Functional Testing Newcastle

Advanced functional and pathology testing to find what’s actually driving your symptoms.

What is Functional testing?

Functional testing measures how your body is working, not only whether you have a diagnosable disease.

Standard pathology is built to detect illness once it reaches a threshold, which is why results can come back normal while you still feel unwell. Functional testing looks at that earlier ground, assessing digestion, hormones, metabolism, immune function and nutrient status against optimal ranges rather than disease cut-offs.

At Wellness Vision, we use both kinds of testing where appropriate. We assess patterns across your tests rather than reading each result in isolation, because the same presentation can have completely different underlying drivers in two different people.

We offer a wide range of advanced functional testing to help uncover the root causes of your health concerns.

We assess patterns between tests and interpret your results in the context of your wider health picture. We look for optimal levels – not just abnormal levels. We won’t test for the sake of testing, however we will discuss testing options when it will help us to decide on the right course of action.

More about Functional Medicine

How we can help

An overview of some of the functional tests available

Food sensitivities can contribute to various symptoms, including digestive issues, headaches, fatigue, and skin conditions. Our food sensitivity testing measures the immune response to certain foods, identifying which may trigger an immune response. This enables us to create a customised nutrition plan that supports optimal health.

More information on how we work with autoimmunity,  allergies and sensitivities HERE

DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) provides a detailed analysis of hormone metabolites and detoxification pathways, offering insights into adrenal function, sex hormone balance, and liver detoxification issues. This test can be paired with nutrigenomic testing for comprehensive understanding.

More information on how we support hormone health HERE

Organic acid testing provides valuable insights into metabolic function by assessing key biochemical markers related to energy production, gut health, detoxification, and nutrient deficiencies. This test helps identify imbalances that may contribute to fatigue, mood disorders, and chronic illness, allowing for personalised, targeted interventions.
Nutrigenomic testing offers insights into your unique genetic blueprint, allowing for a personalised approach to health and wellness. By understanding your genetic predispositions and overlaying this with your current health, we can tailor nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle recommendations to optimise health and prevent disease.

Gut health is foundational to overall well-being, as it influences digestion, immunity, and mental health. We utilise genetic microbiome testing that tests all bacterial species in your gut (a complete fingerprint). We can then evaluate the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria, bacterial metabolite production, inflammation, gut immune processes, digestion, and intestinal permeability.

More about how we can support gut health and work with gut conditions HERE

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and hormone balance. We can assess thyroid hormones (free T3, free T4 and reverse T3), TSH, and thyroid antibodies and key nutrients required for thyroid health.

More about how we work with thyroid health HERE

Cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, plays a key role in regulating energy, mood, and immune function. Imbalances in cortisol levels can lead to fatigue, immune imbalances, weight gain, and burnout. Testing your 24-hour cortisol pattern including your cortisol awakening response (CAR) can assess your adrenal function and stress response.

More about how we work with stress, fatigue and burnout HERE

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for reducing inflammation, supporting heart health, and improving brain function. Testing your Omega-3 Index can help us to ensure your levels are optimal to prevent excessive inflammation. We can also test other fatty acids including Arachidonic acid, Omega 6, gamma linolenic acid and trans fats.
The Nutri-STAT (5005) profile is a thorough test designed to enhance nutritional and metabolic well-being with a simple blood and urine sample. This comprehensive report examines a wide spectrum of biomarkers that influence metabolic, thyroid, cardiovascular, and hormonal health. Additionally, it offers a detailed analysis of mineral and metal levels, essential fatty acids, amino acids, organic acids, and more. Given its broad range of assessments, this profile is ideal for those with a variety of health concerns or individuals seeking to uncover specific functional nutritional needs.

Here are some of the testing labs we work with

Please note: Some labs offer tests directly to consumers, however these tests are generally less in-depth or more expensive compared to testing referrals from a practitioner. Some international lab web prices will also be in USD and won’t include postage costs.

Optimal Health and Long-Term Wellness

At Wellness Vision, we utilise functional testing when necessary to provide a deeper understanding of your health, allowing us to create personalised, evidence-based treatment plans. By addressing the root causes of your symptoms, we can guide you toward optimal health and long-term wellness.

Book a free discovery call

Functional Testing FAQs

We offer a range of functional tests selected case by case, including (but not limited to) Microba Complete Microbiome and GI mapping, SIBO breath testing, DUTCH hormone testing, Mira hormone tracking, KMBO FIT food sensitivity testing with zonulin, ImuPro, Vively continuous glucose monitoring, Mira hormone tracking, QuadScan body composition analysis, and functional pathology panels. Testing is recommended where it will meaningfully change your treatment plan.

You don't need to decide this yourself. Your practitioner recommends testing within a consultation, once they understand your health history and can identify which test would be most relevant. We'd rather run one well chosen test than several unfocused ones, and we always explain what each test is looking for before you commit.

Functional testing is generally not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. Some standard pathology ordered through your GP may be Medicare rebatable. We provide clear pricing for any functional testing before you proceed.

Yes. Most functional testing kits can be posted to you anywhere in Australia, completed at home, and returned to the lab directly. Your results are then reviewed in a telehealth consultation, exactly as they would be in clinic. This makes functional testing accessible whether or not you can attend our Newcastle clinic in person.

Functional testing is worth it when it answers a specific question that changes your plan. We recommend testing selectively rather than routinely, and we'll always explain what a test is looking for and what we'd do differently depending on the result. We utilise our best clinical judgement when recommending specific testing. If existing pathology or a period of foundational work will answer the question instead, we may suggest that first.

Still have questions? Book a free discovery call HERE