Autoimmune tests are tests that are used to diagnose autoimmune diseases and measure therapy progress. These tests are a combination of auto=antibody blood tests-rays, clinical presentation, and blood tests that measure organ function and inflammation.

Autoimmune disorders are those disorders that occur when the body’s immune system attacks different organs, cells, tissues, or the entire body. Autoimmune testing is necessary to see if the person has an organ-specific autoimmune disease or generalized autoimmune disease.

This test may be right for you if you would like to assess if autoimmunity is playing a role in your health in particular if you have a chronic disease that has been slow to respond to therapies.

The early symptoms of many autoimmune diseases are very similar and may include:

Achy Muscles
Fatigue
Hair Loss
Low-Grade Fever
Numbness & Tingling in the Hands & Feet
Skin Rashes
Swelling & Redness
Trouble Concentrating

Individual diseases will have their own unique symptoms.

The principal risks of developing autoimmune imbalances include:

Genetic factors, infections, certain drugs/medications, re some of the causes of autoimmune disorders.

Genetic Factors
Poor Diet – standard American diet, which is low in fiber and high in sugar and saturated fats
Infections
Certain Drugs/Medications
Sequestrated Antigens and Organ Rejection After Transplant

Other Includes:

Food Hypersensitivities – Intolerances, Sensitivities IgG and or Allergies IgE
Digestive Imbalance – Low Stomach Acid, SIBO, Leaky Bowel, Colitis, Chron’s, IBS, Celiac
Inflammation
Injury
Stress

Your Naturopath or Nurse Practitioner will help assess which test is right for you, including an analysis of the most cost efficient path of testing. We recommend a New Patient Visit with one of our Naturopathic Doctors for the most comprehensive approach to your health or a Pre-Lab Visit for a quick snapshot prior to lab testing as there are many tests available.  Lab testing alone is a one-dimensional picture of your health. The expertise of a health professional is required to create a three-dimensional picture for proper selection, and interpretation of lab testing. To complete your care we recommend booking your Post-Lab consult 2 weeks after testing to review your results and receive your tailored health plan.

Your medical doctor focuses on tests covered under OHIP. These will include various blood tests. One blood test for autoimmune disease is C-reactive protein (CRP). Another test is ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) – this is done to assess an inflammation that is not from an infection or due to other reasons. One of the most common blood tests for detecting autoimmune disorders is ANA (antinuclear antibodies). This is also known an ANF (anti nuclear factor). Some genetic autoimmune diseases can be found by testing for the HLA-B27 antigen. A positive result indicates that there is a greater risk of developing these disorders especially if there is a family history of autoimmune disease. There are also certain tests for organ specific autoimmune disorders. Testing for thyroid antibodies in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is one such example. The tests offered here include the above and what is currently not offered at medical doctor’s offices in Ontario. In addition, an in-depth review of your lifestyle, health and other aspects of what defines your optimal levels are taken into consideration.

Autoimmune testing may be covered through an Extended Benefit Plan, with the testing sometimes referred to as “Other Diagnostics”.  In addition, they may be eligible medical expense on your annual tax return.  Naturopathic consultations are often covered by extended benefit plans. Please check with your individual provider for details and how to submit claims.

Your Revivelife clinician will review all findings and create a personalized plan for you based on what are the root causes of the autoimmune imbalances. The use of tailored nutrition, , acupuncture or other integrative therapies are often advised. Additional testing including hormones, health & hormones, microbiome and Organic Acid Test (test that assesses Microbiome, detox pathways, select nutrients and neurotransmitters) may be considered to further investigate the potential causes of autoimmune imbalance.

We recommend a New Patient Visit for the most comprehensive approach to your health or a Pre-Lab Visit for a quick snapshot before lab testing and a Post-Lab consult which is included in the thermography testing to review your results and receive your tailored health plan.

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