In Clinic Tests:
External Functional Laboratory tests:
Heavy Metal & Mineral screening (Hair)
DNA screening including MTHFR (Saliva or Blood)
Allergy & Intolerance testing (Blood)
G.I. Mapping, Gut microbiome, Leaky Gut testing (stool)
Hormone Tests (Blood, Saliva & Urine)
Mental Health markers (Urine & Blood)
Live Blood Screening
Ever wondered what your blood looks like under a microscope? You can, because I love using this fantastic screening tool to view the inner world which can unlock secrets from within your body.
I’ve been looking through microscopes since I was 10 years old and never stop being amazed by what our blood can reveal.
With a tiny finger prick of blood placed onto a glass slide, we can check the quality of the health of your blood. Viewed on a computer monitor, we can see so much and discuss various indications and take snap shots to keep for later comparisons.
Live blood can indicate much about the state of your health. While ‘dead blood’ samples sent to labs can give you quantifiable levels of certain parameters which are very useful, live blood cells tell us much about the quality of your blood cells and other markers.
Live Blood Screening can indicate:
- Infections
- Inflammation
- Vitamin & Mineral Deficiencies
- Immune health
- Liver health
- Signs of allergies or food sensitivities
- Impaired digestion
- Leaky gut signs
- Increased clotting factors
- Bacterial, parasitic and fungal infection signs
- Dehydration and so much more…
While live blood screenings are not diagnostic for health conditions, it’s a great tool to help tailor the best treatment program for your health needs, apart from other tests if required.
Sclerology and Iridology
Sclerology and Iridology is the study of viewing each eye and their markings to determine strengths and weaknesses. A visit to the True Vitality clinic will most likely include an examination of your eyes. Photos of your eyes are taken, and we then view them on the computer monitor.
Sclerology
Sclerology looks at the whites of the eyes, which should be ‘white’, but often contain various red lines and other markers. Sclerology is an extension of the dura mater (a thick membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and is a recorder of more acute conditions, and a useful tool to monitor health changes.
I particularly like viewing the scleras (whites) as this can give profound insights into where the root of your health issues may be coming from.
For example, I had a client in his forties who had a heart attack, but his doctors couldn’t work out why, because his heart seemed healthy. When he came to my clinic, we first looked at his blood which showed some minor signs of imbalances, but otherwise he seemed quite healthy.
Then we looked at his eyes and the sclera revealed that he had very strong markers not only in the heart area, which was understandable, but also his thyroid. His doctor refused thyroid tests, saying that he didn’t look like someone with a thyroid imbalance (stable weight etc) so we organized for him to get his thyroid markers privately tested.
The tests showed very significant indicators that his thyroid was indeed in trouble. There’s a known clinical link between thyroid and cardiovascular risk, so this was no surprise to me. His doctor was ever so glad that the tests were done and promptly prescribed appropriately. Along with this we also used natural herbal and nutritional supplements to support both systems and he’s been healthy ever since.
Iridology
Iridology looks at the iris, or coloured part of the eye. The nerves that travel throughout the body and brain extend to the optic nerve to reflect various weaknesses you are exposed to genetically. They also include markings to reflect physical changes created due to health issues over the years.
Urinalysis (Urine Test)
On your first visit to the True Vitality clinic, you will be asked to bring a ‘first of the morning, mid-stream’ urine sample, provided in a specimen jar or any small glass container that has been rinsed with boiling water to kill off any contaminates.
Your urine specimen can help to detect irregularities in your body and much about your health and well-being.
I’ve outlined below what can be picked up by urine testing, but first here’s a Case Study where urinalysis played an important role.
Diabetes and kidney disease averted by a Urine Analysis Test
Apart from wanting to be very thorough when investigating my clients’ health concerns, urinalysis is a fast tool to screen many things. Most of the time, nothing shows up and that’s great, but often it uncovers lingering background infections, including early signs of diabetes or other potential conditions.
I remember a Japanese client, aged about 50, whose urine analysis indicated markers were present for diabetes and infection. She showed low and medium levels of protein, glucose, nitrates, leucocytes and an acid pH.
She told me those readings had been picked up by doctors for many years, but they couldn’t find anything else of significance. Consequently, the rationale was ‘this was just how she was’, and ‘let’s keep an eye on it’. But nothing had changed for more than 10 years.
I then asked about her family illness history. She told me her brother, who lived in Japan, had severe diabetes, was nearly blind, one kidney failed, and a foot amputated due to complications. To make matters worse, he was threatened with the removal of one of his hands, all due to not being able to control his sugar levels, even with strong drugs.
Apparently, his diet had not been changed, and as a traditional eater, he consumed lots of rice, especially sushi (which is sweetened rice) plus ‘diet’ soft drinks (not good!).
With this in mind, and after checking her blood and eyes, I could see she had the potential to go down the same path as her brother. But unlike her brother she was dedicated to make changes to her diet.
She was taken off rice (yes, I know, terrible for someone who had eaten rice as a staple for her whole life, but we had to try it) along with using specific nutritional and herbals.
Within a few months, those markers that had been there for over 10 years were gone and her blood and eyes looked clearer. She felt so much better with more energy – which was the reason why she came to me in the first place.
If I hadn’t organised the in-clinic urine test and didn’t ask about family, I may have missed the real cause of her fatigue.
Incidentally, urine is tested using a Test Strip, called a Combur 9 test by Roche.
What can be detected in the urine?
Leukocytes: also known as white blood cells, pus or pyuria. Leucocytes in the urine are usually associated with a renal (kidney) problem or an infection in the bladder and or kidneys. It is not normal to see white blood cells in urine.
Nitrates: not normally present in urine and indicate the presence of bacteria. In the presence of a UTI (urinary tract infection), you would normally see both nitrates and leucocytes and possibly other features.
pH: the pH of your bodily fluids reflects how acidic or alkaline your body is. pH is affected by diet, supplements, medications and disorders of the body. Ideally, we want to have a urine pH of around 6.8 (close to neutral of 7).
Protein: normally protein isn’t present in a healthy person’s urine as the protein molecules are too big to pass through the kidney’s filtration barrier called glomerular. Protein detected in the urine is termed Proteinuria and is related to such things as kidney damage, diabetes, hypertension and pre-eclampsia (in pregnancy).
Glucose: not normally present in urine and is termed glycosuria. Can be present in urine of those with diabetes, gestational diabetes or other endocrine (hormonal) abnormalities.
Ketones: you will see the presence of ketones in those who have been fasting or after prolonged periods of vomiting and/or diarrhea. High levels are dangerous and signify the abnormal breakdown of fat or a sign of poorly controlled diabetes. Some medications can give a false reading.
Urobilinogen: elevated levels can indicate the breakdown of red blood cells, problems with the liver, drainage issues of bile into the gut or gall stones.
Bilirubin: produced by the red blood cells and transported to the liver to be excreted by the liver into the gut. Bacteria in the gut normally converts bilirubin into urobilinogen. If found in the urine it signifies a poor functioning liver.
Erytherocytes (red blood cells): blood should not be present in the urine. Termed haematuria, it can be indicative of kidney disease, infection, inflammation of the urinary tract, renal damage, kidney stones or cancer of the urinary tract.
With just a tiny sample of urine, we can discover a lot. Most samples are completely clear, but when they’re not, these simple tests can reveal unknown pathologies that are best sorted sooner rather than later.
External Functional Laboratory Tests
Heavy Metal & Mineral screening (Hair)
DNA screening including MTHFR (Saliva or Blood)
Allergy & Intolerance testing (Blood)
G.I. Mapping, Gut microbiome, Leaky Gut testing (stool)
Hormone Tests (Blood, Saliva & Urine)
Mental Health markers (Urine & Blood)
Pyrrole Screening – Urine test
The Mauve Factor test (formerly known as Kryptopyrroles) is a urinary test which analyses the level of HPL, a neurotoxic substance commonly found in high levels of people with mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, including schizophrenia, autism, ADHD, and those who have hormone issues, including thyroid, gut, digestion and immune system problems.
Common Symptoms and conditions associated with pyroluria:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Hormone imbalances
- Allergies
- Gut Health imbalances
- Migraines
- Morning nausea
- Irritability
- ADD/ADHD
- ASD
The urine test is a simple way to determine if you have elevated pyrrole levels in your body, which is thought to be a strong marker of oxidative stress caused by such things as ‘leaky gut’ syndrome, heavy metal toxicity, allergies and many other triggers.
The urine sample is usually collected at a pathology collection centre but can also be done at the testing lab if you live near Brisbane. The collection centre will snap freeze your urine sample and dispatch to Applied Analytical Laboratories (AAL). The results will be sent back to Sue Kira for interpretation and evaluation.
Speak to Sue or visit the Pyrrole Page on this site for more information. Sue has also set up a Pyrrole Australia Facebook page which has more than 7,500 followers, if you wish to join us there.
Heavy Metal and Mineral Screening – Hair sample
The following minerals and metal levels can be analysed using a simple hair sample. A report of levels, ratios and relevance to you will be provided as part of the testing service. Speak to Sue to obtain your hair collection kit.
DNA screening including MTHFR (Saliva or Blood)
Many people like to know what their genetic strengths and weaknesses are.
Discover if you have increased risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, poor ability to absorb nutrients or detoxify harmful substances and heaps more.
DNA screening offers an insight into your genes, as well as recommendations relating to your specific genes, to guide you with food and lifestyle choices to optimise your genes. This is one of the best ways to avoid illness and disease.
With knowledge comes understanding; with understanding comes the ability to make informed decisions for your health.
DNA screening can be done with blood or a saliva sample and is easy to do. Speak to Sue to get a test kit.
MTHFR Gene Mutation testing
One of the common genetic tests that many clients ask about is the MTHFR or methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, which is a common genetic mutation that can cause reduced capacity to absorb or convert folate and other B vitamins.
MTHFR can then effect fertility, mood and mental health, increased risk for neural tube defects, autism spectrum disorders, increased risk of venous thrombosis and other cardiovascular risk factors.
Testing for MTHFR is automatically included in the full DNA test. However a test solely for MTHFR can be done separately at a lower price.
Allergy & Intolerance testing (Blood)
There are various allergy test kits available, depending on what you need. Completed home kits are sent to a laboratory for testing.
However, a popular kit used in clinic is the Food Detective Kit to test for food intolerances.
With just a simple finger-prick of blood taken in clinic you can have your results within 45 minutes.
If you can’t visit the clinic, Sue can arrange for a test kit to be delivered to your address.
Kits must be pre-ordered and paid for before your consultation. Contact Sue to organise your kit today.
G.I. Mapping, Gut microbiome, Leaky gut testing (stool)
Following research by the Human Microbiome Project (HMP) and more research since, testing of the gut microbiome (gut flora) has been revolutionised. Testing gut flora was previously performed by cultures and microscopic evaluation. Now, thanks to the HMP, we can test more accurately the state of the digestive system using DNA analysis of microbes.
The complete microbiome mapping test (G.I.Mapping) performed by NutriPath in Melbourne can assess microbes that contribute to illness and also assess the balance of good bacteria needed to maintain a healthy balance.
With a single stool sample, the G.I.Mapping test looks at immune and digestive markers, including markers for leaky gut (intestinal permeability), pathogenic bacteria (such as Helicobacter Pylori), opportunistic pathogens, fungi (including candida), viruses, numerous parasites and good bacteria types and levels.
G.I.Mapping also looks at markers for short chain and long chain fatty acids which help to assess if you are feeding your friendly bacteria with the right foods to promote good health.
Conditions where G. I. Mapping is a useful assessment:
- Abdominal pains and cramps
- IBS or IBD
- Leaky gut symptoms
- Signs of SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth)
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Allergies and intolerance
- Bloating
- Fatigue
- Thyroid abnormalities
- Vague aches and pains that don’t seem structural
- Strange symptoms where you can’t find a cause
If you would like to see a sample report of G.I. Mapping please email Sue
Organic Acid Test (OAT)
Using a simple urine test, the OAT can give us biomarker indications for various metabolic pathways that give us an overview of several major body systems in the body, as well as an analysis of various nutritional deficiencies.
The organic acid test also provides insights into the body’s metabolic processes on a cellular level.
Organic acids tested are in fact metabolic intermediates that are produced by the body as part of energy production, neurotransmitter processes, detoxification and intestinal activity of microbes, both good and bad.
The OAT is useful in determining blocks in metabolic pathways due to things such as toxicity, genetic enzyme deficit or nutritional deficiencies.
By assessing organic acid levels, we can pinpoint many metabolic dysfunctions occurring at a cellular level so a customised treatment strategy can be formulated.
The OAT assessment evaluates:
- B group vitamin utilisation
- Neurotransmitter abnormalities
- Citric acid cycle abnormalities
- CoQ 10 insufficiency
- Amino acid insufficiency
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Potential gut dysbiosis
- Fatty acid metabolism
- Yeast infections
Conditions where organic acid testing is useful:
- Digestive system problems
- Immune issues – auto-immune conditions
- Chemical or food sensitivities
- Blood sugar imbalances
- Fatigue of unknown causes
- Mental health imbalances
- Pyrrole disorder
- Joint pains
- Skin disorders
If you would like to see a sample report of an Organic Acid Test please email Sue
Hormone Tests
There are various hormone studies that can be done depending on your needs. Typical tests include adrenal stress (cortisol and DHEAs), sleep (melatonin and cortisol), thyroid studies, female and male hormone studies. These are done via saliva, blood or urine as needed.
Mental Health Markers (Urine & Blood)
If you are suffering from anxiety, depression, mood swings or you feel that something is not quite right with your mental health, then it can help to look at certain parameters of your health to gather more understanding about the best way to support your body back to balance.
Below are some of the tests available that may be considered for you, depending on your individual circumstances. Some of the tests previously listed may also help to understand the root causes.
During your consultation Sue will make recommendations based on your individual needs. For most of these tests you can find a PDF sample report to view if desired.
Neurotransmitter profile – this looks at your specific neurotransmitters and their levels in your body
Amino acid profile – amino acids are the building blocks of protein and the protein we eat breaks down into these individual aminos. These aminos then become the precursors to our valuable neurotransmitters and hormones, so looking for any specific deficiencies can be a helpful way to target your needs
Pfeiffer profile screening – looks at elements such as zinc, copper, caeruloplasmin, copper/zinc ratio, SAH to SAMe ratios, Histamine level and vitamin D. This range of tests is good adjunctive screening for mental health imbalances or pyrrole disorder.
If you would like to see a sample report of a Mental Health Markers Tests please email Sue
Also if you have any questions about the above tests, please email Sue