Lab Testing Is Not Accurate or As Straightforward as You May Think

As a practitioner in the healthcare field for forty years, I understand that being able to accurately diagnose a health issue requires experience in knowing which lab tests to order. It also helps to have good communication skills and a touch of intuition. Working in radiology for fifteen years I learned a great deal from the radiologists who are specifically trained as diagnosticians. Radiologist read your MRIs, CAT scans, x-rays, and ultrasounds. Radiologists taught me that many of the lab tests ordered are unnecessary, and the more labs you do the more issues you find, many of which are not the problem. On the other hand, too often I find that patients submitted to general lab tests that come back with negative results even when they have major health concerns.

One size does not fit all in health care. Unfortunately, many physicians are not well trained in the many different types of lab tests available. Adding to the complexity, many lab tests are not accurate. I have seen inaccurate results with thyroid tests, scans, food allergy testing, Lyme disease testing, celiac testing, hormone tests, etc.  A study done at Mount Saini hospital showed that “testing disparities occurred despite rigorous laboratory certification and proficiency standards designed to ensure consistency," (www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160328194703.htm).  Therefore, it is important to use quality labs with good quality control and to correlate the test results with the patient histories. I do not believe that every patient should have the same lab tests. Every individual is unique, so why waste money on unnecessary testing that does not correlate with a health issue. The same disease in different patients can also have different origins.

When looking at lab testing, not only do I look for excellent quality control, but also the best price. I offer the same labs as a medical doctor does but also offer the following lab tests that many doctors frequently do not offer, such as:

• SIBO testing
• Adrenal Fatigue cortisol testing
• Lyme disease
• Mold testing
• Celiac DNA testing (You do not have to be eating gluten for this test to be positive.)
• Food allergy testing that is 97% accurate
• Urinary hormone & salvia & blood testing (Urinary hormone testing is much more precise than blood or salvia.)
• Complete thyroid testing = TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and antibodies
• Methylation testing MTHRF
• Micronutrient testing includes minerals and vitamins
• Amino acid testing
• Heavy metal testing
• Extensive cardiovascular testing

Unfortunately, many of these labs are not covered by insurance companies. However, since many people have a deductible, the visit and labs can go towards the deductible. You can also put the cost on your Health Saving Account or Flex spending account. If you or a friend have been suffering from health care issues and are not getting answers set up an appointment to get to the cause of your health issue, so you can reach your true health potential and regain your vitality.

Debprah Wiancek, N.D.