At-Home, No Contact Lab Options at IHM

During the COIVD-19 pandemic, we have worked closely with our favorite labs to determine the best labs available to be collected at home that require no other person to collect the sample. You may do all of these on yourself without leaving your home! Please DO NOT submit a sample if you suspect you have a COVID-19 infection as this could infect lab personnel.

We can order any of these tests on any of our existing patients. Let us know, and we can send a kit to your home! If you are not yet a patient, please call us and we can determine how best to proceed.

GUT HEALTH TESTS

GI-MAP (DSL)

GI Map is a stool test which assesses your microbiome (gut bacteria) for overall diversity, health, and pathogens. It also measures digestive function in complementary ways to the NutrEval test.

GI Effects (Genova)

These tests look at the microbiome, need for probiotics, and multiple gut function issues. Using these results, we can offer dietary suggestions, supplement recommendations, and pharmaceutical or nutraceutical treatment of pathogens or issues such as leaky gut when indicated. You will collect one to three stool samples at home (depending on the test ordered) and mail in to the lab.

Almost every patient can benefit from a GI-MAP gut health assessment. Some patients are looking to achieve optimal health, while other patients have been chronically ill and frustrated without a diagnosis for years.

Some conditions that warrant testing are:

• Autoimmune diseases
• IBS/IBD
• Digestive complaints, diarrhea or constipation
• Brain fog
• Skin problems, like acne and psoriasis
• Mood disorders, depression, and anxiety
• Diabetes and weight loss issues

3-Hour SIBO test

This is a breath test which looks for a condition called Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). You will consume a solution while fasting and take breath samples over a 3-hour period. Diet and nutraceutical options are available to treat SIBO if discovered.

When should testing for SIBO be considered?

Symptoms of SIBO are non-specific, encompassing abdominal pain/distention, diarrhea, and flatulence.

Conditions commonly associated with SIBO include:

• IBS
• IBD
• Celiac Disease
• Diabetes
• Fibromyalgia
• Rosacea
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Obesity

Risk factors for development of SIBO include structural/anatomic issues, motility disorders, organ system dysfunction, elderly age and various medications (recurrent antibiotics, PPIs) that alter the gut microflora populations.

Symptomatic patients with any underlying conditions or risk factors warrant assessment for SIBO.

Urine Intestinal Permeability Assessment

For this test, you drink a solution and then collect a urine sample. The amounts of the compounds in the solution that get into your urine tell us about your intestinal permeability (leaky gut). Diet and nutraceutical options are available if issues are discovered.

Intestinal Permeability Assessment is a powerful noninvasive gastrointestinal test assessment of small intestinal absorption and barrier function in the bowel. The small intestine uniquely functions as a digestive/absorptive organ for nutrients as well as a powerful immune and mechanical barrier against excessive absorption of bacteria, food antigens, and other macromolecules. Both malabsorption and increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) are associated with chronic gastrointestinal imbalances as well as many systemic disorders.

Lactose Intolerance Breath Test

Lactose intolerance is a common underlying cause of multiple health issues. This test involves consuming a liquid while fasting then collecting breath samples over time.

Lactose intolerance is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. This condition arises from an enzyme (lactase) deficiency in the gut, either a result of genetics or a temporary irritation of the small intestine. Without adequate amounts of lactase, the digestive system is unable to properly break down and absorb lactose, the main sugar in milk and dairy products. When this happens, unabsorbed lactose is fermented by bacteria in the colon, causing the release of hydrogen and methane gases.

Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance May Include:

• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence
• Abdominal cramps

By disrupting intestinal absorption, lactose intolerance may also trigger a shortage of critical nutrients. Eventually the digestive system may become weakened and made more susceptible to parasite infection, as well as yeast and bacterial overgrowth.

IMMUNE FUNCTION TESTS

Allergix IgG4 Food Antibodies – Bloodspot 30

Food sensitivities are a common underlying cause of many health issues. For this test, you will perform a finger stick, similar to what diabetics use to check blood sugar, and will mail the sample in to the lab. With this information, we can give you specific dietary and gut health recommendations. See the foods tested here: https://www.gdx.net/product/allergix-igg4-food-antibodies-bloodspot-30-food-sensitivity-test

The Allergix IgG4 Food Antibody Profile is a blood spot test that measures IgG4 antibodies to 30 commonly consumed foods.

When should testing for IgG4 Food Antibodies be considered?

Circulating IgG4 food antibodies are not diagnostic for a specific condition but indicate an immune response to the presence of food antigens. IgG4 antibodies are produced in a delayed hypersensitivity reaction, which can occur one to seven days after exposure to the offending food antigen. These reactions are difficult to detect since there may be no obvious association with the offending food. Commonly reported symptoms for elevated IgG4 responses involve GI tract, skin, nose, and throat. In contrast, the immune response could be a normal response that would not necessarily cause symptoms. Therefore, test results should always be viewed in the context of the overall clinical picture.

Conditions associated with IgG4 food antibodies

• Eosinophilic esophagitis1-3
• Irritable bowel syndrome/ GI symptoms4,5
• Crohn’s disease6

NUTRITIONAL STATUS TESTS

ONE (Optimal Nutritional Evaluation) FMV

The ONE FMV is a unique combination of nutritional tests that provides an analysis of key nutritional biomarkers in one convenient urine collection. Requiring only a first morning void (FMV) urine collection, the ONE FMV nutritional test is a convenient patient-friendly way to assess the functional need for antioxidants, B-vitamins, minerals, digestive support, and amino acids. Insights gained from the ONE FMV nutritional test provides allows clinicians to target nutritional therapies to the precise needs of their patients.

Effective for Patients Experiencing:

Common clinical indications for testing include:

• Mood Disorders
• Fatigue
• Digestive Complaints
• Weight Issues/Dietary Guidance
• General Health and Sports Fitness Optimization

Fatty Acids Profile – Bloodspot

This test tells us whether you have adequate levels and balances of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are critical for cardiac risk, immune system function, and cognitive health. We can make specific dietary and supplement recommendations based on the results. The test involves a home finger stick, similar to what a diabetic does to monitor blood sugar.

Why Use the Fatty Acids Profile – Bloodspot?*

Fatty acid imbalances can be a causative factor in a variety of chronic health conditions. The Fatty Acids Profile – Bloodspot assesses the critical balance between essential Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids. The Fatty Acids Profile – Bloodspot can indicate the need for fatty acid supplementation and/or dietary modification.

Effective for Patients Experiencing:

The Fatty Acids Profile – Bloodspot is useful for patient concerns including:

• Chronic Pain/Inflammatory Conditions
• Depression
• Cardiovascular Risk
• Weight Issues/Dietary Guidance

Essential fatty acid imbalances have been associated with a number of health disorders, including: inflammatory disorders, cardiovascular issues, hormonal disorders, autoimmune disorders, arthridities, senile neurological degeneration, mental and behavioral disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), insulin resistance and obesity, and hair and skin related conditions.

TRIAD Bloodspot Profile

This test involves a home finger stick and a urine sample collection, similar to what a diabetic does to monitor blood sugar.

Profiles included:

• Organix Comprehensive Profile: Measures organic acid levels to reveal the nutritional and metabolic basis of patient symptoms, including anxiety, mood changes, and immune responses.
• Bloodspot Amino Acids 20 Profile: Determines essential amino acid imbalances that affect both physical and mental function.
• Allergix Bloodspot IgG4 Food Antibodies Profile: Measures the level of IgG4 reactions for 30 common foods.

The TRIAD® Bloodspot Profile allows simultaneous assessment of:

• Vitamin and mineral sufficiency
• Insufficiencies of carnitine and NAC
• Oxidative stress and antioxidant sufficiency
• Detoxification adequacy
• Functional status of B-vitamins
• Neurotransmitter metabolism
• Mitochondrial energy production
• Methylation sufficiency status
• Lipoic acid and CoQ10 sufficiency
• Specific markers of bacterial and yeast dysbiosis
• Essential amino acids sufficiency
• Food sensitivities
• Intestinal hyperpermeability

Toxic Element Clearance Profile

The Toxic Element Clearance Profile is a toxic exposure test which measures urinary excretion of a diverse range of potentially harmful elements. Both well-known toxics such as lead and mercury, and new technology toxins such as niobium are assessed in this toxic element test. This test is conducted on a urine specimen.

Health Consequences of Toxic Exposure

Evidence suggests that chronic toxic element exposure can adversely affect:

• Energy levels
• Reproductive function
• Cancer risk
• Neurological development and function
• Respiratory, cardiac, hepatic, and immune functions
• Cognitive and emotional health
• Degenerative conditions

Toxins and Sources of Exposure

Accumulations of these toxins can occur in the human body in response to occupational exposures or to environmental exposures from toxic release in air, soil, or industrial waste systems. These sources include:

• Metal refining
• Alloying
• Plating and parts manufacturing in aerospace and machine tool industries
• Fabrication of nuclear reactor fuel assemblies
• Electronics and computer manufacturing

According to the EPA, the US has the largest electronics (including computer) workforce in the world. Exposures to the measured elements can occur in other occupations as well, including:

• Welding and metal shaping
• Plumbing
• Oil refining
• Military or police service (with weapons use)
• Handling of disposal of wastes
• Manufacturing of pigments and coatings
• Petrochemical production

Comprehensive Urine Element Profile

The Comprehensive Urine Elements Profile is a toxic exposure test which measures urinary excretion of 15 nutrient elements and 20 toxic metals. These include classic toxins such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, as well as newer technology toxins such as niobium. This is an ideal toxic exposure test for patients suspected of toxic metal exposure as well as potential nutrient mineral wasting. This test is conducted on a urine specimen.

Health Consequences of Toxic Exposure

Evidence suggests that chronic toxic element exposure can adversely affect:

• Energy levels
• Reproductive function
• Cancer risk
• Neurological development and function
• Respiratory, cardiac, hepatic, and immune functions
• Cognitive and emotional health
• Degenerative conditions

Toxins and Sources of Exposure

Accumulations of element toxins can occur in the human body in response to occupational exposures or to environmental exposures from toxic release in air, soil, or industrial waste systems. These sources include:

• Metal refining
• Alloying
• Plating and parts manufacturing in aerospace and machine tool industries
• Fabrication of nuclear reactor fuel assemblies
• Electronics and computer manufacturing

According to the EPA, the US has the largest electronics (including computer) workforce in the world. Exposures to the measured elements can occur in other occupations as ell, including:

• Welding and metal shaping
• Plumbing
• Oil refining
• Military or police service (with weapons use)
• Handling of disposal of wastes
• Manufacturing of pigments and coatings
• Petrochemical production

HORMONES

Adrenocortex Stress Profile with Cortisol Awakening Response

A Comprehensive Tool to Assess the HPA Axis — Stress Response and Resiliency

The Adrenocortex Stress Profile (ASP) provides an assessment of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis using carefully timed salivary samples of the hormones cortisol and DHEA. Salivary testing is an easy, non-invasive option to measure unbound, biologically active parent hormone levels. This test involves collecting 6 salivary samples throughout one day.

Rhythm Plus

The Rhythm Plus™ hormone test is a comprehensive salivary assessment of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone that spans a full 28 days. Additionally, this hormone testing profile includes the Adrenocortex Stress Profile and the Comprehensive Melatonin Profile to reveal how the sex hormones are influenced by cortisol, DHEA, and melatonin. Hormonal balance is the key. Fluctuating levels of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone play a major role in a woman’s overall health. Rhythm Plus is a hormonal test indicated for both premenopausal and perimenopausal women not currently supplementing with hormones.

Hormone imbalances may be responsible for:

• Menstrual cycle irregularities
• Mood disorders
• Insomnia
• GI complaints
• Libido
• Fatigue

The Rhythm Plus provides a thorough analysis of estradiol and progesterone over a full 28 day cycle. Testosterone is measured once from the 28th day specimen. By utilizing 11 saliva samples for analysis, the relationship and balance of these essential hormones are analyzed more precisely through time.

Menopause Plus

The Most Comprehensive Salivary Hormone Test for Hormone-Related Conditions

Menopause Plus™ is our most comprehensive salivary hormone test for evaluating key hormone levels in both women and men. Eight specimens – collected over six days – are examined for levels of estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone, the progesterone/estradiol ratio (P/E2), and testosterone. In addition to thorough evaluation of the sex hormones, Menopause Plus also evaluates DHEA, cortisol, and melatonin for the broadest scope of clinical insight.

To enhance clinical utility, in addition to evaluating patient results against various healthy cohort reference ranges, a therapeutic cohort results cover page is provided for the clinician to quickly and conveniently observe where patient results fall in comparison to a cohort of peri/menopausal women treated with bioidentical hormone therapy.

The Menopause Plus hormone test provides information about the impact that shifting hormone levels can have in women during perimenopause and menopause and in men during andropause (male menopause). In addition, imbalances of other steroid hormones, such as DHEA, cortisol, and melatonin, can influence sex-hormone production. Hormones imbalances can be associated with common symptoms such as:

• Hot flashes
• Fatigue
• Weight loss or gain
• Menstrual irregularities
• Loss of libido
• Changes in hair and skin

The Menopause Plus salivary assessment offers several advantages for patients presenting with hormone-related symptoms:

• Comprehensive testing: eight saliva samples, collected every other day over 6 days, provides individual and average levels for estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), progesterone, progesterone/estradiol ratio (P/E2), as well as a one-time measurement of testosterone; additional collections over a 24-hr period provide diurnal measurement of cortisol, DHEA, and melatonin

One Day Hormone Check

A 24-hr Salivary Hormone Test for Assessing Key Hormones

The One Day Hormone Check™ is a convenient salivary hormone test that evaluates unbound, bioavailable hormone levels over 24 hours. Specimens collected over 24 hours are examined for levels of estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone, the progesterone/estradiol ratio (P/E2), testosterone, cortisol, DHEA, and melatonin.

The One Day Hormone Check provides information about the impact that shifting hormone levels can have in men (andropause or male menopause) and women (perimenopause and menopause). It can reveal imbalances of primary sex hormones and how they relate to other hormones, such as DHEA, cortisol, and melatonin. Using hormone testing, clinicians can customize hormone and/or nutritional therapies and monitor therapy.

Patients with hormone imbalance may present with:

• Fatigue
• Weight loss or gain
• Menstrual irregularities
• Loss of libido
• Insomnia
• Changes in hair and skin
• Hot flashes

The One Day Hormone Check salivary assessment offers several advantages for patients presenting with hormone-related symptoms:

• Comprehensive testing: five sex hormone saliva samples collected over a 24-hour period provide the level of estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), progesterone, the progesterone/estradiol ratio (P/E2), testosterone. Cortisol, DHEA, and melatonin are also measured.

Complete Hormones with Genomics

Complete Hormones™ is our most comprehensive urinary hormone test, designed to assist in the clinical management of hormone-related conditions. This hormone test assesses parent hormones, their metabolites, and key metabolic pathways. Select genomic markers are measured in the Complete Hormones profile. Assessment of these select genomic markers (also known as SNPs) in conjunction with urine hormone testing, supports broadened clinical insight into women’s and men’s health concerns.

Genomic testing using these SNPs may provide awareness into an array of conditions for which the peri/menopausal and andropausal patient seek support such as anxiety and other mood shifts, cardiovascular disease, cardiometabolic syndrome, bone health and hormone detoxification capacity.

Essential Estrogens Hormone Test

Essential Estrogens™ is a targeted urinary hormone test designed to evaluate estrogen metabolism specifically. This hormone test offers clinical insight into parent estrogens, key estrogen metabolites, and relevant ratios and is useful for initial estrogen assessment as well as follow-up testing to monitor response to therapies and/or to check levels of previously abnormal results.

Estrogen imbalance can produce challenging symptoms during the transitional periods of perimenopause/ menopause and andropause (male menopause) including:

• Weight gain
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Low sex drive and performance issues
• Hair loss
• Sleep disturbances
• Mood instability
• Brain fog
• Hot flashes

GENETICS

ImmunoGenomic Profile

This test evaluates genetic variations in genes that modulate immune and inflammatory activity. These variations can affect balance between cell (Th-1) and humoral (Th-2) immunity, trigger potential defects in immune system defense, and stimulate mechanisms underlying chronic, overactive inflammatory responses. This test uses a cheek swab to collect DNA.

CardioGenomicPlus Profile

The CardioGenomic Plus™ Profile uses genomic testing to identify the risk of genetic susceptibility to cardiac related diseases and conditions. Specifically, the CardioGenomic Plus™ Profile evaluates genetic variations, called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that modulate blood pressure regulation, lipid balance, nutrient metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

This test uncovers potential genetic susceptibility to:

• Hypercholesteremia
• Atherosclerosis
• Obesity
• Hypertension
• Myocardial infarction
• Thrombosis
• Endothelial dysfunction
• Stroke

Specialized genomic testing from Genova Diagnostics can provide a glimpse into ones potential health future. Genetic testing enables one to minimize the risk by:

• Identifying hidden gene mutations that may promote chronic disease
• Preventing disease through early intervention
• Modifying gene expression through more precise, targeted, individualized interventions
• Identifying key areas for follow-up testing
• Monitoring therapeutic effectiveness of intervention strategies with laboratory testing

Whether or not you choose to see genes, they are always there and will continue to play an important role in one’s health. With genomic testing, by choosing to look at them, you have the opportunity to influence the ultimate outcome and more actively promote a healthy life. The CardioGenomic Plus™ Profile evaluations include:

Cholesterol Regulation and Atherosclerosis

• ApoE (apolipoprotein E)
• CETP (cholesteryl ester transfer protein)
• SELE (selectin E)

These genes affect how the body breaks down and clears fats and how cholesterol is processed. They also affect lipid balance, plaque formation, and blood vessel integrity and function.

Methylation

• MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase)

Polymorphisms of this enzyme can disrupt the metabolism of homocysteine, resulting in its accumulation as well as impaired methylation. The presence of these SNPs can increase risk of cardiovascular disease, blood vessel damage, thrombosis (blood clots), stroke, and degenerative aging.

Hypertension

• GNB3 (guanine nucleotide-binding protein)
• AGTR1 (angiotensin II receptor-1)

Polymorphisms of these genes are associated with blood vessel constriction, sodium and water retention, obesity, and increased susceptibility to hypertension.

Coagulation

• Factor 2 (prothrombin)
• Factor 5 (Leiden)
• PAI-1 (Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1)
• GP3a (Glycoprotein 3)

These genetic variants can over-activate blood clotting processes, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac events such as thrombosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

DetoxiGenomic Profile

This test evaluates SNPs associated with increased risk of impaired detoxification capacity especially when exposed to environmental toxins. It also identifies individuals potentially susceptible to adverse drug reactions.

EstroGenomic Profile

The EstroGenomic® Profile uses genomic testing to identify susceptibility to diseases and conditions such as breast cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease. More specifically, the EstroGenomic® Profile evaluates genetic variations, called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that modulate estrogen metabolism, coagulation, cardiovascular function, bone health, and inflammation.

The EstroGenomic® test uncovers potential genetic susceptibility to diseases and conditions such as:

• Breast cancer
• Osteoporosis
• Thrombosis
• Strokes
• Atherosclerosis
• Heart Disease

Specialized genomic testing from Genova Diagnostics can provide a glimpse into ones potential health future.

Genetic testing enables one to minimize the risk by:

• Identifying hidden gene mutations that may promote chronic disease
• Preventing disease through early intervention
• Modifying gene expression through more precise, targeted, individualized interventions
• Identifying key areas for follow-up testing
• Monitoring therapeutic effectiveness of intervention strategies with laboratory testing

Whether or not you choose to see genes, they are always there and will continue to play an important role in one’s health. With genomic testing, by choosing to look at them, you have the opportunity to influence the ultimate outcome and more actively promote a healthy life. The EstroGenomic® Profile evaluations include:

Estrogen Metabolism

• CYP1A1
• GST (M1 and P1)
• CYP1B1
• COMT (catechol-O-methyl transferase)

Estrogen metabolism SNPs focus on the Phase 1 enzymes involved in the formation of anti- or procarcinogenic metabolites such as 2-hydroxyestrone and 4-hydroxyestrone, respectively, as well as the Phase 2 enzymes responsible for the subsequent metabolism of these compounds. Levels of the various estrogen metabolites modulate risk of both breast cancer and osteoporosis.

HyperCoagulation

• GP3a (Glycoprotein 3)
• Factor 2 (Prothrombin)
• PAI-1 (Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1)
• Factor 5 (Leiden)

These genetic variants focus on estrogens interaction with some of the key constituents of the clot formation and fibrinolysis process, such as clotting factors and inhibitors of fibrinolysis. The SNPs can over-activate blood clotting processes, increasing the risk of sudden cardiac events such as thrombosis, heart attacks, and strokes, especially among women take supplemental estrogens and oral contraceptives.

Cardiovascular

• Apo E (apoliprotein E)
• TNF-a
• MTHFR
• IL-6

These genes affect how the body processes cholesterol, responds to inflammation, and metabolizes B vitamins. The presence of these SNPs can increase risk of cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, and blood vessel damage.

Osteoporosis

• VDR
• TNF-a
• IL-6

Osteoporosis SNPs relate to estrogens influence on inflammation, bone resorption, vitamin D function and bone collagen formation.

NeuroGenomic Profile

This test evaluates single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that modulate methylation, glutathione conjugation, oxidative protection and the potential to evaluate vascular oxidation.