Pathology and Functional Testing

Functional Testing for Systematic Investigation

Understanding What's Actually Happening in Your Unique Biochemistry

When guessing isn't enough and you're ready for comprehensive answers

Why Functional Testing Matters

Whether you're navigating ADHD, OCD, anxiety, or supporting a child with these challenges, I understand the exhaustion of trying different approaches without knowing if you're addressing what you or your loved one actually needs.

Functional testing removes the guesswork.

Instead of trying random supplements hoping something works, we identify the specific biochemical and environmental factors that might be creating obstacles - then create targeted protocols addressing those exact factors.

This is the foundation of my Systematic Investigation approach - comprehensive functional testing that reveals what's actually happening in your unique biochemistry.

The Problem with Trial-and-Error Approaches

Without comprehensive testing, individuals and families often spend years and thousands of dollars:

❌ Trying supplements based on internet research or recommendations from others

❌ Eliminating foods without knowing if they're actual triggers

❌ Using generic protocols that don't address specific patterns

❌ Managing symptoms without understanding root causes

❌ Continuing to struggle while time passes

The result? Frustration, wasted money, and most heartbreaking - time lost while symptoms continue.

What Functional Testing Reveals

Functional testing identifies the specific factors that might be creating obstacles:

Often included as foundational assessment

What it reveals:

• Mineral imbalances affecting neurotransmitter production (magnesium, zinc, copper)
• Heavy metal exposure (lead, mercury, arsenic) requiring medical intervention
• Mineral ratios that impact brain chemistry and mood
• Patterns suggesting adrenal stress or thyroid function

Who benefits: Anyone experiencing ADHD symptoms, anxiety, OCD, mood dysregulation, or energy challenges. This foundational test provides essential information about mineral status and toxic exposure that guides other testing decisions.

Common patterns:

• Elevated copper-to-zinc ratios affecting dopamine pathways (hyperactivity, compulsions, emotional dysregulation)
• Magnesium deficiency impacting nervous system regulation (difficulty calming, sleep issues, anxiety)
•  Heavy metal exposure (lead, mercury, arsenic) requiring immediate medical coordination - research shows these can significantly impact attention, increase anxiety and compulsive behaviours, affect impulse control, and interfere with neurotransmitter production 
• Multiple mineral deficiencies affecting energy, focus, and mood stability

What it reveals:

• Neurotransmitter production patterns (serotonin, dopamine, GABA markers)
• Bacterial and yeast overgrowth producing neurotoxic compounds
• Mitochondrial function (energy production at cellular level)
• Nutritional deficiencies affecting brain function (B vitamins, CoQ10)
• Detoxification capacity and toxic load

Who benefits: Those with attention difficulties, anxiety, OCD, behavioural challenges, energy crashes, mood dysregulation, or gut symptoms alongside brain-related concerns.

Common patterns:

• Bacterial overgrowth producing compounds that affect behaviour and brain function
• Mitochondrial dysfunction explaining chronic fatigue and brain fog
• Neurotransmitter production blocks creating attention, anxiety, and mood challenges
• Yeast overgrowth contributing to hyperactivity, anxiety, and irritability

What it reveals:

• Mycotoxin exposure from mold in water-damaged buildings
• Specific mould species creating neurological inflammation
• Severity of exposure requiring environmental remediation

Who benefits: Those whose symptoms started or worsened after moving homes, those with known water damage history, presentations involving chronic fatigue, brain fog, anxiety worsening, recurring headaches, or respiratory symptoms.

Common patterns:

• Symptoms appearing after relocating to new home or workplace
• Neurological inflammation from mold exposure affecting focus, mood, and anxiety levels
• Multiple mycotoxin types requiring comprehensive detoxification protocols
• Environmental factors that explain why "nothing else works"

What it reveals:

• Comprehensive bacterial balance (beneficial, pathogenic, opportunistic)
• Inflammation markers in digestive system
• Digestive function and enzyme production
• Parasites, yeast overgrowth, and pathogens
• Gut-brain axis dysfunction

Who benefits: Those with digestive symptoms (constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain) alongside ADHD, anxiety, or OCD symptoms, since 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut.

Common patterns:

• Bacterial imbalances affecting neurotransmitter production
• Inflammation disrupting gut-brain communication
• Yeast overgrowth contributing to anxiety and behavioural challenges
• Digestive dysfunction explaining why nutrients aren't being absorbed

What it reveals:

• Genetic variations affecting methylation (essential for brain function)
• How body processes B vitamins and produces neurotransmitters
• Detoxification capacity and environmental sensitivity
• Why standard B vitamin supplements might not work

Who benefits: Those with anxiety, OCD, mood dysregulation, attention difficulties, or those not responding to standard supplement approaches. Especially valuable when family history includes similar challenges.

Common patterns:

• Genetic variations explaining why conventional approaches don't work
• Need for methylated forms of B vitamins instead of standard versions
• Impaired detoxification requiring targeted support
• Genetic explanation for environmental sensitivity and anxiety

How Testing Fits into My Systematic Investigation Approach

Premium Pediatric: 90 minutes - $240 OCD Recovery Support: 90 minutes - $240

During the initial consultation, I determine which tests are appropriate based on:

• Specific symptom patterns
• Environmental exposure history
• Previous testing already completed
• Budget considerations and priorities
• Clinical urgency and safety concerns

You receive clear recommendations about which tests would provide the most valuable information for your unique presentation.

Testing Investment: $85-$1,661 depending on individual needs

• Basic investigation: HTMA only ($129) or MTHFR only ($85)
• Standard investigation: HTMA + OAT ($526)
• Comprehensive investigation: HTMA + OAT + MTHFR ($611)
• Complex investigation: HTMA + OAT + MycoTox + GI360 + MTHFR ($1,661)

I don't order unnecessary tests - but I also don't guess when systematic investigation is needed.

60 minutes - From $240 (pricing based on number of tests analysed)

Investment Structure:

• 1 test: $240
• 2 tests: $320 ($240 + $80)
• 3 tests: $400 ($240 + $160)
• 4 tests: $480 ($240 + $240)

This session is where systematic investigation transforms into actionable protocols:

Before we meet:

• Hours analysing all test results
• Cross-referencing findings with complete health history
• Pattern recognition across multiple data points
• Research review specific to unique presentation
• Protocol development tailored to identified factors

During the session:

• Comprehensive explanation of all findings in understandable terms
• Discussion of what results mean specifically for you
• Assessment of whether medical testing or oversight is required
• Detailed naturopathic treatment protocol with natural medicine recommendations
• Implementation timeline and realistic expectations

Why This Investment Creates Transformation

"I spent years trying different supplements for my anxiety and OCD based on internet research. Probably thousands of dollars on random approaches. I saw some small improvements but nothing significant."

"Within weeks of implementing the targeted protocol based on my specific test results, I saw more improvement than in years of guessing. The testing revealed patterns I never would have identified on my own - gut bacterial imbalances, MTHFR variations, and mineral deficiencies all affecting my OCD and anxiety. I wish I'd done comprehensive testing first."

Sometimes functional testing reveals findings requiring medical verification or oversight:

✓ Elevated heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic) requiring blood work confirmation

✓ Significant abnormalities suggesting underlying medical conditions

✓ Concerning patterns requiring specialist assessment

When this happens, safety is always our first priority. I provide referrals for appropriate medical testing and coordinate with your healthcare team to ensure you receive comprehensive, safe care.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can - many functional test companies sell directly to consumers. But raw test results are just data.

What you can't get online is:

• Hours of analysis integrating results with your complete history
• Pattern recognition across multiple test results
• Correlation with symptoms and presentations
• Research review specific to identified findings
• Customised protocol development addressing the whole picture
• Ongoing interpretation as patterns change during treatment

The testing tells us WHAT is happening. My expertise tells us WHY it's happening, HOW it connects to symptoms, and WHAT to do about it systematically.

Because:

1. Not everyone needs every test
2. Unnecessary testing wastes your money
3. Some tests are only valuable if specific patterns suggest them
4. Testing should be strategic and individualised

During your initial consultation, I recommend the specific tests that would provide the most valuable information for YOUR unique situation.

Most functional tests take 2-4 weeks to process. Some (like HTMA) can be faster (7-10 days), while others (like comprehensive gut testing) may take 3-4 weeks.

We schedule your Functional Testing Discovery of Findings session as soon as all results are available.

In my experience, comprehensive functional testing almost always reveals patterns worth addressing - because I only recommend testing when clinical presentation suggests it's warranted.

However, if results are unremarkable, that information is also valuable. It allows us to rule out certain factors and focus investigation elsewhere. Sometimes "normal" results are exactly what we need to know.

 Yes. My Premium Pediatric service focuses on children with ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and complex presentations. My OCD Recovery Support service is specifically for adults with OCD.

However, I also support all adults and children who want to optimise their wellbeing - because at the end of the day, I don't "treat" any condition. I support each person individually based on their unique biochemistry and presentation, working to identify and address factors that may be creating obstacles to optimal health.