Assessment and Diagnostics Flashcards
What is functional testing?
Focuses on how body systems are functioning.
What are diagnostic tests?
Markers to diagnose illness.
Benefits of functional testing
Deeper understanding
Targeted
Quantitative
Disadvantages of function testing
Expensive
Challenging to read
What is the rule of 3? (e.g. SIBO)
- Clinical symptoms
- Stool test findings
- Other stool test findings indicating poor digestion.
How is the reference range set?
By measuring a sample of the population, then setting the mean and standard deviation of what is viewed as normal.
Why use a microbiome test?
- Help optimise diet
- Ascertain if there is intestinal permeability
- Look for inflammation, gas producing bacteria or pathogenic microbes.
Microbes that live in harmony with the host and provide a benefit are….
Commensal
Microbes that possess certain evolutionary advantages to invade our microbiome at a cost to our health are….
Pathogenic
Microbes that live with us normally don’t pose a problem unless there’s opportunity are….
Pathobiont (opportunistic)
Bacteria that possess an outer cell wall, rich in lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are…..
Gram negative bacteria
A major component of gram-negative bacteria and can induce inflammation/immune responses are…
LPS.
What is a microbial marker?
Commensal bacteria, pathogenic bacteria, parasites, mycology, worms.
What is a host marker?
Made my the human host such as immune, digestive, inflammation, intestinal permeability.
Describe the inflammation marker - calprotectin
Calprotectin: A protein made by leukocytes when they have migrated to and are active in the GI wall.
Over 50 ug/g (High)
50- 175 (Mid-range inflammation)
Relates to pathogens and NSAIDS.
Describe the inflammation marker - Eosinophil Protein X
Raised with intestinal inflammation and food allergies / parasites
Normal <1.1. mcg /g
Mod 1.1 - 4.6 mcg /g
High > 4.6 mcg / g
Describe the metabolic marker Beta-glucuronidase
An enzyme made by some intestinal bacterial
Elevated due to dysbiosis
Describe the digestion marker - pancreatic elastase (PE-1)
Enzymes secreted by the pancreas that do not breakdown with the GIT with amylase
Normal: 200-500 ug / g
< 200 need dig support
Describe the digestion marker - faecal fats
Measure of fat in stool
High levels suggest maldigestion associated with pancreatic insufficiency & SIBO.