Advanced Functional Pathology

Exploring Your Health In Greater Detail

Your health is shaped by many factors, from your gut and hormones to your nutrition, environment, and lifestyle. Sometimes, it can be helpful to take a closer look at how these systems are working together.

Advanced functional pathology offers a way to explore these connections in more detail. These tests focus on how your body is functioning day to day, helping to identify areas where extra support may be beneficial. Functional testing is designed to offer additional insights that complement the broader picture of your health.

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What Is Functional Pathology

Functional pathology refers to specialised laboratory testing that examines how the body is functioning across key systems, such as digestion, hormones, metabolism, nutrients, detoxification, and immune response.

While conventional diagnostic tests are designed to detect specific diseases, functional testing looks at patterns of imbalance that may be influencing your current symptoms or affecting your long-term health.

These tests may be helpful if:

  • You want to live with optimal health

  • Your symptoms remain unexplained

  • You’ve made healthy changes but aren’t seeing the results you hoped for

  • You have an existing medical diagnosis and wish to explore additional supportive strategies

  • You want to personalise your nutrition, supplements, or lifestyle care

  • You’re focusing on healthy ageing, prevention, or building long-term resilience

START YOUR JOURNEY
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How Does It Work

Functional testing may provide valuable insights for your care, we will explain the testing options in detail, including:

  • What the test assesses

  • How it is performed

  • Why it may be relevant to your health goals

Testing may involve samples such as blood, saliva, stool, or urine. Some tests are completed through home collection kits, while others may require a visit to a local pathology collection centre in your area.

When your results are ready, we will review them with you in plain language. Together, we will explore how the findings may relate to your symptoms, history, and overall wellbeing, and whether adjustments to your care plan are appropriate.

Hands holding a digital illustration of the human digestive system, including the stomach and intestines, projected above the hands.

Why Test?

Advanced functional testing can:

  • Offer insight into underlying imbalances

  • Help explain persistent or complex symptoms

  • Assist in refining your supplement or nutrition plan

  • Provide a way to track changes and progress over time

  • Help develop a care plan tailored to your unique needs

Our aim is to use testing to provide clarity, not overwhelm. Every recommendation is based on your personal circumstances and clinical relevance.

A Thoughtful, Personal Approach

We select tests carefully, based on scientific research, clinical guidelines, and their potential to meaningfully inform your care.

We are always transparent about what each test can and cannot tell us, including any costs involved. Testing is used as one of many tools in our client care process, never as the sole solution.

When used alongside your health history, symptoms, and lifestyle factors, functional testing can help us better understand your body’s needs and guide your next steps.

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Interested in Functional Pathology Testing?

Explore Our Functional Pathology Testing Options

If you’re curious about whether advanced functional pathology may be helpful for your situation, we’re happy to guide you.

We’ll explore your health story and work together to decide whether functional testing may be a valuable next step.

Below is a sample of some of our most commonly referred functional pathology tests.

Additional testing options are available to suit your individual health needs.

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Explore Advanced Pathology Testing

Extensive Range Available

  • Description:
    A highly advanced gut microbiome test using shotgun metagenomic sequencing to comprehensively analyse the entire microbial DNA present in the gut. It provides detailed species-level identification of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, along with analysis of microbiome diversity and functional pathways.

    Sample Type: Stool

    Common Uses:

    • In-depth analysis of gut microbiome composition and function

    • Chronic digestive issues or unexplained gut symptoms

    • Personalised gut health optimisation

    • Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions

    • Gut-brain axis and mood-related concerns

  • Description:
    A comprehensive stool analysis assessing gut flora, pathogens, and digestive markers.

    Sample Type: Stool

    Common Uses:

    • Gut health monitoring

    • Identifying pathogens and digestive dysfunction

    • Personalised gut treatment plans

    • Complex gut symptoms

    • Antibiotic resistance profiling

    • Advanced microbiome therapy planning

    • Gut flora balance assessment

    • Foundational gut health insight

    • Description:
      Evaluates intestinal permeability by measuring zonulin levels, aiding in the assessment of 'leaky gut' conditions.

      Sample Type: Stool

      Common Uses:

      • Intestinal permeability ("leaky gut") assessment

      • Digestive and autoimmune health

  • Description:
    Measures calprotectin levels in stool to detect intestinal inflammation, useful in differentiating between inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome.

    Sample Type: Stool

    Common Uses:

    • Inflammatory bowel disease screening

    • Digestive inflammation monitoring

  • Description:
    Evaluates mucosal immunity by measuring secretory IgA levels in stool, indicating immune response in the gastrointestinal tract.

    Sample Type: Stool

    Common Uses:

    • Gut mucosal immune health

    • Chronic digestive symptoms

  • Description:
    Assesses the integrity of the intestinal lining by measuring the absorption of specific challenge sugars, indicating increased permeability or malabsorption conditions in the gut.

    Sample Type: Urine

    Common Uses:

    • Intestinal barrier assessment

    • Support for gut-focused treatment plans

  • Description:
    This non-invasive breath test measures hydrogen and methane gas production after consuming a specific sugar solution to detect Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and IMO (Methanogen Overgrowth).

    Sample Type: Breath

    Common Uses:

    • Persistent bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort

    • Fatigue, Brain Fog, Anxiety, Depression

    • Diarrhea, constipation, or mixed bowel habits

    • Suspected SIBO or unresolved digestive concerns

    • Food intolerances such as lactose or fructose

  • Description:
    Identifies allergy and food sensitivities by measuring IgE, IgG and IgA antibodies against a range of common foods.

    Sample Type: Blood

    Common Uses:

    • Personalised dietary plans

    • Identifying delayed food sensitivities

  • Description:
    This urine test measures over 70 markers that provide insights into metabolic function, gut health, nutrient deficiencies, detoxification, neurotransmitter balance, and energy production pathways.

    Sample Type: Urine

    Common Uses:

    • Chronic fatigue and post-viral fatigue

    • Digestive disturbances and gut dysbiosis

    • Mood changes, anxiety, and brain fog

    • Identifying nutrient deficiencies (B vitamins, antioxidants)

    • Supporting mitochondrial and energy production health

  • Description:
    This test measures the balance of essential fatty acids, including omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, and saturated fats. It can help identify imbalances that may affect cardiovascular health, brain function, and inflammation levels.

    Sample Type: Blood (finger prick or venous draw)

    Common Uses:

    • Cardiovascular health support

    • Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions

    • Cognitive and brain health

    • Personalising dietary fat intake

    • Monitoring omega-3 and omega-6 status

  • Description:
    These tests analyse genetic variations related to nutrient metabolism, detoxification, inflammation, cardiovascular health, and more. It helps create a personalised wellness plan based on your unique genetic makeup.

    Sample Type: Saliva or Buccal Swab

    Common Uses:

    • Personalised nutrition and supplement strategies

    • Cardiovascular and metabolic health support

    • Detoxification pathway optimisation

    • Inflammation and immune health insights

    • Long-term preventative health planning

  • Description:
    This test focuses on genetic markers associated with healthy ageing, longevity, detoxification, nutrient metabolism, and inflammation. It offers insights to help guide personalised strategies for healthy ageing and disease prevention.

    Sample Type: Saliva or Buccal Swab

    Common Uses:

    • Healthy ageing and longevity planning

    • Risk assessment for age-related conditions

    • Personalised nutrition and lifestyle interventions

    • Optimising detoxification and inflammation pathways

    • Supporting cardiovascular and metabolic health

  • Description:
    This test measures the length of telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes, which naturally shorten as part of the ageing process. It provides insight into cellular ageing and biological age.

    Sample Type: Blood or Saliva

    Common Uses:

    • Monitoring biological ageing and cellular health

    • Supporting healthy ageing strategies

    • Assessing the impact of lifestyle and interventions on biological ageing

    • Longevity-focused health planning

  • Description:
    This dried urine test offers a comprehensive analysis of sex and adrenal hormones, hormone metabolites, and daily cortisol patterns, providing insight into hormonal balance and stress responses.

    Sample Type: Urine

    Common Uses:

    • Hormone imbalance investigations

    • Menstrual irregularities, perimenopause, and menopause support

    • Adrenal fatigue and stress management

    • Fertility planning and hormonal health optimisation

  • Description:
    This test evaluates cortisol levels throughout the day to assess adrenal function and stress response patterns, providing insights into hormonal balance under stress.

    Sample Type: Saliva or Urine

    Common Uses:

    • Chronic stress and fatigue

    • Sleep disturbances and mood changes

    • Fatigue and Burn out

    • Support for stress management programs

  • A non-invasive CT scan that measures calcium buildup in the arteries of the heart. This test helps assess your risk of heart disease before symptoms appear, guiding prevention and lifestyle strategies for long-term cardiovascular health.

  • Description:
    This test evaluates essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrient biomarkers to identify nutritional deficiencies and imbalances affecting health.

    Sample Type: Blood or Urine

    Common Uses:

    • Identifying nutrient deficiencies (vitamins, minerals, amino acids)

    • Supporting energy production, immunity, and overall wellbeing

    • Personalised nutrition and supplement plans

    • Addressing fatigue, poor recovery, or general wellness concerns

  • Description:
    This test detects and measures heavy metals such as mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium, along with other environmental toxins that may accumulate in the body and impact health.

    Sample Type: Blood, Urine, or Hair

    Common Uses:

    • Assessing heavy metal exposure and body burden

    • Supporting detoxification strategies

    • Investigating unexplained fatigue, neurological symptoms, or chronic illness

    • Monitoring environmental toxin accumulation

    • Description:
      This urine test evaluates levels of key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and others, providing insights into brain chemistry and mood regulation.

      Sample Type: Urine

      Common Uses:

      • Assessing mood disorders, anxiety, and depression

      • Supporting treatment plans for stress and sleep issues

      • Identifying neurotransmitter imbalances affecting emotional wellbeing

      • Personalising mood and mental health therapies

  • Description:
    This test analyses genetic variations involved in methylation pathways, which influence detoxification, cardiovascular health, neurotransmitter function, and DNA repair.

    Sample Type: Saliva or Buccal Swab

    Common Uses:

    • Identifying methylation-related genetic variants such as MTHFR

    • Supporting detoxification and cardiovascular health

    • Personalising supplement plans (e.g., B vitamins)

    • Optimising Mental Health, Mood and energy production

  • Description:
    This test measures melatonin levels and other sleep-related hormones to evaluate circadian rhythm function and sleep quality.

    Sample Type: Saliva or Urine

    Common Uses:

    • Sleep difficulties and insomnia

    • Circadian rhythm disruptions

    • Supporting stress-related sleep issues

    • Optimising sleep-wake cycles

  • Description: This blood test measures key markers such as insulin, glucose, HbA1c, and other metabolic indicators to evaluate insulin resistance and metabolic function.

    Sample Type: Blood

    Common Uses:

    • Screening for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome

    • Monitoring blood sugar control and diabetes risk

    • Supporting weight management and cardiovascular health

    • Guiding personalised nutrition and exercise plans

  • Description:
    This blood test evaluates immune reactions to gluten and related proteins to assess gluten sensitivity, intolerance, or potential coeliac disease.

    Sample Type: Blood

    Common Uses:

    • Identifying non-coeliac gluten sensitivity

    • Screening for coeliac disease risk

    • Supporting dietary adjustments for gluten-related issues

  • Description:
    This breath test measures hydrogen production after ingesting fructose to detect malabsorption issues in the small intestine.

    Sample Type: Breath

    Common Uses:

    • Investigating bloating, gas, and diarrhea after fructose consumption

    • Identifying fructose intolerance or sensitivity

    • Guiding dietary adjustments for digestive comfort

    • Depression, Anxiety, Fatigue

  • Description:
    This test screens for glyphosate and other common environmental toxins that may accumulate in the body and disrupt metabolic, hormonal, or neurological function.

    Sample Type: Urine

    Common Uses:

    • Identifying glyphosate and environmental toxin exposure

    • Supporting detoxification strategies

    • Investigating unexplained fatigue or neurological symptoms

    • Monitoring toxin reduction efforts

  • Description:
    This test evaluates drinking water for common contaminants such as heavy metals, chemicals, and microbial pathogens, supporting assessments of household water safety.

    Sample Type: Water Sample

    Common Uses:

    • Checking water quality and safety for home and personal use

    • Identifying contaminants that may affect health

    • Supporting environmental health assessments

  • Description:
    This test analyses the microbial composition of the vaginal microbiome to assess bacterial, fungal, and other microbial balance, supporting reproductive and genitourinary health.

    Sample Type: Swab

    Common Uses:

    • Investigating recurrent vaginal infections

    • Supporting vaginal flora balance

    • Monitoring genitourinary health

  • Description:
    This test evaluates the bacterial composition of the oral microbiome, providing insights into oral health and its connections to systemic health.

    Sample Type: Saliva or Swab

    Common Uses:

    • Assessing oral microbiome balance

    • Identifying risks for gum disease and dental issues

    • Exploring links between oral and systemic health

    • Supporting personalised oral care plans

  • Description:
    This test panel measures key markers associated with bone health and osteoporosis risk, including homocysteine, vitamin D3, calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and oestrogen.

    Sample Type: Blood

    Common Uses:

    • Screening for osteoporosis and bone density risks

    • Monitoring vitamin D and calcium status

    • Assessing hormonal influences on bone health

    • Supporting bone health treatment and prevention plans

  • Description:
    This test evaluates key male hormones such as testosterone, DHEA, and other related markers to assess reproductive health, vitality, and overall hormonal balance.

    Sample Type: Blood, Urine, or Saliva

    Common Uses:

    • Investigating low energy, mood changes, or libido concerns

    • Assessing testosterone and androgens

    • Supporting age-related hormonal health

    • Monitoring hormone therapies and male reproductive health

  • Description: This test evaluates a comprehensive range of female reproductive hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, LH, FSH, and others, to assess hormonal health across various life stages.

    Sample Type: Blood, Urine, or Saliva

    Common Uses:

    • Investigating menstrual irregularities, PMS, and hormonal imbalances

    • Supporting Fertility assessments and reproductive planning

    • Managing perimenopause and menopause transitions

    • Personalising hormonal health therapies

Functional and Clinical Laboratory Partners

To ensure precision and personalisation in every care plan, our clinic refers to a range of trusted Australian and international laboratories. These laboratories provide high-quality diagnostic and functional testing to support evidence-based clinical decisions.

We work with each client to determine which tests are most appropriate, and we refer to the laboratory best suited to your health needs. These laboratories are independent to our clinic, we maintain full clinical independence in our choice of testing providers. Laboratory selection is based on test validity, client suitability, and clinical application.

Diagnostic and Functional Pathology Providers