Referral for nutritional assessment

Some of the Tests Available at the Biolab Medical Unit

We frequently refer patients to the Biolab Medical Unit, a London laboratory who handle all our nutritional evaluation work.

Minerals and Toxic Metals can be measured in the hair, sweat, serum, blood, urine or even saliva (for mercury). Each type of sample has its strengths and weakness for different minerals and toxic elements. If it is possible to attend the laboratory the Sweat Mineral Analysis is probably the best all round test. It involved an absorbent patch being taped to the back for an hour and the collected sweat (about 0.1 grams) is then extracted and ten mineral and toxic metal levels measured. The Hair Mineral Analysis is sometimes used when a patient cannot attend the laboratory, and can contribute some information, but no definite diagnosis can be made, based on a hair sample alone. There are also a number of blood tests that indirectly reflect the levels of some minerals. These are called functional tests and generally involve looking at the various biochemical pathways that depend on an adequate amount of particular nutrients being present.

Vitamins: It is possible to determine the levels of vitamins A, C, E and B1, B2, B3, B6 and Biotin in blood samples. There are also functional blood tests for these B vitamins and for vitamin B12 and folate levels (this involves a sample from a 24-hour urine collection)

Essential Fatty Acids: Red cell levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 series and other fatty acids can be determined.

Gut Fermentation Profile: The patient is given a 4g of glucose dissolved in water and 1g of glucose in two capsules, following a three hour fast and 24 hours without alcohol. A blood sample is taken one hour later and is analysed for the levels of different alcohols that can be formed if there is abnormal fermentation in the gut. If any ethanal is found this suggests that some of the glucose has been fermented by yeast in the gut.

Breath Hydrogen Measurements: A series of breath samples are taken and are analysed for hydrogen levels. The test detects the presence of bacteria in the stomach or small intestine. Variations of the test enable the investigation of lactose or sucrose intolerance.

Antioxidant Profile: A profile of important antioxidants (copper, ceruloplasmin, vitamin E, selenium, beta-carotene and others). Antioxidants are important protective substances, which include a number or essential vitamins and minerals.

WBC Motility and Metals Sensitivity Screen: Patients' white blood cells are exposed to low levels of fluoride and mercury and any reaction in the motility of the cells is observed. In the Metals Sensitivity Screen the number of neutrophils and lymphocytes that are attracted to charcoal particles doped with mercury, nickel, lead, cadmium, silver and gold is recorded. An increased number suggests that the cells have become sensitive to those metals. This Sensitivity Screen is also available for mercury only.

Osteoporosis Screen: A series of blood and urine tests for important nutrients of known importance to the development and maintenance of bone.

Toxic Effects Screen: A screen to determine the effects of exposure to drugs or other chemicals that can affect the liver. It can sensitively detect toxic challenges to the liver.

Pesticides: A screen to determine the levels of a wide range of pesticides, herbicides, PC's and chlorinated compounds, as well as recent exposure to organophosphorous compounds. Please note that this screen is available for medical purposes only, and not for occupational exposure claims.

Myothermogram: This is a non-invasive test that records the heat released by muscles after simple movements. The test is particularly useful for identifying intracellular magnesium deficiencies. Any reduction in oxygenation or perfusion is also detected

Vascular Screen: A profile of blood pressure, flow and pulsatility measurements from arteries using a non-invasive computerised Doppler ultrasound technique. The test is useful in detecting early changes in the structure of the artery walls.

We have worked closely with the Biolab Medical Unit since its inception in 1984 and use its extensive testing facilities for nutritional and various toxicity tests, amongst many others. We have absolutely no financial tie-up with this unit.