What is Functional Testing?
Functional testing is the basis to a functional approach to practice. It allows scientific evaluation of how the body's organs and systems are functioning. It allows a scientific means to seek balance in body processes, and to increase functional reserve, which facilitates health and resilience to environmental stressors.
Balances of Health
There are many interconnected systems in the body. Imbalance of any of these systems can lead to disease.
Examples of systems includes:
- Microflora & Digestion
- Immunity
- Inflammation
- Hormones & neurotransmitters
- Metabolism
- Nutrition & Toxicity
Why test?
Testing allows detailed and scientific insight into the function of the various systems of the body. By identifying any imbalance in the body's biochemical or physiological systems, it allows a tailored approach to treatment to each individual. It allows the physician to take into account a persons' genetic and biochemical individuality.
As many excesses and deficiences often exhibit similar symptoms, it minimises guess work. Also, as the body's systems are so interconnected, attempts to treat one imbalance can sometimes make another imbalance worse. Testing allows for a more objective approach.
Labs Used
Laboratories used for functional testing by Dr Sun includes US Biotek, Doctor's Data, ZRT Laboratory and Pathway Genomics. These are based in the USA, and are all federally accreditated with the CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments). Those offering pathology services are also accreditated with the American College of Pathology. All are TGA (Therapeutic Goods Association) licenced.
Australian laboratories used include Clinipath pathology, SAFE analytical laboratories and Nutripath. All of these are TGA Licenced.
These accreditations require the laboratories to have ongoing analysis of quality control and participation in proficiency testing programs, assuring the precision and accuracy of results.
Some Examples of Functional Testing
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Bioscreen test - This test gives a detailed break down of your 'good and bad' bacteria. From the results, specific advice about diet and supplements/ probiotics can then be given, taking into account your symptoms. This test gets sent to Victoria, and costs around $500.
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Urinary Organic Acids Test (OAT) - This test offers a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of a patient's overall health . It includes markers for neurotransmitter levels, oxidative stress, vitamin & mineral levels, detoxification, citric acid cycle metabolites (to do with energy production). This test gets sent to interstate, and costs around $350. There are also add on tests for mold and environmental toxins available.
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IgG/ IgA Food Sensitivity Profile - This test measures levels of IgG antibodies specific to over 96 foods causing patient reactions. IgG is a type III or delayed onset, hypersensitivity reaction. As it may take days or even weeks for a reaction to occur, IgG allergies are often termed 'hidden allergies' as it is difficult for the patient to make an association between the food and their symptoms. Randomised controlled trials have been performed to show that food elimination based on IgG antibodies reduced irritable bowel syndrome and migraine symptoms. The cost of this test is about $370 for a panel testing 96 different foods.
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Cost of Functional Testing
Depending on the complexity of your symptoms, one or more types of tests may be required. Sometimes, these tests may need to be repeated after a few months to assess progress. For example, a patient with gastrointestinal symptoms may benefit from nutrient testing, bioscreen test and the IgG/ IgA food sensitivity profile. Another example is a patient with mental health symptoms requiring both nutrient testing, methylation testing and bioscreen testing.
There are no medicare or health insurance rebates for these tests.