Diagnostic Testing

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  • It’s possible that your plan covers tests. The best way to find out is to contact your provider and ask. We provide a fully detailed receipt so you can submit to your plan.

  • Definitely! That’s the great thing about naturopathic physician licensing in BC, they require the education and training to fully understand test results. Plus, appointments with ND’s are longer, you get a chance to ask your questions and fully understand the answers. VitaCare doctors listen, answer questions and provide solutions to your health issues. Just ask anyone who has been to see either Dr. Yim or Dr. Holewa. They are both known for their extensive knowledge in their special fields and provide the best, everytime.

How the Right Functional Diagnostic Test can help get to the Root Cause of your Health Issue!

As licensed alternative and primary care providers, our doctors have access to a wide variety of functional, preventative and medical testing facilities in Canada and in the United States. The types of bloodwork requisitioned will depend on your health situation and the tests your doctor feel are most appropriate to you and your health goals.

Functional lab testing can refer to a full panel blood test or a view of individual nutrient levels and hormone imbalances. Functional health testing pinpoints deficiencies, high levels of specific toxins or give your doctor information about how your body as a whole is working. The procedure can involve taking a sample of your blood, urine other bodily fluid or tissue. These are administered either at Life Labs or at home depending on the sample required.

These samples are then used to screen or monitor specific levels of nutrients, hormones, toxicity, organ and body systems or disease process or condition.

Why we use a lab test

Lab results are used by our doctors to:

  • Determine the cause of symptoms

  • Diagnose or rule out specific conditions

  • A hair mineral analysis may show a heavy metal toxicity that could be causing you health issues. The doctor can then create the right program for you to detox properly.

  • Screen for issues that are impairing optimal health Eg, For infertility the doctor may suggest a thyroid panel to determine if a thyroid imbalance is impairing fertility.

  • Determine a base line for your current health and then provide ongoing monitoring to ensure good health is maintained. Tests for this reason are vital, especially in catching disease process before symptoms appear. They can also determine the severity of a disease or condition.

Different tests show results in different ways. Some may provide reference ranges while others show presence or absence and levels. Your doctor will meet with you in a follow up appointment to ensure you fully understand the results, their implications, the course of treatment and when you should be screened again.

Both Dr. Holewa and Dr. Yim have had extra training in the interpretation of these tests and how to best use the results for creating the right plan for you, your health and your lifestyle.

Some of the tests we provide:

  • Standard Lifelabs testing (including lipids, blood glucose, liver enzymes, iron levels, vitamin D, inflammatory markers, etc)
    Hormone panel
    Full Thyroid Panel Food Sensitivity
    Food Allergy Skin Scratch
    Hair Mineral Analysis
    Gut Pathogen
    DNA Panel
    Stool Analysis