Functional Lab Testing
Primary Health Tests:
Organic Acids Test OAT
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This test is looks at 4 main areas:
Mitochondria (cellular energy production)
Brain (neurotransmitters) ie. mood/ stress
Detoxification (are there signs the body is working hard to detox)
General gut health (particularly candida/ yeast)
The OAT offers a comprehensive snapshot of your overall health.
It shows the general state of your gut, in terms of dysbiosis (imbalance of gut bacteria) and if there is any candida/yeast present.
We can gain insight into nutrient levels (such as B-vits) to see if there are any deficiencies. We can look at how your energy production is, and why it might not be optimal.
We can see how well you're turning food into 'fuel', if there is amino acids (protein) insufficiency, how your fatty acid metabolism is (ie. how you break down fats), and if you're fasting too long.
There is insight into your brain and neurotransmitters and brain which gives us an idea of stress on body, adrenal health, mood and inflammation.
Plus there are detoxification, inflammation and oxidative stress markers.
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This test can be helpful for conditions such as:
Fatigue
Dermatitis/ skin issues/ rashes
Mood changes
Bloating/ gas/ digestive issues
Blood sugar dysregulation
Weight gain
Nausea
Joint pain
Brain fog
Autoimmune issues
Multiple chemical sensitivity
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This Organic Acids nutritional test is valuable for determining:
Functional vitamin & mineral status
Amino acid insufficiencies like carnitine & NAC
Oxidative damage & antioxidant need
Phase I & Phase II detoxification capacity
Functional B-complex vitamin need
Neurotransmitter metabolites
Mitochondrial energy production
Methylation sufficiency
Lipoic acid & CoQ10 status
Markers for gut bacterial & yeast overgrowth
Oxalate markers
Nutritional markers
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Urine sample upon waking.
This sample is time sensitive and needs to be sent off on a Monday morning to ensure it makes it to the lab on time.
Foods to be avoided 48hrs prior are:
Alcohol, coffee, tea, caffeinated drinks, fruit juices
Avocado, bananas, chocolate, cocoa, cheese, citrus fruits, grapes, kiwi fruit, pineapple, plums, tomatoes, walnuts, pecans and vanilla
Nutritional Supplements (if possible)
Refer to the test kit instructions for full details.
Sampling instructions video for spot urine collection
$397
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis HTMA
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Minerals are like the body’s electricity—they’re what give us our ‘spark’.
The HTMA lab measures both mineral and electrolyte levels, providing valuable insights into energy, stress response, adrenal function along with blood sugar, liver health, immunity, thyroid function, and more. It also identifies heavy metals that can disrupt your body’s natural processes and contribute to various health challenges.
With this information, we can balance mineral levels, address deficiencies, remove heavy metal toxicities, and create the ideal environment for your body to heal and thrive.
The HTMA pairs well with the Organic Acids Test (OAT), as together they offer a comprehensive view of your overall health and what’s happening beneath the surface.
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Do you suffer from:
High Stress
Low Energy or Fatigue
Poor Sleep
Headaches
Skin Rashes
Tingling or Numbness
Low mood or Anxiety
This test can be helpful for exploring conditions such as:
Cardiovascular disease
Immune dysfunction
Toxicity
Musculoskeletal conditions
Metabolic syndrome
Skin conditions
Inflammatory conditions
Mental health disorders
Allergies
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What can Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis Reveal?
Mineral Deficences & Excesses (eg. Magnesium, Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Zinc, Copper etc)
Heavy Metal Toxicity
Metabolic Rate (Fast or Slow)
Immune Insights
Mental Health
Nervous System Imbalance
Liver & Kidney Stress
Insulin Resistance
Energy & Fatigue Levels
Cardiovascular Health
Adrenal & Thyroid Function
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Hair sample - 125 mg of hair, equivalent to 1 teaspoon. If possible 2.5-3cm long, taken near the root. It can be shorter if hair isn't that long.
The sample needs to be untreated or uncoloured.
Otherwise please wait 8-10 weeks and take a sample from freshly grown untreated hair.
Refer to the test kit instructions for full details.
Sampling instructions video for hair sample.
$235
Complete Microbiome Gut Mapping
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This is a comprehensive stool test that gives a full picture of exactly what is going on with your gut microbiome. It's considered the go-to gut test.
It shows the beneficial gut bacteria present plus any overgrowths of opportunistic bacteria, pathogenic bacteria/ viruses/ fungi and yeast plus if there are any worms/ parasites present, along with H.Pylori.
It also gives us insight into your digestion, if there is potentially intestinal permeability (aka leaky gut) or an immune response to gluten in the gut.
NEW LAB ADDITION:
Microbiomix Metagenomic Mapping - $749
The laboratory has just released an even more comprehensive gut test with about 400% more data on top of the above CMM test including:
loads more markers on your beneficial & pathogenic/ opportunistic gut bacteria
info around your predisposition to conditions like colon cancer, IBD, fatty liver & diabetes (according to you gut microbiome diversity)
what antimicrobials/ antibiotics your genes do & don't respond to
biochemical functions such as carb/ protein/ fat/ iron metabolism, ageing factor, histamine etc
and much more!
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This test can be helpful for conditions such as:
IBS/IBD
Abdominal cramps or pain
Leaky gut symptoms
SIBO
Allergies
Weakness
Diarrhea
Bloating
Fatigue
Autoimmune
*I would lean toward this test for any autoimmune conditions, and if someone had a lot of gut symptoms.
However, it doesn't give the best indication of candida/ yeast present, unless levels are extremely high.
NOTE - Parasites can be tricky to test for so it is recommended to take the sample around the full moon, when they are more active. Or taking a biofilm disruptor prior to testing can be helpful.
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Analytes:
Parasites
Worms
Bacteria
Fungal/Yeast
Beneficial gut flora
Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes Ratio
Faecal Markers:
Faecal Occult blood
Zonulin
Pancreatic Elastase
Calprotectin
B-Glucoronidase
Short Chain Fatty Acids:
Acetate %
Butyrate %
Propionate %
Valerate %
Total Short Chain Fatty Acids, Beneficial
Test Method:
qPCR-Quantitative PCR
ELISA
GC/MS
NOTE: NEW GUT LAB ADDITION - Microbiomix Metagenomic Mapping $749
The laboratory has just released an even more comprehensive gut test with about 400% more data on top of the above CMM test including:
loads more markers on your beneficial & pathogenic/ opportunistic gut bacteria
info around your predisposition to conditions like colon cancer, IBD, fatty liver & diabetes (according to you gut microbiome diversity)
what antimicrobials/ antibiotics your genes do & don't respond to
biochemical functions such as carb/ protein/ fat/ iron metabolism, ageing factor, histamine etc
and much more!
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Stool sample.
This sample is time sensitive and needs to be sent off on a Monday morning to ensure it makes it to the lab on time.
Before taking the test:
2 WEEKS before cease taking antibiotics & antifungal drugs, unless instructed otherwise by your practitioner.
3 DAYS BEFORE cease taking oral castor oil, probiotics, laxatives, aspirin, or ibuprofen. Also cease taking all gut-associated supplements like prebiotics & probiotics, digestive enzymes, detox liver herbs, minerals & amino acids unless instructed otherwise by your practitioner.
2 DAYS BEFORE follow your normal diet including the following foods if possible. Meat, fish, poultry, vegetables (raw & cooked) carbohydrates (potatoes, rice, pasta bread), fats (butter, oils). If you do not eat some of these foods you can still do the test. Vegetarians & vegans should eat their normal diet.
Refer to the test kit instruction for full details.
Sampling Instructions video for stool collection
$632
Dutch Complete Hormone Test
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This is a comprehensive Hormone and Adrenal test that tells us exactly what is going on with all of the Sex Hormones (and their metabolites), plus your Cortisol output and pattern throughout the day.
Overall it provides a comprehensive picture of how the adrenal and reproductive hormone imbalances may be contributing to some of the symptoms mentioned below.
We can also see Melatonin, plus other Neurotransmitter Metabolites and Nutritional Organic Acids markers like B12, B6 and Glutathione.
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This test can be helpful for conditions such as:
Hormonal issues /symptoms such as PMS, headaches, irregular periods, painful periods,
Anxiety & mood swings
Breast tenderness
Bloating
Fatigue
Decreased sex drive
Endometriosis
Fibroids
PCOS
Fertility problems
Hormonal weight gain
Stress or sleep issues
Low energy, burnout or adrenal fatigue
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
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Sex Hormones:
Estradiol (E2)
Estrone (E1)
Estriol (E3)
Progesterone Metabolites
Testosterone
DHEA-S
Androstenedione
5α-DHT (Dihydrotestosterone)
5α-Androstanediol
5β-Androstanediol
Estrogen Metabolism:
2-OH-E1 (2-Hydroxyestrone)
4-OH-E1 (4-Hydroxyestrone)
16-OH-E1 (16α-Hydroxyestrone)
Methoxy-Estrone Metabolites
Adrenal Hormones and Metabolites:
Cortisol
Free Cortisol (Daily Pattern)
Cortisone
Free Cortisone
Cortisol Metabolites (THF, α-THF, β-THF, THE)
Total DHEA Production
These markers above give a full picture of a person’s hormones and adrenal function.
Organic Acids:
Vitamin B12 Marker
Vitamin B6 Markers
Biotin Marker
Glutathione Marker
Neurotransmitter-Related Markers:
Dopamine Metabolite:
- Homovanillate (HVA)
Norepinephrine & Epinephrine Metabolite:
- Vanilmandelate (VMA)
Neuroinflammation Marker:
- Quinolinate
Additional Markers:
Gut Marker
- Indican
Oxidative Stress Marker:
- 8-OHdG
Melatonin Marker:
- 6-Hydroxy-Melatonin-Sulfate (6-OHMS)
In addition to the hormone markers, the Organic Acids offer insight into nutritional status, detoxification capacity, inflammation, oxidative stress, melatonin levels, plus a small insight into gut health, all providing a detailed look at the inner workings of the body to help identify any imbalances.
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Urine samples taken throughout the day, on one day between Days 19-21 of your cycle.
If not cycling, this test can still be helpful to explore what hormones are doing, OR for Perimenopause & Menopause.
What to avoid/ food restrictions prior to testing:
NIGHT BEFORE/ DAY OF testing - Avoid caffeine, alcohol & strenuous exercise because it may negatively affect testing results.
Some foods & supplements may impact organic acids markers.
48 HOURS BEFORE testing : Avoid avocado, bananas & fava beans for optimal results. If you do consume, please make a note on your requisition form.
If you take any of the following supplements, please consult your provider; Tyrosine, L-Dopa, D-L-Phenylalanine, DLPA, Mucona & Quercetin.
Refer to the test kit instruction for full details.
Sampling instruction video for DUTCH Complete
Irregular Cycle Collection How to collect your samples
$638
Why do Functional Testing?
Functional Testing is an incredible way to identify any underlying root cause imbalances in the body, so you can see exactly what you need to work on to resolve symptoms and bring the body back into balance. It takes out any guesswork and provides us with actionable data moving forward.
We can take a deep look at how your body is working to find the core issues behind your health concerns. Using the latest state-of-the-art technology from renowned companies, we gather precise data that helps us clearly see what needs attention, and uncovers your body’s specific deficiencies or toxicities, making it much easier to assist the body to heal and thrive.
What’s the Process?
Step 1
The lab test kit will be sent to you, with easy-to-follow instructions. You can complete in the comfort of your home.
Step 2
Send your sample back to the lab using the provided courier bag, which needs to be dropped off at your local collection point.
Step 3
Samples are sent to various labs for testing, many overseas, so it may take up to 4 weeks to receive your results.
Step 4
Once your results are in, we’ll schedule your next session to review them together.
Step 5
During the session, I'll walk you through the key findings and provide a personalised plan & next steps based on your results.
Ordering Lab Tests
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Tests can be ordered as part of a package that includes my time & consultation fees, plus additional support and other bonus extras.
Click the link below to explore package options.
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When ordering tests individually, a 60 or 90-minute lab review consultation is required, depending on the number of labs ordered.
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Before ordering individual lab tests, you are required to book an initial session for a complete health assessment and to address key foundational principles.
The second session will focus on reviewing your lab results and discussing your personalised plan.
Not sure which test would be best for you?
This is a great opportunity for us to connect. You can tell me about your health concerns, ask questions about how we would work together, which lab tests could benefit you, and what’s the process… before committing to a plan.
Additional Test Information
A $10 test kit/ courier fee will be added to the cost of each test (apart from the HTMA). Lab test fees will only be invoiced once the lab receives your sample.
All test kit purchases are non-refundable once the lab has received your sample. If you cancel your test prior to sending the sample off you will be charged a $25 administration fee (per test) to cover the courier & test kit costs.
There are many other Functional Tests available, however these are the ones I tend to run the most. Please enquire if you are curious about additional tests not listed here.
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“With Marique you have someone fully on your side willing to find a solution, appropriate to your lifestyle, that works for your personal health challenges.”
- Helen, Gold Coast