Methods of Diagnosis

Health History

A thorough health history is taken to get a complete picture of your health and your goals.  Dr. Yvonne will ask about your main concerns as well as your health history.  This helps determine if further testing is indicated for your assessment.

Physical Exam

A general or complaint oriented physical exam is performed on every new patient and may include an assessment of vitals (blood pressure, temperature, respiration rate, pulse), head and neck exam, abdominal exam, neurological testing etc.

Lab Testing

Food Sensitivity Testing

Food sensitivities consistent mainly of 2 types of reactions. IgE immediate hypersensitivity reactions, and IgG delayed hypersensitivity reactions. IgE reactions are quick and symptoms are often swelling or immediate difficulty breathing (these are usually tested for by an allergist). IgG reactions develop slowly, taking a few hours to a few days to manifest, so testing can be very useful in determining what the culprits are.

IgG reactions can contribute to a variety of health problems including: anxiety, depression, headaches/migraines, fatigue, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, asthma, sinusitis/post nasal drip, ear infections, tonsil and respiratory tract infections, eczema and other skin conditions, joint pains and stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s, colitis, recurrent candida (yeast) infections and others.

IgE testing can be done with a scratch test or by blood sample. IgG testing is done with a simple finger poke, or a single vial blood sample.

Blood Testing

Conventional blood testing such as iron/ferritin, B12, cholesterol panels and thyroid panels can be ordered by your naturopathic Doctor for assessment.  These tests can also be requested through your family physician.

Hair Mineral Analysis

Hair mineral analysis is useful for heavy metal toxicity screening.

Salivary and Urinary and Serum (blood) Hormone Testing

Hormone testing can be done with a variety of methods to uncover hormone imbalances. Test panels that are available include female hormones, male hormones and stress/adrenal hormones.

Stool Testing

Stool testing can be used to assess for occult (hidden) blood, parasites, candida, malabsorption among other things.

Urinalysis

Standard urinalysis is done onsite. More complex lab testing including cultures, heavy metals urinary hormone testing are sent out to specialty labs for testing.