LABORATORY DIAGNOSTICS

Laboratory Diagnostic (Checking the Fuel)

  • The CBC
  • The CHEM-24
  • Stool Analysis
  • Salivary Testing
  • Antibody Testing
  • Barrier Testing
  • Isoenzyme Testing

The CBC, or Complete Blood Count, is the most commonly ran blood test. It is performed by placing a blood specimen either in a machine or under a microscope, counting the number of different types of blood cells present, as well as observing their size and shape.

There are three types of blood cells: White Blood Cells (WBCs), Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and Platelets. WBCs are cells that are involved with immune responses. There are 5 different types of WBCs, each with their individual functions and purpose. It is important for a physician to be able to identify the patterns of WBCs. This aids in the diagnosis of different conditions such as: Bacterial Infection, Viral Infection, Parasites, Autoimmune Conditions, Acute or Chronic Inflammation, and other serious pathological diseases.

RBCs are cells that have one primary function and that is to transport oxygen. When a lab analyzes RBCs, they look for the quantity, the size, and the shape of the cells. By looking at the size, shape and number of RBCs a physician can identify anemia, dehydration, bleeding, genetic blood cell disorders, and other serious issues.

The standard blood test given by physicians is the CHEM-7. This lab panel tests 7 different chemistry markers. They typically include: glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, CO2, chloride, BUN, and creatinine.

At NeuroLogic, we run a CHEM-24 panel. This lab panel assesses 24 different chemistry markers and gives us a much better “snap shot” of the patient’s integrated function – or how their different systems are interacting. With training in clinical nutrition, a provider can identify patterns that guide their treatment. In addition to a CHEM-24 panel, we typically order other markers that give us an idea of our patient’s current health status. This allows us to create the most customized care plan possible for each of our patients.

Platelets are cells that promote blood clotting. Many disease processes either alter, or are a result of altered platelets. Some of these are strokes, cancer, atherosclerosis, hemophilia and more.

Stool testing is important in certain situations. It can identify parasites, gut infections, certain food allergies such as gluten reactivity, and intestinal bleeding.

Testing saliva is an effective way to measure different bodily functions. One of the most beneficial features of salivary testing is that it’s not invasive and relatively convenient. Because of its convenience it allows physicians to collect specimens over different periods of time—from hours to months. This is very important for monitoring hormone levels in conditions like infertility, sleep disturbances, menopause, andropause, and more.

The function of an antibody is to “tag” a foreign invader, so the immune system knows to attack and destroy it. In some people, the antibodies cease to work properly and start tagging body tissues as invaders. This is called an autoimmune condition. Many autoimmune conditions can masquerade as other conditions. A perfect example of this is a condition called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. These patients are typically diagnosed with a thyroid condition, when they really have an immune system problem. Typically, when a person has an antibody to one tissue type, they have antibodies to other tissue types. Currently there are no labs that offer an all-in-one, affordable way to identify all of the autoimmune reactions occurring in someone. We are expecting this panel to be available soon though. Proper identification of these type of conditions is imperative for proper management.

There are 3 barriers that act as screens for different systems of our body. The most commonly known barrier is the skin. It keeps the external environment from mixing with our internal environment. A breach in the skin barrier is easy to identify. There are two other similar barriers: the gut barrier and the blood-brain barrier.

The function of the gut barrier is to block incompletely digested food particles and bacteria from entering into our blood stream. When the gut barrier is breached the immune system becomes over-active trying to attack the foreign particles. This createsinflammation throughout the entire body. We test the gut barrier using a lactulose-mannitol test.

The blood-brain barrier is the “gate-keeper” of the brain. It allows certain things to get into the brain and keeps other things out. As you can imagine, this is an important job. When the blood-brain barrier fails, chemicals and molecules that should not be in the brain, get in the brain. This causes an inflammatory reaction in the brain—a bad thing. We test the blood-brain barrier by doing a GABA challenge. This is a simple, inexpensive test that you do at home, if the physician feels that it is necessary.

There are chemicals called isoenzymes that specifically diagnose certain conditions that need to be managed differently. Sometimes these isoenzyme tests can be the only way to differentiate a heart attack from over-exertion. The NeuroLogic staff will tell you if you need to have this type of testing performed.

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Monday:

9:00 am - 12:30 pm

3:00 pm - 6:00pm

Tuesday:

Closed

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Wednesday:

9:00 am - 12:30 pm

3:00 pm - 6:00pm

Thursday:

8:30 am - 12:00 pm

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Friday:

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Saturday:

By Appt.

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Sunday:

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Testimonial

Review By Our Satisfied Patient

  • "I will and have recommended Mobility Spine and Rehab to others.” Having had lower back pain for several years and not being a big doctor goer, I decided to come to Mobility when one day I could not get off the couch I was laying on. My husband comes here and always talks about how it was working for him. It’s now been about 6 months with no more daily pain. Dr. Brett is very nice and accomodating and the treatments are gentle. I will and have recommended Mobility to others. Thank you."
    Rebecca T.