|
|
| |
|
 |
Q: Why do you perform lab tests?
A: Lab tests can be an important part in the
overall picture of determining why you have a chronic (or acute) health
problem. Key lab tests can pin-point various deficiencies and syndromes that
are backed by medical science. Laboratory tests also help rule out problems.
For example a female with constant vaginal infections could have a bacterial
infection rather than a yeast infection. She could even have both. Lab tests
would tell the doctor which was present.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Q: I'm 1200 miles from you. How is it possible that I can do a lab test?
A: The laboratory we utilize sends test kits via
DHL shipping express services. Your test kit is sent 2nd day from the lab to a
location you specify. Once you have taken the necessary specimens, you return
the test kit to the lab. It arrives at the lab the very next day and testing
is begun immediately.
In many cases, your results can be reported faster than at a local doctor's
office or hospital because the results are immediately available through
download across the Internet.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Q: What lab tests do you perform?
We presently offer a variety of laboratory tests available
from Great Smokies Diagnostic Labs in Ashville, NC. Details about individual
tests can be found on the
Great Smokies web
site. We also order the Hair
Tissue Mineral Analysis from
Trace Elements Lab
in Addison, TX. The list is quite lengthy and more are added as they become
available. A partial list is below. For information regarding a specific test,
go here.
Functional Digestive Tests
- The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis
- The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis 2.0
- The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis/Parasitology
- Comprehensive Parasitology
- Candida Antibody
- Candida Intensive
- Digestive Function
- Gut Immunology
- Gut Mucosal Assessment
- Intestinal Permeability Assessment
- Lactose Intolerance
- Microbiology (includes Candida)
- Parasitology
- Vaginosis Profile
- Yeast Culture
Functional Endocrinology Tests
- The Adrenocortex Profile
- Bone Resorption Assessment
- Comprehensive Female Hormone Profile
- Comprehensive Melatonin Profile
- Comprehensive Menopause Profile
- Comprehensive Thyroid Assessment
- DHEA-S (Serum)
- Estrogen Metabolism Assessment (Urine)
- Female Hormone Profile
- Male / Comprehensive Male Hormone Profile
- Menopause Profile
- Salivary Hormone Test (individual hormones)
- Women's Hormonal Health Assessment
Functional Immunology/Allergy Tests
- Anti-Chemical Antibodies Profile
- Food Antibody Assessment
Functional Metabolic Tests
- Comprehensive Cardiovascular Assessment
- Comprehensive Cardiovascular Profile 2.0
- Comprehensive Detoxification Profile
- Comprehensive Inflammation Panel
- Metabolic Analysis/Cellular Energy Profile
- Oxidative Stress (Blood & Urine)
- Oxidative Stress (Blood)
- Oxidative Stress (Urine)
- Plasma cysteine/sulfate
- Standard Detoxification Profile
Functional Nutritional Tests
- Amino Acids-Plasma
- Amino Acids-Urine
- Elemental Analysis RBC
- Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acids
- Hair Analysis
- Total/Toxic Element Clearance, 24 Hour
- Total/Toxic Element Clearance, Random/Timed
- Toxic Element Exposure Profile (Hair)
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Lab tests have a wide variance of costs depending on the
complexity of the test itself. Costs range from $25 up to $500.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Q: Will my insurance cover the lab test?
A: Most insurance policies cover lab testing,
however we do not bill insurance companies for any procedures performed on the
web site. If your test is ordered from Great Smokies Lab, they will be glad to
assist you with insurance billings. We will send you an invoice via email with
the name(s) of the test(s) and any codes that are necessary for reimbursement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Q: How do you determine if I need a lab test?
A: The determination of ordering lab tests is done
on an individual basis. The first step is to get a thorough history of your
health situation and determine if we feel you could receive help with
nutritional therapy. If we feel we could help you based on your responses, a
determination regarding ordering lab tests would be made at that time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Q: Are the lab tests you order different from
other lab tests?
A: Yes and no. It depends. For example:
- Great Smokies lab specializes in lab testing for specific
problems such as those tests listed above. The majority of labs do not include
all of the various specific testing parameters as Great Smokies lab. For
example, a routine stool test at a hospital or doctor's office may only include
occult blood. The Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis includes over 30
different analyses of all components of digestion.
- Standard blood tests performed at hospitals and doctor's
offices may be totally adequate and comprehensive to give your doctor the
proper information to functionally determine organ weaknesses and various
syndromes that you may be experiencing. In this case, the lab tests that you
have had performed will be adequate.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Q: I've already had lab tests. Do I have to have more?
A: This depends on if the lab test is thorough
enough and contains all of the test parameters that are needed to determine
what we feel might be the underlying cause of your problem. Your on-line
doctor/clinician will make this determination and will inform you. You may be
asked to fax any previous lab results for this determination.
It is important for you to understand that your on-line doctor/clinician is
not ordering tests just to order tests. Lab tests are ordered to find out
specific infomration about your partcular health situation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Q: How long does it take to get the results?
A: This is called the turn-around time and this varies depending on the test you have done.
Some tests are available in as little as seven days, others can take up to 30 days to
get the results. Your on-line doctor/clinician will inform you of the turn-around time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Q: Do I get to see the results of my test(s)?
A: Yes, your test results are available for
download directly from the BecomeHealthyNow.com web site in the MyHealth
Record interface which is password protected. You must be a registered client
to access this area. To view your results, you will need the free Adobe
Acrobat reader installed on your computer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Q: Are you diagnosing me?
A: No, we make no claims in diagnosing any
disease. The sole purpose of analyzing your lab test results is to determine
functional disturbances in metabolic function of the various systems of the human body.
Your doctor/clinician will, however, inform you if a lab test warrants further
testing by your local doctor. Our on-line services DO NOT replace the need for
personal medical advice. The purpose of this service is to help you improve
health through natural and personalized nutrition.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Q: I don't want a lab test. Can I still order products from you?
A: This is up to the on-line doctor/clinician that you
consult.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Q: I'm concerned about giving out personal information.
A: We understand that sending personal information into the electronic ether can be of some concern.
This site operates with SSL (secure socket layer) technology. This means
that the data you send across the internet can not be intercepted and stolen
by another individual. Furthermore, you are protected by medical assurance
laws that state that no medical information can be disclosed to another
entity without your express written consent. That means we have to have your
signed signature before we would release your information, and
only you can give us that permission.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Q: What do the results look like?
A: Go here to see samples
of the various reports. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Q: Why hasn't or doesn't my doctor order these tests?
A: Keep in mind that all doctors are not alike. If your doctor has no
training in nutritional science, he/she is not looking for the same things that a doctor trained in clinical
nutrition is looking for. Any licensed physician can order these tests but they
must establish an account with the lab.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Q: I have a friend that could benefit from one of these tests. How can they get it?
A: Have them first take one of our free health
tests. They're assigned doctor/clinician will then make a determination if the
lab test is necessary.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Q: Whom do I contact if I have questions about my report?
A: If you have registered as a client you should
contact your online doctor/clinician. You can do this by going to the
contact form. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Q: Whom do I contact if I have problems with the web site?
A: Go to the
contact form and send an e-mail with a detailed description of your
problem.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| FAQ Last Updated: September 13, 2004 |
For more information,
