Diagnostics - Functional & conventional testing Flashcards
What is the focus of functional testing?
Functional testing assesses body systems’ functioning and focuses on optimizing health rather than diagnosing diseases.
What is the aim of diagnostic testing?
Diagnostic testing aims to identify markers of illness to diagnose specific diseases.
How can functional and diagnostic testing overlap?
Functional and diagnostic testing can overlap in areas like Vitamin D, thyroid, and hormonal tests, which may be used both to assess optimal health and to diagnose disease.
When should you order tests as a nutritional therapist?
You should order tests only if you feel comfortable interpreting the results or if you are ready to refer the client to a GP for further action.
How do conventional diagnostic tests provide functional information?
Conventional tests like those ordered by GPs can provide functional information by using “optimal ranges” to support homeostasis rather than just diagnosing disease based on “reference ranges.”
What are the benefits of functional testing?
Functional testing offers deeper insight into health imbalances, supports more targeted naturopathic plans, allows progress measurement, and can increase client motivation.
What are the downsides of functional testing?
Downsides include high costs, difficulty in interpreting results, and the fact that they are not diagnostic, which can make communication with medical professionals challenging.
How should functional test results be interpreted?
Functional test results provide a snapshot in time and must be interpreted in context with symptoms, diet, and other influencing factors. You should apply the “Rule of 3” by considering clinical symptoms and multiple test findings.
What is a reference range?
A reference range is established by measuring a population sample and setting normal parameters (mean and standard deviation). Variations in age, gender, ethnicity, and lab standards can affect these ranges.
What should be considered when interpreting results close to reference range cutoffs?
If a client’s test results are close to the reference range cutoff but they have symptoms, their function may still be compromised and should be considered in context with other factors.
What are some functional test companies?
Main companies include Genova, Invivo Healthcare, Regenerus, Cambridge Nutritional Sciences, Biolab UK, Functional Dx. Direct-to-patient options include Thriva and Medichecks.
Why is it important to consider patterns when interpreting functional tests?
Patterns and context help to provide a fuller understanding, rather than focusing on a single test result, which may not represent overall health or disease accurately.
What is the difference between “reference ranges” and “optimal ranges”?
Reference ranges are used for diagnosis, while optimal ranges are aimed at supporting homeostasis and overall health.
