Naturopathic Doctors utilize non-conventional laboratory testing techniques to assess an individual's internal body environment.  These tests are performed in-office and the results are immediate.

Zinc Tally (Taste) Test

Zinc is an essential trace mineral and cofactor for a many biological functions in the body.  Zinc plays an important role in cell division, growth and repair; wound healing; immune health; and even taste and smell.  Hence, zinc deficiency is associated with the inability to taste.  In this test, the patient takes a small amount of zinc sulfate in their mouth and holds/swishes it for about 10 seconds.  Zinc status is determined according to taste sensations:  the longer it takes for the patient to taste something, the more zinc deficient he/she is.  Surprisingly, a majority of the population is zinc deficient and this test allows for the appropriate amount of zinc to be supplemented.

Some signs and symptoms of zinc deficiency include:

• Delayed wound healing
• Dandruff
• Hair loss
• Growth retardation
• Skin conditions such as eczema, acne and psoriasis
• Dry skin and skin rashes
• Hang nails
• White spots on fingernails, traverse lines, and poor nail growth
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of taste or smell
• Loss of sex drive
• Fertility issues
• Inflammatory bowel disease and other digestive problems
• Hormonal imbalance (PMS, irregular menses etc.)
• Behavioural and sleep disturbances
• Hyperactivity

Urinalysis  – a urinary dipstick test for pH, blood, glucose, ketones, protein, urobilinogen, bilirubin, nitrate/nitrite, leukocytes, and specific gravity.

Random Blood Glucose Test – a drop of blood is collected on a disposable test strip and read with a glucometer.