Exploring Common Functional Medicine Lab Tests

Functional medicine doctors may utilize a wide range of specialized lab tests to get a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s health. These tests go far beyond typical assessments, enabling functional medicine doctors to identify imbalances and environmental factors that may contribute to chronic health issues. Common tests ordered include comprehensive blood panels to assess metabolic health, nutrient deficiency screenings, hormone tests, and stool samples for microbiome analysis. Functional lab testing also includes tests for heavy metals, inflammation, and food sensitivities, helping to identify underlying triggers of various health problems. At The Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (COEM), the specialists often include tests for mold exposure, moisture-related issues, and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). CIRS, which is linked to environmental factors like mold and biotoxins, is one of the conditions that functional medicine lab tests can help diagnose. These tests help detect harmful substances such as mold-related mycotoxins, which can cause a range of symptoms. Our team applies their expertise to these tests, ensuring that patients receive accurate and targeted care for their chronic illnesses. Mold specialists may also be involved to guide the interpretation of mold-related test results and help create appropriate treatment plans.

Functional medicine doctors, such as those at COEM, order a variety of tests to evaluate the root causes of chronic health issues. These lab tests include assessments for food sensitivities, micronutrient deficiencies, gastrointestinal imbalances, and inflammatory markers. Functional lab testing also often involves tests for toxins, including biotoxins from mold exposure, and the detection of environmental allergens that may contribute to conditions like fatigue, digestive problems, or autoimmune disorders. These tests enable the doctor to assess a patient’s overall health by looking at everything from gut health to immune system function.

Our team’s specialized training enhances their ability to order the most accurate tests for environmental conditions, particularly mold-related issues like CIRS. Functional medicine lab tests for mold-related conditions assess the body’s reaction to mold, water damage, and biotoxins. These tests, used by COEM specialists, can identify whether exposure to mold or moisture has contributed to a patient’s symptoms. The provocation-neutralization allergy testing, which is also used by functional medicine doctors, identifies environmental sensitivities that might be overlooked by traditional methods.

Functional medicine lab tests are highly effective in diagnosing a variety of chronic conditions. These tests can help identify autoimmune diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, hormonal imbalances, and chronic fatigue syndromes by pinpointing underlying imbalances or deficiencies. In many cases, conditions like fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and persistent inflammatory conditions can be more accurately diagnosed with the help of functional medicine lab testing. These tests provide a holistic understanding of how different systems in the body are functioning.

For patients dealing with environmental health issues, functional lab tests are important in diagnosing conditions such as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), which is often triggered by mold exposure, moisture, and biotoxins. Mold specialists frequently work alongside functional medicine doctors at COEM to use lab tests that identify the presence of mold-related concerns. These tests help to clarify whether mold exposure in a home or workplace is contributing to ongoing symptoms. Provocation-neutralization allergy testing, another tool in functional medicine, helps detect environmental allergens that may not be visible through traditional allergy testing, adding another layer of detail for conditions related to biotoxins and mold.

Functional medicine lab tests can aid in managing chronic illnesses by uncovering the root causes of persistent symptoms. These tests allow functional medicine doctors to evaluate underlying factors such as inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, toxicity, and hormonal imbalances, which can all contribute to long-term health problems. By using these tests, doctors are able to customize treatment plans that address the specific needs of each patient, helping them achieve more sustainable improvements in their health. In cases where mold exposure or environmental triggers are suspected, functional medicine lab testing is essential for determining whether these factors are contributing to chronic illness. Conditions like CIRS can be better managed by identifying the specific biotoxins and mold-related mycotoxins present in the body. COEM specialists often use functional medicine lab tests in combination with the expertise of mold specialists to create effective management strategies for patients exposed to mold or moisture. Furthermore, provocation-neutralization allergy testing allows functional medicine doctors to pinpoint environmental allergies that may be causing or exacerbating symptoms, providing a clear path toward more effective treatment plans.

Functional lab testing is available at the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (COEM). For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7510 North Forest Drive North Charleston, SC 29420. We serve patients from Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, North Charleston SC, Ladson, SC, Hanahan SC, James Island SC, John’s Island SC, Daniel Island SC, and all of South Carolina, Nationally, and Internationally.