Functional Lab Tests
Functional lab tests help identify the root causes of your health challenges - offering a more targeted and efficient path to healing.
Modern diagnostic testing has evolved significantly in recent years. Many of the tests commonly used by naturopaths, nutritionists, and functional medicine practitioners are not routinely available through the NHS. These functional tests can help streamline the consultation and treatment process by providing highly specific insights. This means we can often reduce the trial-and-error stage of care, offering personalised support and faster results.
Depending on your needs, we may investigate:
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Food intolerances or allergies
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Hormone imbalances
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Nutrient deficiencies
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Toxic exposures (e.g. heavy metals, mold, or environmental chemicals)
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Fungal, parasitic, or bacterial infections
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Digestive function and gut microbiome balance
Most test kits are conveniently sent to your home and involve simple sample collection methods, such as saliva, urine, or finger-prick blood samples. These can be returned to the lab using prepaid packaging. A few tests may require a visit to a local phlebotomist for a blood draw. I work with a range of reputable UK and international laboratories and will always recommend the test that best fits your symptoms, history, and goals.
Please note: lab test fees are charged separately by the test provider and are not included in the consultation fee.
Below is a list of some of the most frequently used tests in my practice (this list is not exhaustive):
Hormone Panels
Various tests available (including DUTCH)
Hormone testing helps identify the root causes of symptoms such as:
PMS and menstrual irregularities
Menopause and perimenopause symptoms
PCOS
Fertility challenges
Weight gain
Fatigue and low libido
Sleep issues
Mood disorders
The DUTCH test is one of the most comprehensive options, offering detailed insight into sex hormones, adrenal function, and hormone metabolism.
Root Cause Connection:
Hormonal & Endocrine
Organic Acids Test (OAT) - £333
A comprehensive urine test that evaluates a wide range of metabolic markers, including:
Neurotransmitter balance
Yeast or fungal overgrowth
Toxic mould exposure
Vitamin and antioxidant status
Mitochondrial function
This test is extremely helpful for complex or chronic cases involving fatigue, mood changes, gut issues, or unexplained symptoms.
Root Cause Connection:
Inflammation, Detoxification & Cardiovascular, Metabolic & Energy Production,
Genetic Testing
Various tests available
Genetic panels can reveal inherent susceptibilities in key systems, including:
Nervous system function
Detoxification pathways
Methylation (important for mood, cardiovascular health, detoxification, and energy production)
These insights allow us to tailor your nutrition and supplement plan with precision.
Root Cause Connection:
Immune, Autoimmune & Barrier Dysfunction,
Vitamin, Mineral & Toxin Status
Various tests available
These tests assess levels of essential nutrients and screen for environmental toxins or heavy metals. They help determine whether deficiencies or toxic burdens are contributing to symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, poor immunity, or hormonal imbalance.
Root Cause Connection:
Inflammation, Detoxification & Cardiovascular,
Adrenal Stress Profile - £142
This test measures cortisol levels at several points throughout the day to assess adrenal function and stress resilience. It helps identify:
Burnout
Adrenal dysregulation
Sleep disturbances
Stress‑related fatigue
It’s particularly useful for clients experiencing chronic exhaustion or difficulty coping with stress.
Root Cause Connection:
Hormonal & Endocrine,
Thyroid Hormone Panel - £142
A full thyroid panel assesses multiple thyroid hormones and related markers to give a clear picture of thyroid function. This is essential for understanding symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, low mood, hair loss, and temperature dysregulation.
Root Cause Connection:
Hormonal & Endocrine,
Homocysteine Test - £75
Homocysteine is a key marker of methylation — a biochemical process essential for detoxification, cardiovascular health, brain function, and energy production. Elevated homocysteine can indicate:
Increased cardiovascular risk
B‑vitamin deficiencies
Impaired detoxification
Gut or neurological imbalances
This test provides important insight into metabolic and nutritional health.
Root Cause Connection:
Hormonal & Endocrine, Inflammation, Detoxification & Cardiovascular, Metabolic & Energy Production,
Comprehensive Food Intolerance & Gut Barrier Test - £360
This combined test assesses:
The integrity of the intestinal lining (“leaky gut”)
Immune activation and inflammation
Delayed food sensitivities that may be contributing to symptoms
It’s especially helpful for clients with chronic digestive issues, skin conditions, autoimmune tendencies, or unexplained inflammation.
Root Cause Connection:
Gut & Digestive, Immune, Autoimmune & Barrier Dysfunction,
SIBO Test (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) - £182
SIBO is a common cause of bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhoea, and upper digestive discomfort.
This simple at‑home breath test measures hydrogen and methane gases to determine whether there is bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine — something that standard stool tests cannot detect.
Root Cause Connection:
Gut & Digestive,
Comprehensive Stool Profile - £387
This in‑depth stool analysis provides valuable insight into:
Digestive function
Leaky gut and intestinal permeability
Inflammation in the gut
Parasites, yeast, and pathogenic bacteria
The balance of your intestinal microbiome
It’s one of the most useful tests for chronic digestive symptoms such as bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, reflux, abdominal pain, or unexplained fatigue.
Root Cause Connection:
Gut & Digestive,