Laboratory Testing

Often laboratory tests are the fastest and most effective way to find the root causes of health problems. 

They can be used for assessing organ function (eg digestion efficiency, liver detoxification, thyroid function), gut dysbiosis, food allergy or intolerance, hormonal imbalances and nutritional status to name a few.

At Essentia we use the most advanced tests available on the market, and for some tests specimens are sent to labs in the United States for analysis. 

Click on  the following links to obtain details of the tests we offer:

Food Intolerance & Allergy Tests

Hormonal (Endocrine) Tests

Metabolic & Nutritional Tests

To order tests, request further information or advice on which tests are appropriate for you, please contact Essentia Nutrition 

Gastrointestinal (Digestive) Tests

GI Effect Stool Profile - Complete Profile

stool sample

£297

Essentia Nutrition uses state-of-the-art stool testing developed in the U.S.A. for the most accurate analysis available. Launched in the spring of 2007, the GI Effects use DNA analysis to identify gut microbes with 100% accuracy including anaerobes, a previously immeasurable area of the gut environment.

This comprehensive test assesses the widest range of intestinal conditions. It provides information on the upper GI tract: digestion, metabolism, absorption of nutrients as well as the lower GI tract: levels of beneficial and harmful bacteria, yeasts, and parasites (worms, eggs, larva and protozoa). Plus, drug resistance genes, antibiotic and botanical sensitivities.

GI Effect Stool Profile - Microbial Ecology Profile

stool sample

£156

Intestinal Permeability Assessment

urine

£94

A urine test used to assess the permeability of the gut wall (leaky gut syndrome), which is associated with the development of food sensitivities and candida infections in addition to a build up of potentially damaging toxins. This test directly measures the ability of two non-metabolised sugar molecules, mannitol and lactulose, to permeate the intestinal mucosa.

Candida Antibody Profile

blood or

saliva

£73

Candida is a yeast that is part of our digestive flora, however in some individuals the natural balance of the gut is disrupted leading to a pathogenic form of the organism. This results in many symptoms ranging from fatigue, bloating, diarrhoea/constipation, muscle aches and headaches, to name but a few. This test is used not only for detecting the presence of the infection but also as an indicator of the stage of the condition.

Coeliac (Gluten Sensitivity) Profile

blood

£78

Identifies the level of antibody response to the protein gluten, which is found in wheat, rye and barley. Tests for IgA human tissue trans-glutaminase (IgA-tTG) and IgA antigliadin antibody (IgA-AGA)

Helicobacter Pylori breath test

breath

£83

H. pylori is the bacterium believed to cause gastritis and virtually all abdominal ulcers, apart from drug-induced forms. Requires 2 x breath samples at a 30 minute intervals following a 4 hour fast

Helicobacter Pylori Stool test

stool

£104

Stool testing is appropriate for both diagnosis and follow-up testing

Vaginosis Profile

vaginal

swab

£83

Evaluates vaginal bacteria, yeast, cytolysis, leukocytes, RBCs and Trichomonas to identify imbalances that can lead to vaginitis.

Allergy Tests

A food intolerance is an adverse reaction to a food or food ingredient which may manifest as a number of different reactions. These tests measure immune reactions to a number of different foods.

Foodprint IgG food intolerance tests  

Foodprint tests require only a small volume of blood which can be obtained by pricking a finger with a disposable lancet. The test does not require a venous blood sample taken by a medical professional. For most people, specimen collection can be carried out at home, perhaps with the aid of a friend. A simple kit is provided that contains all you need to take your own blood sample.

FACTest

blood

£245

Measures a cascade of IgE and non-IgE immune reactions to around 170 different foods, including common seasonings, colourings, additives and beverages. Requires venous blood sample.

FACT Dairy & Grains Profile

blood

£105

Measures sensitivities against all cow, sheep, goat and soya products, common grains and yeast. A marker called tissue transglutaminase (tTGA), which is highly specific at identifying untreated Coeliac disease, is also measured. Requires venous blood sample.

Comprehensive Food Allergy Profile

blood

£300

This profile consists of the full FACTest, IgE Food Allergy Panel and a marker called tissue transglutaminase (tTGA) which is highly specific at identifying untreated Coeliac Disease, is also measured. Requires venous blood sample.

Hormonal (Endocrine) Tests

Adrenocortex Stress Profile                      

urine

£75

This saliva test can detect imbalances in the daily circadian secretions of the stress hormones cortisol and DHEA. Imbalances in these hormones can indicate an inappropriate response that can negatively impact energy levels, emotions, and many other health complaints. These include anxiety, chronic inflammatory conditions, allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia, depression, migraines, headaches, recurrent infections, menstrual difficulties and infertility.

Adrenal – Thyroid Profile

saliva, urine

£146

Adrenal evaluation is commonly considered for patients with fatigue and a host of other complaints resulting from a history of chronic psychological or physiological stress. However adrenal evaluation is also vital for treating patients with hypothyroidism, due to the close interaction of these endocrinal systems. Urinary T3 levels are a sensitive measure of the active thyroid hormone which can give an accurate reflection of overall thyroid hormone levels. To help evaluate these intricately-linked areas, we have developed the Adrenal-Thyroid Profile. This consists of the Adrenal Stress Profile, (salivary cortisol and DHEA), as well as urinary T3 levels.

Total Thyroid Screen       

blood

£99

A comprehensive test to measure levels of all thyroid hormones to assess thyroid function, and auto antibodies for the early detection of thyroid disease. Known as the ‘unsuspected illness’, hypothyroidism accounts for a great number of complaints amongst children, adolescents and adults alike. The total thyroid screen serves as an initial investigation into suspected thyroid dysfunction, including central gland activity, possible secondary gland involvement, hormone secretion and peripheral conversion of T4 to T3. It will also highlight autoimmune responses such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Grave’s disease. These represent the most common autoimmune disorders, affecting women 10 times more frequently than men and increasing in incidence with age.

Reverse T3 

blood

£62

Under certain conditions, the conversion of T4 to T3 can be impaired, resulting in high levels of reverse t3 (rT3). Although chemically similar to T3, reverse T3 is completely inactive and lowers the amount of active thyroid hormone available to the cells. A selenium deficiency, excess physical, mental and environmental stresses can all inhibit the deiodinating enzyme which is responsible for this conversion. This can be termed 'sick euthyroid' or 'low T3 syndrome'. Reverse T3 can be included in the Total Thyroid Screen on request.

Rhythm (Female Hormone Panel)

saliva

£165

This 12-sample saliva test measures progesterone, oestrogen and testosterone levels over the monthly cycle to identify any hormonal imbalances. Common symptoms of this can include premenstrual tension, fluid retention, excessive menstrual bleeding, menstrual irregularity, low libido, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, infertility, acne, and excess body hair.

1 Day Progesterone/Oestradiol

saliva

£68

This single-sample test is designed primarily to indicate menopausal status and to monitor the use of any hormone replacement therapy. The incidence of Oestrogen dominance which leads to a number of complications is well documented, while the increasing use of ‘natural progesterone’ creams means it is essential that levels be regularly monitored, because levels of progesterone can fluctuate with different applications and manufacturers.

Menopause Profile

urine

£259

Although menopause is a normal part of a woman's maturation, many experience discomfort both during and after menopause. This profile combines 4 different tests in one: the 1-Day Progesterone/Oestrogen, Testosterone, Oestrogen Metabolism, and Osteoporosis Risk Assessment.

Bone Resorption Assay (Osteoporosis Risk Assessment)

urine

£78

This test requires a single urine sample to measure the rate of bone loss, which is an important predictor for the risk of developing osteoporosis. Detects biochemical markers which reflect present remodelling activity

Male Hormone Plus

saliva

£166

Changes in the production of the sex hormone testosterone can exert a profound influence on sexual function, bone density, fat metabolism, mood states, energy levels, and even physical appearance of skin and muscle tone. The Male Hormone Profile is an accurate, convenient, non-invasive saliva assay that evaluates testosterone activity in men. This profile also includes measures of stress hormones (cortisol and DHEA) and melatonin, thereby providing a more complete picture of the role played by adrenal hormones and melatonin in the production of symptoms and/or imbalances. Optimal health is dependant on the balance of these hormones, not just a single hormone.

ADMA (Asymmetric Dimethylargine)

blood

£111

A unique, independent marker of nitric oxide (NO) competence. ADMA (asymmetric dimethylarginine), regulates rates of NO formation. Nitric oxide acts as a signal molecule in the nervous system, as a weapon against infections, as a regulator of blood pressure, and as a gate keeper of blood flow to the organs. Elevated ADMA has been associated with various cardiovascular risk factors, renal failure, and erectile dysfunction. Factors contributing to elevated ADMA include increased oxidative challenge and folic acid insufficiency.

Metabolic & Nutritional Tests

Liver Check

finger prick

£99

LiverCheck is a home finger prick blood test that allows you to check the health of your liver. Alcohol, obesity, diabetes, hepatitis and drugs can all cause liver disease. By taking care of your liver you can prevent diseases which can develop as a result of these factors. Your results pack is posted to you within 10 days of order which includes:

• Your laboratory results - which provide a unique colour coded LiverCheck score based on your liver's enzymes

• Results guidebook – providing a detailed explanation of your results, plus general advice on the key risk factors affecting liver health

• Lifestyle audit – which allows you to identify the risk factors that may be affecting your liver health

• Lifestyle planner – which allows you to plan and monitor your goals

Homocysteine

finger prick

£75

A few drops of blood from a pin-prick is needed to measure homocysteine levels.

High levels in the blood have been linked with an increased risk of heart disease, strokes, diabetes, deep vein thrombosis, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, depression, problem pregnancies - the list goes on. Your homocysteine level is linked to more than 100 serious medical conditions.

Chronic fatigue Screen

saliva, urine

£250

This test assesses adrenal function (salvia) and four critical areas of metabolism (urine): gastrointestinal function, cellular energy production, neurotransmitter processing, and amino acid/organic acid balance as influenced by vitamin/mineral cofactors. Results can be used to address chronic systemic complaints ranging from fatigue and mood disorders to headaches, muscular/joint pain and digestive problems.

Comprehensive Cardiovascular Assessment

blood

£140

A comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular risk, measuring various important markers such as cholesterol, triglycerides, and homocysteine, as well as key inflammatory markers. This unique test combines both traditional and cutting-edge indicators of cardiovascular health that can often be corrected with nutritional intervention.

Nutrient & Toxic Elements

hair

£59

Hair has a long history of successful use in detecting chronic exposure to toxic heavy metals in humans and animal models because hair concentrates heavy metals several hundred fold above concentrations found in blood. When any of the toxic heavy metals are elevated in hair, there is reason to investigate the origin of exposure. High levels in hair may reflect early chronic exposure before other signs and symptoms appear.

Bloodspot Amino Acid Assay -11 & 20

finger prick

£100, £153

The Bloodspot Amino Acid Profile can illuminate problems in amino acid absorption by determining essential amino acid imbalances from a simple finger stick. Amino acids, known as the "building blocks" of proteins, are found in every tissue of the body. They play a major role in nearly every chemical process that affects both physical and mental function including the formation of ligaments, tendons, bones, as well as antibodies and regulation of enzymes and blood transport proteins.

Bloodspot Fatty Acid Profile

finger prick

£100

From a simple finger stick, the Bloodspot Fatty Acid Profile measures key omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and calculates key indicators to establish your optimal balance. Trans fatty acids—the "bad" oils in processed foods—are also measured.

TRIAD Profile

urine, finger prick

£364