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Functional medicine laboratory testing

A range of specialized laboratory tests are available to assess a wide variety of health concerns and underlying imbalances. These cutting-edge tests go beyond what is typically offered in conventional medical settings and can provide valuable insight into root causes affecting your health and wellbeing.

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Accessing Testing

If you choose a Functional Medicine consultation, your practitioner will discuss which test—or combination of tests—is most appropriate for your needs during your initial consultation.


Some clients choose to forgo lab testing and instead rely on recommendations based on Applied Kinesiology (AK) muscle testing, while others prefer the objective data that specialized lab testing provides.

Because interpretation of these tests can be complex, a practitioner referral is required for access. Working with a qualified practitioner ensures accurate interpretation and meaningful, actionable results.

The P88 Dietary Antigen Food Allergy & Sensitivity Test is the only exception—this test kit can be provided to non-practice members for self-interpretation. A $30 NZD administration fee applies in this case.

  • Read instructions carefully before starting—some tests have dietary or supplement restrictions (e.g. avoid avocado, fava beans, and bananas before DUTCH or OAT; stop probiotics and antibiotics 2–4 weeks before a stool test).

  • Most kits can be done at home over a weekend and couriered Monday morning. Avoid testing near public holidays in US or NZ.

  • Always tell the courier it’s a time-sensitive medical sample that must be collected on time. Use the courier bag provided in the kit. 

  • Fill in all forms; if a practitioner signature is requested, simply write the practitioner’s name. 

  • For most tests you will be provided a link to order the kit & will pay the supply company directly by credit card.

  • You’ll receive the wholesale rate (no markup). 

  • Results usually take 3–5 weeks, with the exception of the SIBO test which is about 10 working days.

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Refunds & Replacements

  • Tests are non-refundable once received by the lab.

  • Cancellations before testing incur a $50 NZD admin fee. (Other than P88 if admin fee already paid). 

  • If a sample error occurs before processing, a replacement kit costs $20-30 NZD.

  • Kits are available only to current clients or those booked (and paid) for an initial consult, except for the P88 test.

Stool testing

Stool analysis is particularly useful for those with:

  • Gastrointestinal and Digestive Symptoms

  • Irritable bowel syndrome

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease

  • Autoimmune Disease

  • Inflammation

  • Food Allergies and Sensitivities

  • Nutritional Deficiencies

  • Joint Pain

  • Chronic or Acute Diarrhea

  • Bloody Stool

  • Mucosal Barrier Dysfunction

  • Abdominal Pain

  • Fever and Vomiting

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It can:

  • assess the gut microbiome and compare against published normobiotic reference population.

  • identify bacteria, viruses, parasites and yeasts that may be contributing to symptoms. 

  • assess stool chemistry looking at inflammatory, immune, intestinal health and digestive markers.

  • with susceptibility testing, determine the most appropriate treatment to address any pathogenic infection found. 

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Doctor's Data offers my preferred stool analysis as it utilizes MALDI-TOF laser technology and can identify more than 1400 organisms. It also offers accurate parasite testing with 3 consecutive stool samples and PCR analysis (multiplex DNA technology). 

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H Pylori testing can be added to the GI 360 test for $106. 

Woman clutching her abdomen with toilet in the background IBS symptoms

SIBO breath test

Used to evaluate for a Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) which is an underlying cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in approximately 50% of sufferers. 

Other symptoms of SIBO can include:

  • Postprandial bloating/abdominal distension with associated discomfort

  • Gas and belching

  • Food Intolerances

  • Constipation (generally associated with methanogenic bacteria)

  • Diarrhea (generally associated with hydrogenic bacteria)

  • Immune activation (e.g. food sensitivities)

  • Nutrient deficiencies i.e. vitamin B12 & Iron

  • Weight loss / weight gain

  • Fatigue or brain fog

  • Fibromyalgia

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A restricted diet is required for 24 hours in preparation.

Following a collection of a baseline breath sample, either a lactulose or glucose test substrate is consumed.

The bacteria may ferment the lingering substrate and produce hydrogen and/or methane. These gases are absorbed into the bloodstream and exhaled through the breath. Breath samples are collected every 15-20 minutes (depending on the substrate used) for up to 3 hours and analysed for the amount of Hydrogen, Methane and CO2 produced.

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SIBO tests are pre-paid with the kit. 

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Precision Point P88-Dietary Antigen Test

One of the best tests I've found to assess food allergies and sensitivities. 

The P88 Dietary Antigen Test is a DIY blood spot test combining IgE, IgG, IgG4 and complement (C3d) reactions to 88 of the most common foods found in the diet. 

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Overt IgE-mediated food allergies can lead to hives, anaphylaxis, or digestive issues while delayed food sensitivities (IgG and IgG4) are linked to sinus problems, acne, gas, bloating, fatigue, constipation, autism, irritable bowel syndrome, and even depression.

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Precision Point Diagnostics provides reliable, reproducible semi-quantitative measurement of IgE, total IgG, and IgG4 using an indirect ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The system is also capable of detecting immune complexes that contain the complement markers C3D or C1q.

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Other food sensitivity tests may have a weak scientific basis or they may not give the full picture of food reactions. Some tests use live cell analysis, which is not a scientifically accepted sign of true food sensitivity or allergic reaction. Other antibody assays may measure total IgG antibodies only; they could miss food reactions that activate the inflammatory complement cascade. Still other tests may measure only a specific IgG subclass and miss out on information about IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4, which is reported as total IgG in the Precision Allergy 88. The P88 Dietary antigen test now has a DIY blood spot test option which includes both allergy and sensitivity testing.

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D.U.T.C.H. Hormonal Testing

Precision Analytical has one of the most advanced and comprehensive models for testing steroid and adrenal hormones.

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Collection at home is easy with dried urine and/or saliva samples. 

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These tests are useful for those with concerns of chronic fatigue, adrenal exhaustion, PCOS, acne, period-related issues, insomnia, weight gain, low sex drive, infertility, PMS, hormonal cancer concerns, migraines and depression/anxiety.

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There are dietary, supplement and medication restrictions for these tests, so it's important to read the instructions fully prior to testing. 

Organic Acids Testing (O.A.T.)

The Organic Acids Test (OAT) offers a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of a patient’s overall health with over 70 markers. 

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It can give an evaluation of:

  • Intestinal yeast and bacteria (certain markers are associated with irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropsychiatric disorders, autism, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and more)

  • Vitamin and mineral levels

  • Oxidative Stress and antioxidant levels (indicator of chronic inflammation and ability to detoxify effectively)

  • Neurotransmitter levels (impacts brain, nervous system and mood)

  • Oxalate levels (high levels are associated with kidney stones, vulvodynia and oxalate toxicity symptoms)

  • Fatty acid metabolism (high level of fatty acids metabolites can indicate protein malnutrition, type I diabetes, severe GI Candida overgrowth, various genetic disorders, and cause low blood sugar and lethargy)

  • Mitochondrial function (mitochondria are our energy powerhouse)

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It is therefore particularly useful for those with:

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Chronic pain and inflammation

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Gut or digestive issues

  • Depression and/or anxiety

  • Autism

  • ADD/DHD

  • Neuropsychiatric or behavioural disorders 

  • Seizure disorders

  • Kidney stones, vulvodynia, chronic joint pain and other symptoms of oxalate toxicity

  • Brain fog or poor concentration/focus

  • Chronic headaches and migraines

  • Suspected Clostridia infection

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Environmental & Mould toxicity tests

Mould on wall in a home

Mycotoxins

The MycoTOX profile screens for eleven different mycotoxins, from 40 species of mould, in one urine sample.

Mycotoxins are some of the most prevalent toxins in the environment. Mycotoxins are metabolites produced by fungi like mould, which can infest buildings, vehicles, and foodstuffs. A majority of mycotoxin exposures are through food ingestion or airborne exposure.

A wide range of disorders and symptoms may be linked to mycotoxin exposure. Some include:

  • Fibromyalgia and chronic pain

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Headaches

  • Allergies

  • Seizures

  • Chronic sinus issues

  • Asthma and lung issues

  • Gastrointestinal complaints and Irritable bowel syndrome

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Non-metal chemical toxicity

The TOXDetect urine test screens for 172 different environmental pollutants using 18 different metabolites. It includes Tiglylglycine, a marker for mitochondrial damage, which is often seen in chronic toxic chemical exposure. The herbicide glyphosate is also included. 

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TOXDetect is recommended for a large range of disorders, but particularly:

  • Neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, Multiple sclerosis)

  • Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions (Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis)

  • Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia

  • Mental health and neurological disorders (Depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, autism, seizure disorders, tic or Tourette syndromes)

  • Gastrointestinal disorders (Irritable bowel syndrome)

  • Mitochondrial dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy

​Test instructions are the same as for O.A.T. (See above).​

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HAVE QUESTIONS ON WHICH TEST OR SERVICE IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Then please email us at info@cherishchiropractic.co.nz or book a free 10 minute discovery consult (selecting the video call option)

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