TESTING
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Functional testing for your integrative health.
Co-Biome™ Gut Microbiome Testing
What does it do?
We believe that the future of good health lies at our core, the gut. By collaborating with our Naturopaths Louise & Greta to accurately unlock the complexity of the whole gut microbiome, together we can better understand and manage your health. This allows us to identify what is needed specifically for you to re establish overall balance and reach your full health potential.
How does it do it?
With trillions of gut microbes unique to you living in your gut and feeding on the foods you consume, you have the opportunity to influence your health through the diet and lifestyle choices you make.
Working alongside our Naturopaths, Louise & Greta, we can explore your gut microbiome and gastrointestinal health which can then assist to nurture this symbiotic relationship.
By assessing the whole gut microbiome and gastrointestinal health markers, Louise & Greta are able to reveal how the gut microbiome is interacting with your body systems and overall health.
Then what?
Your practitioners will refer you a kit.
Only authorised Co-Biome™ Certified Clinicians such as Louise Gerry & Greta Leeson can refer you the MetaXplore™ range.
1. You’ll be sent an SMS with a secure link to complete the purchase.
MetaXplore™ kit sent to you
2. You will be sent your MetaXplore™ kit via express post.
3. You provide a sample
Follow the instructions inside the MetaXplore™ kit to take your stool sample.
4. Label your samples
Label your sample/s using the day of collection stickers provided in the MetaXplore™ kit.
5. Return your sample
Secure your sample/s in the reply-paid envelope as detailed inside the MetaXplore™ kit instructions.
6. Report sent to your practitioner
A comprehensive report will be delivered to your Co-Biome™ Clinician, Louise or Greta, who will contact you to share your results via a follow up consultation.
For More information:
https://www.co-biome.com/patients/
https://www.co-biome.com/education/patient/
Who can do the test?
Anyone over the age of 17 years who has an interest in finding out their own unique gut microbiome and digestive markers, screen for pathogens and clinically significant bowel markers.
** Other test options available for children and young teens - ask your practitioner
How much does it cost?
MetaXplore $369
MetaXplore GI $489
MetaXplore GI Plus $529
Ready to find out more?
If you would like to know more about the Co-Biome Gut Testing and which may be suitable for you, do not hesitate to book a 10minute discovery call appointment via our website (Free) or discuss at your next appointment with Louise or Greta.
Functional testing for your integrative health.
Compatibility hair or saliva Test
What does it do?
The Compatibility Program Test allows us to pinpoint foods that are not compatible with your body, and individualise your diet to suit the foods that are compatible.
What does compatible mean? Compatible means that the food allows the body to function and heal as it should, and provides nutrients that are beneficial.
Incompatible foods on the other hand interrupt this process and don't allow the correct cellular function. Cells have pumps that bring nutrients in, and waste out - and when this doesn't occur correctly we are not able to allow the body to heal, and repair.
How does it do it?
We take a saliva sample or a hair sample and send it to the laboratory in Queensland that have been instrumental in perfecting this testing method over the last 30 years. It assesses your unique DNA against that of many foods and household products and gives you a list of compatible, and incompatible items.
Then what?
When the results arrive our Naturopaths, Louise & Greta will explain them in a consultation, and go through a list of swaps for the products you may need to temporarily eliminate. The program is done over 6 months, with regular questionnaires to allow you to track your progress and improvement, and you will receive a subsidised retest voucher to use between the 6 - 9 month mark. Louise & Greta can also assist in this time with any other symptoms or illnesses you may have, or health improvement programs.
What items does it test for?
For an in-depth look at the foods and products follow this link to one of the test lists —> 500 List.
There are additional lists available to add on such as the baby list (with different infant formula brands, nappies, wipes, and baby food items).
How do I arrange one?
If you would like to complete the test, please book an appointment and mention the Compatibility Program test and you can also purchase the test at our online store. It only takes a few minutes during the consultation, and it can be done with saliva, natural or coloured or styled hair. Results will be received within one to two weeks. This is best paired with a comprehensive naturopathic appointment that will also look at other underlying causes, and provide nutritional, and herbal support where needed, however if you would like to do the test and have follow up support solely based on these results, you can book a shorter consultation through the booking system. Available as online consulting too.
Who can do the test?
Anyone - young or old. Even those without hair on their head can use body hair, or saliva.
Preconception screening for both partners
Pregnancy & breastfeeding screening
Babies/Toddlers/Children
What conditions is it useful for?
Useful in fertility management and preconception care, pregnancy and post natal care of mother and baby, toddlers and children. Also…
It is extremely beneficial for any skin condition, where the underlying trigger is unknown - as it test household products and food items so covers both the internal, and external triggers.
It is also useful for asthma where there may be many triggers, as well as IBS, constipation, and diarrhoea. Those with reflux may also find it very effective.
Sinus issues like chronic congestion are often food related, so pinpointing the underlying trigger is very beneficial. This is also true for enlarged tonsils, and adenoids.
Conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory disorders will also see good results as it removes foods that the body is reacting to.
It can also be used for behavioural disorders in adults and children, or just those wishing to ensure their diet suits their own body.
A key improvement many people see is less fatigue, and reduced brain fog.
How much does it cost?
Hair 500 - $275 inc postage
Hair 500 + baby list - $260 + $10 postage (if breastfeeding the mother and baby can be tested together and follow one list)
Other Tests also available as well as additional ‘extras’ (charged at $5.50 each) can be added to test items specific to you.
Are there comparable tests?
No, as this isn't an allergy (IgG) or an intolerance (IgE) test. The former is available through a doctors referral for a skin prick, or blood test, and the latter I am able to order for you to look at higher level intolerances. Ask during your consult about all of your options and what would be best for you.
Many people already know what they are allergic or intolerant to, so this allows us to pinpoint foods that fall below that immediate reaction radar.
Ready to find out more?
If you would like to know more about the Compatibility test do not hesitate to book an appointment.
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)
What is HTMA?
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is an analytical test that measures the mineral composition of hair. It is a safe and non-invasive test that reflects the level of nutrient and toxic elements in body tissue. It is regarded by integrative doctors, naturopaths and nutritional therapists as one of the most valuable screening tools available in everyday and preventative health care.
Hair is a body tissue made up of mostly dead, keratinized cells fused together. The shaft of the hair is the portion that projects from the skin’s surface. The root of the hair, below the skin’s surface, contains living matrix cells from which the hair grows. Matrix cells depend on the blood supply for nourishment and growth. As they grow and divide, minerals are keratinized into the growing hair shaft, creating a permanent record of metabolic activity and exposure to toxic elements.
Research has shown that hair tissue is useful in indicating nutrient imbalances and exposure to toxic elements. If your health, diet or environment has created a mineral imbalance or toxic mineral excess, it will be recorded in the hair shaft.
Importance of Minerals
Minerals are essential for growth, healing, vitality and wellbeing. They provide structural support in bones and teeth, and maintain the body’s pH, water balance, nerve activity, muscle contractions, energy production and enzyme reactions. They are the basic ‘spark plugs’ of life.
Imbalances and Toxins
Our health and wellbeing may be aggravated by mineral imbalances and toxic metal excesses, aggravating conditions including cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, migraines, learning difficulties and hyperactivity in children, to name just a few.
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis provides valuable information on existing health conditions.
Further, it helps with early detection and prevention of conditions, as mineral imbalances are often seen before symptoms occur.
What can Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis Reveal?
Mineral Deficiencies and Excesses
Heavy Metal Toxicity
Metabolic Rate (fast or slow)
Immune
Mental Health
Nervous System Imbalance
Liver & Kidney Stress
Diabetes and Insulin resistance
Energy Levels & Fatigue
Cardiovascular Health
Adrenal & Thyroid Function
Sports Endurance & Recovery
Who can benefit?:
Hair Tissue mineral analysis provides another avenue for the exploration of your health status. Hair samples will pick up imbalances that a routine blood test can miss. HTMA is a great way to prevent the onset of health conditions as mineral imbalances are seen in the body long before these conditions become chronic.
Minerals provide structure for the bones and teeth, they maintain the body’s pH and water balance, nerve activity, muscle contraction, energy production, enzyme reaction and hormonal function. Therefore monitoring our nutritional status is important for our health.
Children
Minerals are essential for growth and development. In many cases early HTMA testing is advisable for children. It is especially advisable for behavioral issues, learning difficulties,
hyperactivity and reoccurring illnesses.
Sportspersons and Athletes
Maintaining balanced levels of essential nutrients is essential for endurance, improving performance and recovery from injury.
Fertility and Pre-Pregnancy
When nutritional elements are out of balance it can lead to health consequences. Many minerals have a direct impact on our hormone levels and can cause issues with fertility. And when toxic elements are present they can have an effect on the health of a baby.
Menopause
Minerals have a direct impact on our hormones. Hormonal imbalance can result in hot flushes and night sweats, problems with sleep, mood changes and other symptoms.
Elderly
A hair tissue mineral analysis can reveal some of the reasons behind conditions suffered by the elderly. Addressing mineral imbalances and detoxifying heavy metals can considerably improve mood and quality of life.
Health conditions
Mineral imbalances and toxic elements can aggravate many health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, thyroid imbalances, high blood pressure, blood sugar imbalances, osteoporosis and migraines to name a few.
How to take a sample:
Proper hair sample collection is extremely important and cannot be overemphasised. Please read the instructions below.
We require 0.125 grams (125 mg)
1 teaspoon or enough to cover a 20-cent coin
Clean scalp hair, max 3cm long; cut excess hair.
Place hair in paper, NOT plastic!
SAMPLE COLLECTION PROTOCOL
Proper hair sample collection is extremely important and cannot be overemphasized. It should be done under professional supervision or by someone trained in proper collection procedures within a clean environment. The following guidelines should be maintained to ensure the collection of a metabolically representative sample and to avoid the introduction of external contaminants prior to, during, and following the collection process.
Sample Type
Scalp hair is the only source recommended for analysis. Pubic and other body hair should only be used as a last resort if scalp hair is not available.
Note: Pubic and other body hair is only recommended for confirmation of elevated toxic metals found in the scalp hair and/or to rule out external contamination of the scalp hair.
Preparation
The portion of hair to be collected should be freshly washed with plain shampoo (definitely not medicated eg anti-dandruff), well rinsed and untreated, i.e. not permed, dyed or bleached.
If all of the hair has been chemically treated, wait until sufficient new virgin growth has emerged to allow collection. (Why not select small sections of hair at the back of the head that are hidden from view and skip doing the re-growth dye for a couple of months? )
The hair should also be free of all gels, oils, and hair creams prior to sample collection. For those individuals environmentally and/or occupationally exposed to external contaminants (welding, mining, etc.), special care should be taken to limit exposure between washing the hair and collecting the sampled hair.
Location
Each collected sample should be taken in small portions from at least four to five different locations on the scalp. The recommended areas for collection are the nape of the neck, posterior vertex and posterior temporal regions.
Note: All reference range correlations, dietary recommendations and interpretive report content assume that the complete hair specimen originated solely from the above-defined regions of the scalp.
Sample Length
High-grade stainless steel scissors or thinning shears should be used to cut the hair as close to the scalp as possible. The length of the collected hair should not exceed 3 – 4 cm. The proximal portion (3cm closest to the root) should be retained, and the excess discarded.
Note: The proximal portion is reflective of the most recent metabolic activity.
Weight
The weight requested for a hair specimen is 125 milligrams (0.125 Gram). Use of the Hair Weight Scale Cards will ensure the collection of sufficient sample weight. However, if a Hair Weight Scale is not available, one full teaspoon should approximate the weight requirement.
Packaging
Upon cutting the sample, the hair should be placed directly into a clean hair specimen envelope normally provided by the laboratory and then sealed with the glue flap only. Do not use plastic bags in place of the standard paper envelopes to hold the hair specimen. In addition, do not use staples, paper clips, adhesive tape, aluminum foil, or other metal and paper material of any kind to seal, secure or wrap the hair envelope and/or the hair specimen contained within.
Submittal Form
Each sample specimen must be accompanied by a standard HTMA Laboratory Submittal Form, completed in its entirety and signed by your health professional.
Test results and report will be available approximately 10 business days from the date we receive your hair sample and payment.
STANDARD PRICE: $198 (inc postage and referral form)
Children: $188 (inc postage and referral form)
OTHER FUNCTIONAL TESTING & SCREENING:
Heavy metal testing of urine, drinking and cooking water (tank, tap etc)
Pathology Testing - Clinical Labs, Nutripath (Melbourne Pathology), DUTCH HORMONE TESTING and more
Hormonal cycle charting and temperature readings
Iridology assessment