Lab Testing

Functional Lab Testing

Functional medicine testing is designed to look deeper for underlying imbalances and root causes that may not be identified through conventional lab work. Because these tests are specialized, many traditional medical providers and insurance companies may be unfamiliar with them or their interpretation.
These accredited labs are widely used by functional and integrative healthcare practitioners worldwide. The laboratories that perform these tests are certified and utilize advanced technology to provide detailed insights that support a more personalized approach to health and wellness.
I’m delighted to have access to this deeper level of information, which helps guide more targeted and individualized care. While it doesn't answer every question, it gives guidance and causative layers that we might not have picked up from blood work alone.

The DUTCH Test

aka Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones

In the world of functional medicine, bodily fluids remain the most valuable source of information along with a thorough intake and assessment. The most commonly used fluids are blood components, urine, saliva, and occasionally stool samples. Choosing the bodily fluid and the marker can be a challenge because there is rarely a consensus on which tests are better for diagnosing given conditions, with benefits and limitations to each.

While the details on a DUTCH test can seem overwhelming to look at, it helps discern between menopause, perimenopause, luteal phase defects, anovulatory cycles, PMOS (formerly called PCOS), Adrenal Fatigue, high or low cortisol, oxidation of estrogens in a healthy or unhealthy manner, and so much more. Since the solutions for these varying conditions differ, gaining that specificity matters to the success of your natural care.

See a Sample Report

GI-MAP Microbiome Testing

The GI-MAP is an advanced stool and microbiome test that helps uncover hidden imbalances in the gut that may be affecting your overall health. Using advanced DNA technology unique to Diagnostic Solutions Laboratories, it looks for harmful bacteria, parasites, yeast/fungal overgrowth, viruses, and other microbial imbalances that can contribute to inflammation and disrupt the body’s natural healing processes.

Many patients are surprised to learn that gut health impacts far more than digestion. Almost every patient can benefit from a GI-MAP gut health assessment. Some patients are looking to achieve optimal health, while other patients have been chronically ill and frustrated without a diagnosis for years.

Some of the many conditions that warrant testing are:

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Autoimmune diseases
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IBS/IBD
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Digestive complaints, diarrhea or constipation
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Brain fog
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Skin and scalp/hair problems, like acne and psoriasis

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Mood disorders, depression, and anxiety
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Diabetes and weight loss issues
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Unexplained fatigue
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Joint pain
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Hormonal imbalances, especially in women

For more information on this testing, read the GI Microbiome page.

Blood and Serum labwork

Some information is best gathered through a familiar blood draw, such as vitamin D levels, thyroid function and blood glucose levels. Using the appropriate method for each piece of information gives you the best foundation for your healing.

Heavy Metal Testing/Environmental Toxicity/Mold/Lyme Disease/Food Allergies

I rarely start a new patient with these tests. 80% of the time, the information needed to treat most conditions is gained from the GI-MAP and the DUTCH tests. However, during decades of treating patients, there are always those patients that have done everything else over the years and no one has found the solution. That’s when we need to dig deeper, and look for the unusual underlying condition.

Neurotransmitter testing

Anxiety, closely followed by depression and difficulty focusing (ADD/ADHD) are almost epidemic in our world today. It’s not just “you”!

The interconnectedness of the gut and the brain, the misuse of antibiotics and other medications, poor dietary food availability due to commercial farming, and stressful lifestyles contribute to improper chemical messages getting into and being utilized by the brain. This resulting pathway fault often makes us feel all kinds of crazy, even when it isn't in the real world in front of us.

Neurotransmitter testing, including Organic Acid Testing, helps us better understand how your brain, endocrine and gut chemistry may be affecting your mood, sleep, focus, energy, and stress levels.

Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA can contribute to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, brain fog, fatigue, irritability, poor sleep, overwhelm, and difficulty concentrating.

Many factors can affect neurotransmitter balance, including chronic stress, hormone changes, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and poor gut health. Testing helps us look deeper at possible root causes so your treatment plan can be more personalized and targeted to your needs.

Dr. Robin is great, she is very knowledgeable and always quick to answer questions. She’s helped aid in improving the health of our whole family!

- Alyssa H.

Amazing doctor who digs deeper and finds solutions! I love her approach to natural medicine and she has helped me so much! She knows so many tricks to get healthy and is always available for any emergencies. Thank you so much for all you do! I finally stopped being sick all the time!

- Austin T.

Dr. Mayfield is amazing! Five years ago she helped me with my weight loss issues and I’m feeling soooo much better! AND I’ve maintained my weight loss for 5 years!

Thank you!!