Laboratory Testing

Lab testing is a helpful tool for better understanding your health. While symptoms tell part of the story, testing helps us see what’s happening behind the scenes — giving us clarity, direction, and a more precise way to support you. I use both conventional bloodwork and advanced functional testing to build treatment plans that are thorough, individualized, and truly aligned with your goals.

Conventional Bloodwork

I often recommend routine lab testing to assess nutrient status, metabolic health, thyroid function, hormone balance, inflammation, and more. When appropriate, I encourage you to have these basic tests done through your family doctor, and when they are, many of these tests are covered by OHIP. Keeping your medical team involved is an integral part of integrative care — this isn’t about replacing conventional medicine, but working alongside it. Testing with a naturopathic doctor is not currently covered by OHIP.

Common blood and urine tests may include:

• CBC & differential

• Iron studies, including ferritin

• Vitamin B12 & RBC folate

• Thyroid panel (TSH, free T4, free T3, reverse T3, thyroid antibodies)

• Liver and kidney function

• Metabolic markers (fasting glucose and insulin, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, oral glucose tolerance test)

• Hormones (estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA-S, FSH, LH, and prolactin)

• Vitamin D

• Cardiovascular markers (lipid profile, homocysteine, and high-sensitivity CRP)

• Urinalysis

Functional Testing

Sometimes symptoms persist even when standard labs look “normal,” or we want to explore physiology at a more detailed level. Functional testing delves deeper into systems such as digestion, hormones, detoxification, and metabolism. These tests are typically not covered by OHIP, but can provide valuable information when we’re looking to uncover root causes.

Depending on your concerns, I may recommend:

• Digestive testing (food sensitivity panels, SIBO breath testing, comprehensive stool analysis)

• Hormone assessment (urine-based hormone metabolites such as DUTCH testing, or saliva panels)

• Organic Acid Testing (OAT) for metabolic pathways, nutrient status, mitochondrial function, & detoxification

• Advanced lipid panels for a more nuanced look at cardiovascular health

• Heavy metal testing (urine) when exposure or toxicity is a concern

These assessments help us understand not just what is happening, but why — so treatment becomes more targeted, efficient, and personalized.

What to Expect

Testing should feel helpful, not overwhelming. When we review lab options, I’ll explain:

• Which tests are most indicated in your case

• How they relate to your symptoms

• What we can do with the results

Once your results are in, we’ll go through them together, step by step. My goal is that you leave with a deeper understanding of your health and a plan that truly supports you.

If you're ready to explore testing options or want to know which assessments may fit your goals, you’re welcome to book an appointment, and we’ll navigate it together.