About Specialized Testing

We utilize advanced laboratory testing to identify markers for chronic disease, food sensitivities, heavy metal toxcicity and nutritional deficiencies. Through the research of Dr. Lawson, the tests that we recommend form the basis of of our wellness programs and help patients identify early warning signs of chronic diseases and confirm clinical diagnoses based on health history and symptoms.

Advanced Testing for Chronic Disease

Most of this testing is done using advanced tests from standard laboratories and effecive interpretation of these lab results. We have seen many patients whose lab values are within the “reference” range but far from optimal. To provide the best in preventative care, we help patients achieve optimal lab values rather than reference ranges. Further, we use certain tests that act as advanced “markers” for chronic disease testing.

For example, the following list of labs make up the “New Cardiology Blood Work“:

  • CoQ10
  • Cardio CRP
  • Ferritin
  • Fibrinogen
  • Homocysteine LP (a)
  • Total Cholesterol HDL (good cholesterol).
  • LDL (bad cholesterol)
  • Oxidized LDL Triglycerides
  • AA/EPA Ratio
  • Fasting blood sugar (FBS)
  • Fasting insulin
  • Hemoglobin A1C

Similarly, we use advanced lab tests for other risk factors including breast cancer in wowen, osteoporosis and other chronic diseases. The key is that we take the time to understand every person’s risk factors, health history and early warning clinical symptoms, then order the lab tests that will proivde the best information to allow us to create individualized treatment programs.

PATIENTS RESPONSE

I was dealing with muscle cramps while exercising, increasing irritability, fatigue and lethargy, decrease in muscle mass and increase in body fat; all being written off by others as ‘normal’ symptoms of aging. Not yet 50 I was not ready to accept this. Dr. Lawson saw these as symptoms of treatable conditions enabling me to regain the quality of life that others had all but told me were part of my past. With her I not only get answers to my questions, but a better understanding of how those answers fit into the ‘bigger picture’. This allows me to make better informed decisions as I go forward.

JM - Centreville, VA

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Food Sensitivity Testing

Scientists have discovered that food sensitivities are responsible for many seemingly unexplainable diseases and symptoms, yet most people are only aware of extreme food allergies in which a person develops a very strong allergic reaction, typically within minutes or hours of being exposed. Food sensitivities and intolerances may take anywhere from 2-3 days to as long as 7 days to manifest, making them very difficult to discern and detect. For this reason, food sensitivities have been dubbed “hidden” food allergies.

In our practice, we have found that with a simple blood test you can show any individual which are their safe or non reactive foods, and if that person eats ONLY those foods, then their hyperactive immune systems will become quiescent – and whatever problem they have that is caused by their allergic reaction to foods will improve, and often disappear over a short period of time. And even better, if they continue to avoid their reactive foods for 3-6 months the immune memory for their reactive foods will be forgotten, and so these foods may then be reintroduced to their diet, without any fear of an immune reaction. In short, their allergic button can be reset to “zero”. For this reason, we utilize food sensitivity testing that identifies sensitivities and intolerances for up to 200 foods and food additives as a cornerstone of our anti-aging programs.

We have found that hidden food sensitivities impact patients’ overall health beyond weight issues. Patients can experience fatigue, joint pain, ADHD, dermatologic disorders and GI disorders, all from hidden food sensitivities.

Heavy Metals Toxcity Testing

In our practice, we have seen the effects of heavy metals toxcity such as mercury and lead. Mercury toxcity may result from the mercury in dental amalgams and other sources. Toxic and essential elements analysis is an invaluable tool for the assessment of retention of toxic metals in the body and the status of essential nutrient elements. Toxic metals do not have any useful physiological function, adversely affect virtually every organ system and disrupt the homeostasis of nutrient elements.

Analysis of the levels of toxic metals after the administration of a metal detoxification agent is an objective way to evaluate the accumulation of toxic metals. Acute metal poisoning is rare. More common, however, is a chronic, low-level exposure to toxic metals that can result in significant retention in the body that can be associated with a vast array of adverse health effects and not chronic disease. One cannot draw valid conclusions about adverse health effects of metals without assessing net retention. For an individual, toxicity occurs when net retention exceeds physiological tolerance. Net retention is determined by the difference between the rates of assimilation and excretion of metals. To evaluate net retention, we compare the levels of metals in urine before and after the administration of a pharmaceutical metal detoxification agent such as EDTA, DMSA or DMPS. Where indicated, we have found that heavy metals testing can lead to the identification of a significant source of cellelular degeneration and chronic disease symptoms.

Nutritional Deficiency Testing

Nutritional deficiency testing focuses on nutritional deficiencies at the cellular level. We know that insufficient cellular nutrition is a major factor in chronic disease formation. The test that we use is the most comprehensive evaluation available to help overcome chronic disease and promote optimal health. The profile consists of Metabolic Analysis, Amino Acid, Essential and Metabolic Fatty Acids, Oxidative Stress, Nutrient & Toxic Elements. The results of this test help to optimize a very individualized nutrional supplement program for each patient.