Testing Options for New and Existing Patients
Whether you’re a new patient (hi!) or you’re ready for a ‘reset’ and/or health check-up, I recommend an updated blood test (ideally within the last 3 months) so we can get immediate insight into potential deficiencies, imbalances and markers that are driving your health issues. Blood tests act as your regular report card; unveiling essential information about your body's inner workings.
Also, if you feel like something is ‘off’ or you’ve been told you’re ‘fine’ but you know something isn’t quite right, it can be worth starting with a full blood test and working with a practitioner that can interpret them.
Once the deficiencies/imbalances are identified we can usually address and correct deficiencies and imbalances (usually within a 3 month period), using food and supplements when necessary, so you can THRIVE.
What I love about a blood test is it saves the guesswork, saves you spending a lot of money on necessary supplements/food and saves the confusion around what you ‘should’ be doing.
Once we have recent blood tests and a detailed medical history, we can get started with a clear plan of attack to address any low levels/deficiencies/imbalances so you can heal.
There’s two options for getting a blood test referral form:
Visit your GP or bulk billing medical practice - ask for a copy of your recent blood test results (ideally it’s within three months) or ask your doctor for a referral form for a full blood test. (See the most recommended tests above). Please note: yearly blood tests are typically covered under Medicare and there is often no/minimal out-of-pocket expenses.
During an initial naturopathy consultation with me, I can provide you with a referral to a pathology lab for a test - keep in mind, there is an out-of-pocket expense for a routine full blood test of approximately $200-$300, depending on the tests you need.
If you want a referral from me for a full blood test book your appointment here
Testing Considerations:
For best results, please do a blood test in a fasted state. it’s ideal to do them when you’ve fasted for 10-12 hours before your test. (Water is fine during the fasting window). This is why most patients do their blood test first thing in the morning, before breakfast
Stop vigorous exercise for 24 hours before the test (as this can throw out your iron markers and inflammatory markers)
Stop all iron and multivitamin supplements 48 hours before a blood test