberta Precision Laboratories in Calgary. While patients still need to pay for laboratory blood tests when ordered by a ND, this type of testing is often more convenient and less expensive than other hormonal testing and can provide valuable insight into an individual’s hormonal balance. The fees for lab tests depend on the number and type of tests ordered by the Naturopathic Doctor. This type of testing can also be helpful when discussing the potential of Hormone Replacement Therapy with a patient’s MD if necessary.