Functional Medicine Tests
Functional medicine tests go beyond standard lab work to uncover the root causes of your symptoms. These advanced tests can identify digestive dysfunctions, hidden infections, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal shifts, toxin exposures, and other underlying factors that are often missed in conventional medicine. By looking deeper into how your body’s systems are actually functioning, rather than just screening for disease, we gain the insights needed to create a truly personalized plan for healing and longterm wellness.
Following your first consultation, Dr. Brass will determine and recommend the appropriate tests based on your individual needs.
My Most Trusted Functional Medicine Tests
Comprehensive Stool Test
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A cutting-edge stool test designed to provide a detailed analysis of your gut health. It offers valuable insights into the balance of gut microbiota, the presence of pathogens, and other factors that may be influencing your overall health and well being.
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Using advanced DNA-PCR technology and culture to analyze your stool sample and identify:
Beneficial Bacteria: Levels of key probiotics and other beneficial microbes.
Opportunistic Bacteria: Overgrowth of bacteria that may disrupt gut balance.
Pathogens: Presence of viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can cause disease.
Fungal and Yeast Overgrowth: Including Candida species.
Digestive Markers: Indicators of how well your digestive system is functioning.
Immune Response: Levels of secretory IgA, which reflects gut immune health.
Markers of Inflammation: Such as calprotectin, which can indicate conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.
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A comprehensive stool test is ideal for individuals experiencing:
Chronic digestive issues like bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea
Persistent fatigue or brain fog
Food sensitivities or intolerances
Skin conditions such as acne, eczema, or psoriasis
Autoimmune disorders
Mood disorders like anxiety and depression
Weight management challenges
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Personalized Treatment: The detailed report allows for targeted interventions, including dietary changes, supplementation, and lifestyle adjustments.
Evidence-Based Care: Uses scientifically validated markers to provide accurate results.
Comprehensive Insights: Offers a complete picture of your gut health.
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Comprehensive stool tests are simple and non-invasive. Depending on the recommended panel you will be required to submit either a single stool sample; or multiple stool samples collected over the course of a few days. All samples are collected in the comfort of your home using the provided kit. Once the sample is sent to the lab, results are typically available within 2-3 weeks.
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Depending on the panel selected with Dr. Brass, costs range from $600–$800 CAD
Coverage for these tests may be available through certain extended health care plans.
Organic Acid Test (OAT)
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The Organic Acids Test (OAT) is an advanced diagnostic tool that provides invaluable insights into your overall health and metabolic processes, including digestive function. This comprehensive test measures over 70 organic acids in the urine, offering a detailed snapshot of your body’s cellular activity and gut microbial health.
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The OAT is ideal for uncovering hidden dysfunctions that may not be evident through standard blood tests
It provides actionable insights into several key areas of health, including:
Gut Health: Identifies markers of dysbiosis (imbalances in the gut microbiome), yeast overgrowth, and bacterial overgrowth.
Energy Production: Evaluates mitochondrial function and energy generation within cells.
Detoxification: Assesses your body’s ability to eliminate toxins.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Highlights deficiencies in key micronutrients like B vitamins, vitamin C, and CoQ10.
Oxidative Stress: Measures levels of oxidative damage and antioxidant reserves.
Neurotransmitter Metabolism: Offers insights into mood, focus, and sleep regulation.
Chronic Inflammation: Detects markers that may indicate systemic inflammation.
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This test is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing:
Digestive issues - Offers valuable insights into the root causes of IBS and related symptoms such as bloating, excess gas, constipation, and diarrhea. This approach is particularly beneficial when conventional diagnostic tests or treatment plans fail to deliver results.
Chronic fatigue or low energy
Mood disorders such as anxiety and depression
Persistent skin conditions like acne or eczema
Sleep disturbances
Brain fog or memory issues
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The OAT Test is ideal for uncovering hidden dysfunctions that may not be evident through standard blood tests
Your test results will include a detailed report highlighting specific metabolic imbalances, along with actionable recommendations to restore balance. These may include personalized dietary adjustments, targeted supplementation, and lifestyle modifications tailored to your unique needs.
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The test is non-invasive and requires only a single urine sample. You collect the sample in the comfort of your home and send it to the laboratory for analysis. Results are typically available within 2-3 weeks.
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The OAT is typically between $450-$500 CA.
Coverage of this test may be available through certain extended health care plans.
Mycotoxins (Mold) Test
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Mycotoxins tests use advanced diagnostic tools to detect and measure the presence of mycotoxins in the body. Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain types of mold that can colonize the body and intestinal tract. These toxins can have harmful effects on health, contributing to a wide range of chronic symptoms and illnesses.
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Exposure to mold can occur through inhalation of mold spores and/or contaminated food. It’s important to note that while these initial exposures may have occurred years ago, the mold (and the mycotoxins it produces) can remain harboured in the body for decades.
Mycotoxins can negatively impact various body systems, including:
Digestive System: Leading to persistent irritable bowel symptoms, including SIBO, that often fail to improve with conventional or first line treatments.
Respiratory System: Leading to allergies, chronic sinus conditions, and other lung-related issues.
Skin Health: Causing unexplained rashes, hives, eczema, or rosacea.
Immune System: Weakening the body’s defences, making it more susceptible to infections or intestinal bacterial/fungal overgrowth (SIBO included).
Neurological System: Causing brain fog, chronic fatigue, headaches, and other cognitive challenges.
Detoxification Pathways: Overloading the liver and kidneys, impairing the body’s ability to eliminate toxins.
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Mycotoxin testing is recommended for individuals with unexplained chronic symptoms and is particularly valuable for those who have not experienced improvement with other naturopathic/functional medicine treatments or whose stool and other diagnostic tests have yielded unremarkable results.
Additionally, individuals who have lived or worked in mold prone environments, such as water damaged buildings, may benefit from this test.
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The test is non-invasive and requires only a simple urine sample. You collect the sample in the comfort of your home and send it to the laboratory for analysis. Results are typically available within 2-3 weeks.
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The Mycotoxin test is typically between $575-$700 CA.
Coverage of this test may be available through certain extended health care plans.
