Resources: A New Prescription for Addiction
APPENDIX C
Laboratory Tests
Lab testing is an important part of our evaluation. Some of the lab tests we use are routinely performed by most physicians and are vital to evaluate basic health as well as screen for dangerous conditions. We also use some special laboratory tests that help us assess other conditions that impact the treatment of drug addiction, withdrawal, and craving reduction. The theory behind these tests is found in the nutrition chapter. As with most medical tests it is important to have a health professional evaluate and guide you through this process.
Routine Tests These should be part of the basic evaluation and can be done at any medical laboratory.
- CBC
- Chem. panel with liver function tests and lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides)
- Urinalysis
- Vitamin B12 level
- Vitamin D (total 25 hydroxy vit D)
- Thyroid evaluation
- Free T4
- Free T3
- TSH
- Anti-thyroid antibodies
Salivary Hormone and Antibody Testing
A. What to use this test for:
- Adrenal Stress Testing.
- DHEA-This is used to assess system stress and is used to compare with cortisol levels as well as to see if specific supplementation is needed.
- Sex hormones are tested as a single test in men and in women who are in menopause. For menstruating women we use a series of samples over the whole cycle.
- Antibodies for specific food allergies. We usually test for allergy to soy, egg, casein (milk), and gliadin (gluten), as well as for the total quantity of these antibodies called sIGA. We do this to be sure that you have a properly functioning immune system that can respond to allergic stimulation.
B. Labs to use:
Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis
A. What to use this test for:
Use this test to check for abnormal bowel bacteria as well as for as for a number of other GI functions, such as the adequacy of digestive enzymes. This test gives a comprehensive overview of GI function and allows the health professional to prescribe the best regimen to restore normal bowel function. Routine labs do not usually perform these types of tests and most physicians are not familiar with them.
B. Labs to use:
Measurement of AA/EPA
(arachadonic acid/eicosapentanoic acid)
A. What to use this test for:
This test looks at the make up of the fatty acids in cell walls, which reflects the types of eicosanoids that your body makes ("good" vs. "bad"). This is a measurement of silent inflammation, the underlying cause of heart disease, degenerative arthritis, and most other chronic illnesses. A lower ratio can make withdrawal and recovery easier.
B. Labs to use:
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