Diagnostic Labs

When the immune system recognizes a foreign substance, it produces antibodies to fight off the allergens. IgG and IgE are two different types of antibodies produced in reactions to food. IgE reactions are immediate and usually more severe, such as hives, swelling of the tongue and sudden diarrhea. IgG reactions are more common and more subtle and can result in many other delayed symptoms such as chronic pain, sinusitis, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, fatigue, abdominal pain, headache, joint pain and runny nose. For the majority of patients we run the IgG panel which tests for reactivity to many different common foods. For answers to frequently asked questions about this testing, click here.

* Meridian Valley Laboratories does not bill insurance.
* Costs depend on amount of foods tested.

Cholesterol testing has historically been used as the standard indicator for cardiovascular disease classified as HDL (good) or LDL (bad). However, it is actually the lipoprotein particles that carry the cholesterol throughout the body, not necessarily the cholesterol within them, that are responsible for key steps in plaque production and the resulting development of cardiovascular disease. Approximately 50 percent of people suffering from heart attacks have shown "normal" cholesterol numbers (NHLBI - The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute). This advanced cholesterol testing technology accurately measures both the density and number of lipoprotein particles.

50% of people taking multi-vitamins are still nutritionally deficient (William Shive, UofT at Austin). And yet, how do you discern which vitamins you need and which you don't? SpectraCell's micronutrient testing offers a unique means to scientifically assess the intracellular requirements of micronutrients that play an important role in overall health and wellness of patients. Their tests measure the biochemical function of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants, providing a powerful clinical assessment tool. These panels are designed to provide you with the most comprehensive nutritional analysis available. As the only lab that can offer a truly functional intracellular testing, SpectraCell also provides you with targeted nutrient repletion recommendations for those vitamins and minerals found to be deficient.

MTHFR is an enzyme responsible for converting 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to the product 5-methyltetrahydrofolate - it is involved in the metabolism of folate and homocysteine as well as production of hormones, neurotransmitters, blood cells and DNA repair. The product of the reaction catalyzed by MTHFR converts homocysteine (a potentially toxic amino acid) to methionine (a useful and necessary amino acid).

Who Should be Tested?

• Those with high homocysteine levels.
• Those who have a familial history of cardiovascular disease, stroke or thrombosis.
• Those who are candidates for long-term methotrexate therapy
• Those with migraines, history of miscarriages, autism, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and restless leg syndrome.

This very comprehensive sensitivity panel includes six different tests: IgE Food Antibodies (19), IgG Food Antibodies (87), IgG Spices (24), IgE Inhalants (14), IgE Molds (15) and Celiac & Gluten Sensitivity.

Gastrointestinal function is important for general health. The intestinal tract contains significant amounts of bacteria which, when imbalanced, have been associated with IBS and IBD, immune disorders, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Balancing gut microflora is key for optimizing digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as metabolic functions. Poor digestion and malabsorption can lead to immune dysfunction, nutritional insufficiencies, mental/emotional disorders, and autoimmune diseases.

Blood draws can be conveniently scheduled with our Medical Assistant; we send our samples to Quest Diagnostics for processing. Conventional labs are generally returned to the office within 7-10 days. Other specialty tests such as food sensitivity panels, extensive vitamin and nutrient testing, saliva hormone testing and DEXA scans require more time to process, generally 3-4 weeks.

Urine toxic and essential elements analysis is an invaluable tool for the assessment of retention of toxic metals in the body and the status of essential nutrient elements. Toxic metals do not have any useful physiological function, adversely affect virtually every organ system and disrupt the homeostasis of nutrient elements.