Lab Testing
Advanced Diagnostic Testing
Dr. Kim Townsend, ND uses many comprehensive lab tests to achieve the most complete picture of an individual patient's health — because accurate testing is the foundation of effective naturopathic treatment.
OVERVIEW
Advanced Lab Testing at Townsend Naturopathic
Dr. Kim Townsend, ND uses a functional medical approach to help diagnose and treat her patients. Testing includes toxic metals and molds profile, nutrient analysis and amino acid balance, comprehensive blood work, hormonal saliva and/or urine testing, IgG food sensitivity testing, comprehensive stool analysis and gluten intolerance testing, lyme disease testing, and neurotransmitter function. Each test is selected based on your specific symptoms and health goals, ensuring that your treatment plan is grounded in precise, objective data.
Lab Testing
Insurance: Covered by most Benefit Plans
New Patients: Now welcoming
Virtual Care: Offered Province-wide
Location: Burlington, ON
Parking: Free on-site
WHO THIS IS FOR
Conditions We Investigate
Comprehensive lab testing helps Dr. Kim identify the underlying drivers of a wide range of conditions, including...
✦ Hormonal Imbalances ✦ Infertility ✦ Menopause & Perimenopause ✦ Adrenal Dysfunction ✦ Blood Sugar Imbalances ✦ Heavy Metal Toxicity ✦ Mineral Deficiencies ✦ Food Sensitivities & Intolerances ✦ Gluten Intolerance ✦ Digestive Disturbances ✦ Mood Imbalances ✦ Chronic Inflammation ✦ Neurological Issues ✦ Unexplained Fatigue ✦ Lyme Disease ✦ Cholesterol Concerns
TCONO Registered
OAND Member
CAND Member
25+ Years Experience
Licensed BHRT Prescriber
The Method
Dr. Kim's Comprehensive Lab Testing
Hormonal Salivary Testing
Saliva testing measures the amount of free hormones in the body. There are both bound and unbound hormones circulating in our bodies at all times — it is only the unbound, or free, hormones that are biologically active. These are the hormones that are measured and focused on. This type of testing is used to gauge estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and DHEA. Assessing these hormones provides insight into hormonal imbalances that lead to issues with infertility, menopause, adrenal function, blood sugar imbalances, inflammation, and aging.
Toxic Metals & Nutrient Analysis
This analysis provides a lasting record of the minerals and metals present in the body. It offers information about heavy metal toxicity — including lead, mercury, and aluminum — and an overall picture of mineral deficiencies or excesses in the body, including calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. A urine sample is sent to a lab for evaluation and a full report is given to each patient explaining the results.
IgG Food Sensitivity Testing
Food sensitivity testing screens against many foods and food additives to determine a patient's intolerance or sensitivity to each food item. IgG testing allows Dr. Kim to establish which foods cause a reaction and in what time frame. The standard IgE skin prick test performed by an allergist is helpful in understanding foods that cause immediate hypersensitive reactions — the IgG test provides information about delayed reactions to food. Over 200 foods may be tested, with results indicating which foods should be avoided in order to decrease overall reactions and inflammation in the body. A full report of food intolerances is given to the patient with recommendations on the dietary changes necessary to improve symptoms and overall health.
Gluten Intolerance Testing
Gluten intolerance testing establishes whether an individual has a sensitivity to foods containing gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and spelt products. This blood test will advise a patient whether they have a gluten intolerance and whether gluten-containing products should be eliminated from their diet. Gluten intolerance can be the cause of many chronic health problems such as digestive disturbances, mood imbalances, acne, weight gain or loss, and chronic joint pain and inflammation.
More Lab Tests
Further Lab Testing at Townsend Naturopathic
Comprehensive Stool Analysis
Comprehensive stool analysis tests for levels of yeast, bacteria, amoeba, ova, and parasites in the body. Often, abnormal levels are the cause of unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms and a lack of nutrient absorption — which can lead to chronic ailments and neurological issues. This analysis also tests for the proper breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates and helps determine whether an individual's digestive pathways are working optimally.
Blood Work
Blood work is used to monitor a variety of substances in the body for levels considered to be within a healthy range, based on many different factors such as age, gender, and diet. These tests may also be used to observe organ function or supervise medical treatments. Dr. Kim utilizes comprehensive blood work panels to evaluate overall wellness, as well as to establish the cause of many different health concerns including high cholestreol, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, chronic fatigue, immune system weakness, liver and gallbladder function, and hormonal imbalances and infertility.
Food Intolerance Testing
Dr. Kim may use both TBM (Total Body Modification) and EDS (Electro Dermal Screening) testing in her office for the evaluation of food sensitivities. This testing is beneficial in determining which foods weaken the body and should therefore be eliminated for a period of time to support the body's healing response. She may also requisition an IgG Food Sensitivity blood test which is sent to a lab for evaluation.
Neurotransmitter Testing
Neurotransmitter testing includes a thorough evalation of the chemical messesngers in the body that are responsible for menatl health and wellness. Serotonin, Dopamine and Gaba are some the more well known neurotransmitters in our body. Dr. Kim tests for neurotranmitter imbalances using a urinary test kit which is sent to a specialized lab for evaluation. A full report is given to the patient with their levels of each neurotransmitter.