Other standard and integrative labs
- Standard Labs with or without Lipids – Includes kidney function, liver function, glucose and A1C, cholesterol, WBC count, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Comprehensive metabolic panel (Chem 14)
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase – This test is done to make sure that your body can adequately metabolize high doses of Vitamin C IV
Homocysteine - Homocysteine levels when elevated, are known independent risk factor for development of cardiovascular disease and related heart and BP conditions, as well as increasing your risk for dementia and inflammation in your arteries. Fortunately, we have seen great results in lowering homocysteine levels using Homocystex Plus, Moly B, and NAC.
Mycoplasma – This is a fast multiplying bacteria in the blood that causes many auto immune diseases and cancers by the extreme weakening of the immune system. This test is important for cancer patients, and anyone with pain, fibromyalgia or Thyroid diseases. If a person tests positive for this and is not aware if they have been treated for it or not, we typically recommend treatment with IV Zithromax.
Nagalase - this test is used to identify the activity of an enzyme called Nagalase that helps cancer cells hide from the immune system. The Nagalase enzyme has the ability to completely shut down the activity of the localized immune macrophage cell, whose job it is to destroy any cell that have been harmed or is not functioning normally. This is the reason that someone can have a strong functioning immune system and still be growing a tumor. Dr Gonino uses this test to check the progress of treatment instead of doing CT Scans.
Galectin-3 – If Galectin 3 is abnormal, you are more than likely feeding cancer cells. Galectin 3 promotes cancer in 3 ways. It allows cancer cells to attach to one another forming groups that can survive in your blood stream and migrate to other parts of your body. Once cancer cells have formed a primary tumor, Galectin 3 helps them aggregate and grow, and attach themselves to new sites as well, forming secondary tumors. Galectin 3 at high levels supplies nutrients to malignant tumors by stimulating new vessel growth even when there was no growth prior. Fortunately, high Galectin-3 levels can be modulated with Pectasol-C.
Organic Acid Test - Organic Acids Test (OAT) provides accurate evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria. Abnormally high levels of these microorganisms can cause or worsen behavior disorders, hyperactivity, movement disorders, fatigue and immune function. Many people with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders often excrete several abnormal organic acids in their urine. Oxalates are small molecules that form crystals. The human body also produces them as a waste product. Oxalates are poisonous to the human body and are considered a waste product. The value of Organic acid testing, with Great Plains Laboratory, is to test for Oxalates and all the DNA / metabolism Factors that contribute to oxalates, Vitamin B6 and Markers associated with genetic forms of oxalate problems.
Viral Panel “EBV” – Once you have had Mononucleosis virus, you will carry the virus forever. Mono is known as the kissing disease but it is also transmitted through saliva. EBV flare ups occurs when the immune system becomes suppressed. Typical symptoms of EBV are sore throat, swollen glands, muscle aches, pains and fatigue.
H. Pylori – H Pylori is a stomach bacteria that can be contracted from contaminated water or certain foods. This can cause abdominal pain, heartburn and digestive issues as well as stomach ulcers and rarely stomach cancer. Patients who are experiencing severe bowel and digestive issues, should be tested. Again, fortunately, there is treatment for this issue if it is discovered..
Gluten Gene DQ2 and DQ8 – In our office, we believe that all of the autoimmune diseases are directly caused by an immune response to gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Although patients may be asymptomatic, infants and young children commonly present with diarrhea, failure to thrive, abdominal pain and distention. Older children and adolescents may exhibit extra intestinal symptoms including short stature, delayed puberty, anemia and neurological symptoms caused by nutrient malabsorption. In up to 50% of adults, the presenting symptom is diarrhea, which may be accompanied by abdominal pain or discomfort. Most insurances pay for what Dr Gonino calls the “outdated gluten tests” (anti-gliaden and endomysial antibody testing) Our genetic test will tell you if you have the propensity to develop ANY type of autoimmune disease, not just Celiac. Having said all that, if Dr G or our Nurse Practitioners have a strong suspicion that you carry the gene (fair skin, blue eyes, reddish or blonde hair, freckles, long thick eyelashes, or a family history of an autoimmune disease- exs: lupus, Lou Gehrig's, Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's, etc) they are likely to recommend saving your money and using it for other aspects of our program. However, if you want definitive proof that you carry any of the genes that code for gluten sensitivity, this test is available to you. Be advised that without a 1st degree relative with Celiac disease or without a personal history of diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, your insurance is not likely to cover the cost.
Vitamin D – 1,25 (OH) Vitamin D3: Active & 25 (OH) Vitamin D3: Inactive. Vitamin D helps offset the lack of sunshine during the winter, cold months when depression or melancholy sets in, and immune cells get sluggish. When physicians talk about vitamin D deficiency, they are invariably talking about low levels of a compound called hydroxyvitamin D 25 or “25 (OH) Vitamin D3” which is inactive. Our kidney normally converts D from inactive 25 form, to the active 1,25 form, and magnesium is necessary for that conversion. Drug muggers that steal magnesium (such as acid blockers, diuretics and steroids) can hinder the conversion process. Additionally, kidney disease or reduced kidney function means suppressed vitamin D activity and thus, reduced 1,25 levels of the active form. As much as I love vitamin D toxicity can occur if you take very high doses of vitamin D. Some of the symptoms include: heart palpitations, nausea, constipation, kidney stones, memory loss, softening of bones, hyperparathyroidism and body aches. 90 percent of our patient population is Vitamin D deficient.
DAO (Dunwood Labs) - (Advanced Intestinal Barrier Assessment 5150* Includes Diamine Oxidase (DAO), Histamine, and Zonulin) is a test we use to see how well your body is reacting to our treatment and supplement(s). Diamine oxidase is an enzyme that breaks down histamine. Histamine is a compound that affects immune response, physiological function of the digestive tract, and acts as a neurotransmitter. When the gut barrier is weakened, a person is more vulnerable to food antigens, toxins, and unfriendly microbes. A leaky gut tears down the body’s defense and opens up the system to increased inflammation. Increased levels of Zonulin may be a contributing factor in the development of celiac disease and autoimmune disorders. Zonulin may therefore be an early marker of disease processes.
Glyphosate - Great Plains Laboratory – Glyphosate is important to test because it gets into our bones, brains and bowels. Direct exposure by using herbicides, such as through skin contact or breathing herbicide residue. Eating fruits/vegetables, eating animals that were fed vegetables with glyphosate residue can also be harmful.