Labs & Functional Testing
Dr. Rhodes offers a variety of laboratory tests to assess nutritional status, coronary artery risk, hormone and endocrine function, exposure to heavy metals and environmental toxins, digestion, and food allergy assessments. Questions regarding any lab tests are invited and welcome.
Comprehensive Stool Analysis
The gastrointestinal tract is vast, with the gut microbiome serving as a crucial supporting organ due to its multifaceted roles in maintaining the body's daily functions. Comprising both beneficial and potentially harmful microbes, an imbalance can lead to various issues such as maldigestion, diarrhea, gas, bloating, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and Crohn’s disease. In the presence of any of these conditions, a comprehensive stool analysis can pinpoint the underlying dysfunction, enabling Dr. Rhodes to prescribe tailored therapies aimed at restoring balance.
Salivary & Urinary Hormone Testing
Deployed for evaluating adrenal function, as well as female and male hormone function, salivary hormone levels offer a more precise evaluation of cellular hormone activity compared to blood analysis. Unlike blood values, which often remain steady, salivary levels fluctuate based on cellular utilization and patient requirements, thereby offering a superior clinical correlation with symptoms exhibited.
Immunological Assessment
Testing serves as a diagnostic tool meticulously designed to offer a thorough examination of the immune system's functionality and integrity on a cellular level. By assessing key biomarkers and determinants, it provides a comprehensive overview of a patient's immune status, enabling the identification of specific immunotypes. This detailed analysis plays a crucial role in diagnosing, managing, and monitoring various health conditions, particularly those associated with immune dysregulation. The test's capacity to thoroughly evaluate the immune system at the cellular level makes it highly advantageous for individuals with autoimmune disorders, chronic infections, unexplained immune symptoms, and those undergoing immunotherapy or immune-modulating treatments.
Comprehensive Cardiovascular and Metabolic Assessment
Metabolic syndrome entails a complex interplay of obesity, elevated blood pressure, abnormal lipid profiles, and insulin resistance, each posing individual health risks. Functional medicine testing surpasses conventional parameters, exploring the underlying molecular and physiological imbalances contributing to cardiometabolic dysfunction and heart disease. These advanced tests provide personalized insights into the individual root causes of metabolic syndrome, serving as a potent tool for early detection and intervention.
Organic Acids and Mitochondrial Function Assessment
People with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders often exhibit abnormal levels of organic acids in their urine. Factors contributing to these elevated levels include oral antibiotic use, immune deficiencies, high sugar diets, infections, and genetic predispositions. During metabolic processes, the body produces organic acids from the breakdown of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. These acids play essential roles in generating cellular energy and supporting various cellular functions. Measuring organic acids allows Dr. Rhodes to conduct a functional assessment of the patient's nutrient status. Elevated levels of organic acids in urine may indicate metabolic inhibition or blockage due to inherited enzyme deficiencies, nutrient deficiencies, toxin accumulation, or drug effects.
Environmental Pollutants Exposure Panel
Increasingly pervasive, environmental pollutants like benzene, xylene, styrene, phthalates, parabens, and toluene are now frequently integrated into everyday products. Even minimal exposure to these organo-toxins can accumulate within the body, correlating with the onset of diverse ailments including depression, anemia, cancer, and more. Urinary testing offers a quantitative analysis of specific metabolites, aiding in the identification of an individual's toxic load and furnishing essential data for customized nutritional and detoxification strategies.
Genetic Testing
Understanding genetic influences on health can enable one to take proactive measures for illness prevention and overall well-being optimization. Results are interpreted by your healthcare practitioner who is also considering your individual health history, lifestyle, goals, and needs. This testing method suits those seeking insights into genetic predispositions, aiding in informed lifestyle choices and personalized interventions for better health outcomes. With a simple cheek swab sample, it offers convenient and accessible personalized health insights.