Functional Lab Test Readings

Traditional lab tests can be helpful, but they’re typically used to diagnose specific illnesses or medical conditions. Functional lab test readings can provide additional insights beyond disease detection, so you can learn more about your body’s systems and how they work together. At Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine, naturopathic wellness doctor Stefani Hayes, ND, LAc, and the team use functional lab test readings to help people better understand their health and identify areas for improvement. Call the office in Portland, Oregon, to schedule an appointment or book online today.

What are functional lab test readings?

Functional lab test readings occur after you complete functional lab testing. They analyze samples of bodily fluids, such as blood, urine, or saliva, to gain insights into your health. They’re similar to traditional lab tests, but instead of simply trying to identify disease, they aim to uncover underlying imbalances that affect multiple bodily systems.

Even though your digestive, neurological, and reproductive systems are different, they’re all interconnected. Functional lab test readings make it easier to understand these connections better, so you can address specific concerns and improve your health.

Why are functional lab test readings beneficial?

Functional lab test readings are beneficial because they’re tailored to you, so you can make informed decisions about your overall health with the Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine team. 

Traditional lab tests often measure results using population-based reference ranges. This means your results may fall within the normal, “healthy” range, even if you’re experiencing symptoms or feeling unwell. 

For example, your cholesterol levels might look normal on standard lab work. However, underlying imbalances such as inflammation or metabolic dysfunction may still be present and increase your risk of heart disease or other issues. 

Functional lab testing and a reading by an expert take a more in-depth approach, looking beyond single values to better understand how the different systems in your body function together

What can a functional lab test reading tell me?

The Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine team reviews your functional lab testing to assess various aspects of health, including:

Digestive conditions

Many people experience digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. Sometimes, these problems can be attributed to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, but in other cases, they’re a combination of several factors, such as stress and nutritional imbalances.

A functional lab testing reading can help pinpoint these contributing factors and determine the best way to manage them. 

Autoimmune conditions

Autoimmune conditions are complex and often influenced by multiple factors, such as inflammation and hormone imbalances. 

Functional lab test readings make it easier to identify the factors contributing to your symptoms, so you can address them and feel better. 

Metabolic health

Metabolic health refers to how well your body converts food to energy. It focuses on specific readings, including your blood sugar, blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. Subtle fluctuations in any of these areas can affect your mood, focus, sleep, and even immunity. 

What does functional lab testing involve?

Functional lab testing is quick and typically takes 30 minutes or less. You may have to have several samples of blood taken and sent to a nearby lab for analysis. Several days later, when the lab returns your results, your provider calls you and explains the findings in detail. They then use your results to make personalized treatment recommendations. 

Contact Seven Dragons Integrative Medicine to schedule a functional lab test reading. Call the office or book online today.