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International Leader In Functional Medicine

Bellissimo Medical in Weston and Miami, Fl.

Special Testing

Adrenal Testing:

Your adrenal glands are responsible for all of your responses to stress. Levels of the primary adrenal hormone cortisol rise and fall in a daily pattern that underlies the more erratic fluctuations caused by the stress response. Cortisol output by your adrenal glands is one of the most reliable indicators of your adrenal function and how well your body is dealing with stress. The Cortisol/DHEAS Saliva Test measures the levels of the stress hormones DHEAS and cortisol in your saliva and provides an evaluation of how cortisol levels differ throughout the day. Cortisol along with DHEA is the main adrenal hormones that rise and fall due to stress. This level will identify how well your body is dealing with stress.

Cardiovascular Testing:

Getting the right tests is a big part of preventing, assessing, managing, and even reversing cardiovascular disease. Conventional medical wisdom tends to look at traditional metrics like cholesterol and blood pressure levels, age, gender, family history, and whether or not you’re a smoker. Progressive-minded docs look at those variables as well, but they dig deep for other cardiovascular risk factors, including inflammation, imbalances in blood sugar and insulin, and oxidative stress, which affect things like cholesterol and blood pressure. Here are some of the tests used to measure your overall risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Advanced Lipid Tests, High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Test, Glucose and Insulin-Tolerance Test, Hemoglobin A1c Test, Homocysteine, 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 Tests, Oxidized LDL Test, Lp-PLA2 Test, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) Test.

Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology:

Evidence suggests that both local and systemic health issues may begin as imbalances in gastrointestinal function. The Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology offers a comprehensive look at the overall health of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This test assesses a select set of stool biomarkers such as Digestive/Absorptions Markers, Gut Microbiology Markers, Gut Metabolic Markers and Ova & Parasite/ Enzyme Immunoassay for identification of common parasites.

Hepatic Detox Profile Testing:

The body continually attempts to eliminate chemical toxins through enzymatic processes in the liver. Urinary D-glucaric acid, a byproduct of Phase I detoxification, is an indicator of chemical exposure to over 200 chemicals. Urinary mercapturic acids are excreted end products of Phase II detoxification. Together, assessment of these two analytes provides valuable information about exposure to xenobiotics, liver disease and the ability of the liver to eliminate toxins. This non-invasive test requires a single, first-morning void (FMV) urine collection.

Toxin Heavy Metal Testing:

A heavy metals panel is a group of tests that measure the quantity of specific potentially toxic metals in the urine. We offer several different groupings of heavy metals panels as well as tests for individual metals. The most common combination includes lead, mercury, and arsenic, but there are other additional metals such as cadmium, copper, and zinc.  Significant concentrations of any of the heavy metals can be irritating or damaging to the body and can contaminate soil, air, food, and water, persisting indefinitely in the environment. Because they are a source of potential injury, the term “heavy metals” is frequently used interchangeably with the term “toxic metals.” Severe acute exposure can cause damage and, in some cases, can be life-threatening, but moderate exposures over time should also be monitored.

Amino Acid Testing:

This test is done to measure the level of amino acids in the blood. An increased level of a particular amino acid is a strong sign. This increased level shows that there is a problem with the body’s ability to break down (metabolize) that amino acid. The test may also be used to look for decreased levels of amino acids in the blood. This test is also essential in the identification of dietary protein adequacy and amino acid balance, gastrointestinal dysfunctions, forms of protein intolerance, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, renal and hepatic dysfunction, psychiatric abnormalities, susceptibility to inflammatory response and oxidative stress, reduced detoxification capacity and many other inherent and acquired disorders in AA metabolism.

Implant Profile Testing (after implant):

The Implant Metals Profile tests the circulating blood levels of the six metals that are most commonly associated with orthopedic and dental metal prostheses or implants. The metal debris may be associated with excessive physical wear or corrosion of the metal alloys. The greatest release of the metals occurs when prostheses entail metal-on-metal bearing surfaces. Many studies have shown that the released metal debris may be associated with localized tissue damage to bone and soft tissue, sensitivity reactions, and remote adverse effects on normal physiological and biochemical functions. The reported blood metal levels should not be solely used to make conclusions regarding the integrity of metals prosthesis devices.

Materials Reactivity Testing (Orthopedics-Dental – before implant):

Materials Reactivity Testing is a test that identifies existing bio-sensitivity problems in orthopedic materials according to an individual patient’s immune system. The testing is performed with a blood sample that is drawn and prepared locally and then shipped to the lab for final analysis. The test looks at 94 chemical groups used in orthopedic materials. The findings of these 94 groups are compared to a database of over 7,400 orthopedic documents to determine which materials contain and may release adversely reacting chemical groups to the specific patient. A report is then generated showing the findings of the 94 chemical groups as well as listing the trade named materials with a label listing the bio-reactivity as suited or not well suited.

Celiac and Gluten Sensitivity Testing:

A simple blood test to screen for celiac disease. People with celiac disease who eat gluten have higher than normal levels of specific antibodies in their blood. These antibodies are produced by the immune system because it views gluten (the proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley) as a threat. This test differentiates between Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergy by evaluating the serum titers of IgA and IgG for tissue transglutaminase, deamidated gliadin peptide, and gliadin. You must be on a gluten-containing diet for antibody (blood) testing to be accurate.

Methylation Profile Testing:

Normal metabolism of methionine is critical for cellular methylation of DNA, proteins, and neurotransmitters. Aberrant methionine metabolism can occur in anyone at any age and can be associated with numerous health consequences including cardiovascular disease and cancer. The Methylation Profile Test provides a functional assessment of the phenotypic expression of common SNPs (MTHFR, MS, CBS) by evaluating the plasma levels of methionine, cysteine, SAM, SAH, homocysteine, and cystathionine. It also provides the critical “methylation index,” a ratio of SAM to SAH.

28 Day Hormone Panel Testing:

The 28 Day Hormone Panel Test is a comprehensive assessment of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone spanning a full 28 days. Hormone imbalances revealed in this hormone test profile can help illuminate root causes of disorders such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), infertility, and menstrual irregularities. This hormonal test analyzes 11 saliva samples of 28 days. Research has long shown that fluctuating levels of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone play a major role in a woman’s overall health affecting: Menstrual cycle, Mood swings, Sleep patterns, Appetite level, and Sex drive.

Estronex Testing:

Estronex is a simple urine test that determines if a woman is at risk for estrogen-sensitive cancers and provides a plan to reduce that risk.  If a person wants to be proactive in preventing cancers like breast cancer, colorectal cancer, uterine cancers, ovarian cancer, and cervical cancer, this is a “must have” test. We use this test to measure six important estrogen metabolites and their ratios to help us manage the hormone-related symptoms and detoxification.

Estrogenomic Profile Testing:

The Estrogenomic Profile uses genomic testing to identify susceptibility to diseases and conditions such as breast cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease. More specifically, the Estrogenomic Profile evaluates genetic variations, called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes that modulate estrogen metabolism, coagulation, cardiovascular function, bone health, and inflammation. This test uncovers potential genetic susceptibility to diseases and conditions such as Breast cancer, Osteoporosis, Thrombosis, Strokes, Atherosclerosis, and Heart Disease.

Cardiogenomic Profile Testing:

Cardiogenomic Profile evaluates genetic variations, called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in genes that modulate blood pressure regulation, lipid balance, nutrient metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This test uncovers potential genetic susceptibility to:

Hypercholesteremia, Myocardial Infarction, Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis, Obesity, Endothelial Dysfunction, Hypertension, Stroke, Coronary Artery Disease, and Cholesterol Regulation.

GPL-Tox +/- MycoTox Testing:

As we have become more exposed to chemical-laden products and toxic chemicals in food, air, and water, we have been confronted with an accelerating rate of chronic illnesses like cancer, heart disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, chemical sensitivity, autism spectrum disorders, ADD/AD(H)D, autoimmune disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. The GPL-TOX, a toxic non-metal chemical profile is designed to screen for the presence of 172 different toxic chemicals including organophosphate pesticides, phthalates, benzene, xylene, vinyl chloride, pyrethroid insecticides, acrylamide, perchlorate, diphenyl phosphate, ethylene oxide, acrylonitrile, and more.  This profile also includes Tiglylglycine (TG), a marker for mitochondrial disorders resulting from mutations of mitochondrial DNA.  These mutations can be caused by exposure to toxic chemicals, infections, inflammation, and nutritional deficiencies.

ADHD Panel Testing”

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is believed to be the result of deficits in neurological function causing a delay in the development of self-regulation skills. Research suggests that ADHD is often inherited, but presently there is no specific test (CT scan, X-ray, or blood test) for diagnosis. However, we include a series of tests to try to determine if there is an underlying cause for this disorder. Test include gluten/casein peptides, glyphosate, GPL-Tox, IGG Food allergy, metals, and organic acids testing. ADHD test can help identify the best ADHD medications for you.

Food Allergy Testing:

This blood analysis tests for delayed and usually chronic food sensitivity reactions. In a majority of cases, delayed food sensitivity reactions are insidious and persistent. It is only after months or years of continuous exposure that the wear and tear on the body from the chronic inflammatory response manifests itself in symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms observed from food sensitivity are weight gain, bloating, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, rashes, and headaches.

Micro-nutrients Testing:

Micro-nutrient test measures 31 vitamins, minerals, amino/fatty acids, antioxidants, and metabolites – and how they affect cellular function in a person. It provides the most comprehensive nutritional analysis available by measuring functional deficiencies at the cellular level. Correlating micronutrient deficiencies not only slows aging and degenerative disease progression, but it can also prevent as well as repair cellular dysfunction, and by extension, disease.

Neurotransmitter Testing:

Neurotransmitters circulating in the blood are filtered by the kidneys and subsequently excreted in the urine. This simple non-invasive urine collection can be employed to obtain the levels of the main neurotransmitters that regulate mood and behavior. This test evaluates a range of 14 neurotransmitters and metabolites coming from the brain to assess the imbalance and hence provide a personalized treatment plan for multiple diseases such as anxiety, depression, PMS, ADHD, chronic fatigue to name of few.

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Drop us a line anytime, and one of our staff will respond to you as soon as possible
Bellissimo Medical | Weston & Miami, Fl

DrNerette@bellissimomedical.com

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