Functional Testing Through NutriPATH

Sometimes standard blood tests do not tell the full story.

If you are dealing with ongoing fatigue, gut symptoms, hormone imbalance, poor sleep, weight changes, inflammation, brain fog, toxin exposure concerns, or you simply want a deeper look at your long-term health, functional testing can provide another layer of insight.

Doctor360 can help patients access a wide range of functional testing through NutriPATH, one of Australasia’s leading integrative pathology laboratories.

Dr Adam is experienced in interpreting functional testing and can help turn complex results into a clear, personalised health plan.

Functional testing looks beyond routine screening and explores how different systems in the body may be working together.

This may include your gut microbiome, hormones, stress response, nutrient status, detoxification pathways, metabolic function, cardiovascular risk, genetic tendencies, biological age and environmental toxin exposure.

Functional testing does not replace standard medical care. It is used as an additional tool to help understand your symptoms, risks and health goals more deeply.

Patients can browse the full NutriPATH test catalogue here:

https://nutripath.com.au/

Doctor360 can assist with authorisation and interpretation for a wide range of NutriPATH tests, including microbiome testing, DUTCH hormone testing, organic acids testing, nutritional analysis, heavy metals, mycotoxins, cardiovascular screening, biological age testing, genetics, methylation testing and more.

If you already know which test you would like to complete, you can request authorisation through Doctor360.

If you are not sure which test is most appropriate, you can book a Functional Testing Initial Consultation with Dr Adam first.

Gut testing may be useful for patients with bloating, bowel changes, reflux, food reactions, IBS-like symptoms, fatigue, inflammation, skin flares or immune concerns.

Common options include:

• Complete Microbiome Mapping
• Advanced Microbiome Mapping
• Microbiome Basic
• Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis
• SIBO breath testing
• Coeliac-related testing
• Intestinal permeability and gut inflammation markers

Complete Microbiome Mapping is a stool-based test designed to assess the gut microbiome, including beneficial bacteria, opportunistic organisms, pathogenic bacteria, fungi, parasites, digestive markers and immune markers.

Hormone testing may be useful for patients with fatigue, low libido, poor sleep, weight changes, mood symptoms, burnout, perimenopause, menopause symptoms, testosterone concerns or poor recovery.

Common options include:

• DUTCH hormone testing
• Dried urine hormone testing
• Cortisol rhythm testing
• Adrenal stress profiles
• Male hormone profiles
• Female hormone profiles
• Thyroid profiles
• Sleep and melatonin-related testing

These tests may help assess sex hormones, hormone metabolites, cortisol patterns and stress-system function.

Organic acids testing is a urine-based functional test that can provide insight into metabolic pathways.

It may be considered for patients with fatigue, brain fog, poor recovery, gut issues, mood symptoms, nutrient concerns or complex unexplained symptoms.

Organic acids testing may provide information about:

• Energy metabolism
• Mitochondrial function
• Nutrient-related patterns
• B vitamin need
• Gut microbial by-products
• Detoxification pathways
• Oxidative stress
• Environmental exposure markers, depending on the panel selected

Nutritional testing may be useful when symptoms suggest possible nutrient insufficiency, poor absorption, metabolic stress or increased demand.

Testing may assess:

• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Fatty acids
• Zinc, copper and magnesium-related markers
• Nutrient status
• Antioxidant status
• Metabolic patterns linked to nutrition

This may be relevant for patients with fatigue, low immunity, hair loss, poor recovery, mood changes, sleep issues, muscle symptoms or long-term optimisation goals

Environmental testing may be considered when there is concern about toxin exposure, detoxification burden or unexplained symptoms.

Testing options may include:

• Heavy metals
• Mercury exposure
• Environmental pollutants
• Mycotoxins
• Mould-related toxin exposure
• Pesticide and chemical exposure panels, depending on availability

This may be relevant for patients with occupational exposure, mould exposure, high seafood intake, previous mercury amalgams, brain fog, fatigue, headaches, sinus issues or chemical sensitivity.

Genetic and wellness testing can help identify inherited tendencies that may influence nutrition, methylation, detoxification, hormone metabolism, cardiovascular risk, inflammation and neurotransmitter balance.

This may be useful for patients interested in:

• Longevity
• Preventative health
• Personalised supplementation
• Methylation support
• Detoxification pathways
• Hormone metabolism
• Cardiovascular risk
• Cognitive performance
• Family history of chronic disease

Genetic testing does not diagnose disease on its own. It is most useful when interpreted alongside symptoms, lifestyle, blood markers and clinical history.

Advanced cardiovascular and metabolic testing may help assess risk factors not always fully explored in a standard cholesterol test.

Testing may include markers such as:

• ApoB
• ApoA1
• Lipoprotein(a)
• Homocysteine
• CRP
• Fibrinogen
• Insulin resistance markers
• Lipid and inflammatory markers, depending on the panel selected

This may be useful for patients with a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes risk, abdominal weight gain,

Biological age testing may help patients understand how their body appears to be aging compared with their chronological age.

This may be useful for patients interested in:

• Longevity
• Preventative health
• Tracking lifestyle change
• Measuring the impact of weight loss, exercise, sleep and nutrition
• Healthspan optimisation
• Long-term risk reduction

Biological age testing is best interpreted as part of a broader health picture rather than as a standalone result.

Food sensitivity and immune-related testing may be considered when symptoms suggest delayed food reactions, immune activation or diet-related inflammation.

This may be relevant for patients with:

• Bloating
• Gut symptoms
• Skin flares
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Brain fog
• Chronic inflammation
• Symptoms that fluctuate with diet

Food sensitivity results should be interpreted carefully and used alongside a structured clinical plan.

There are two ways to access functional testing through Doctor360.

Pathway 1: You know which test you want

If you have already browsed the NutriPATH catalogue and know which test you would like, you can request a Functional Test Authorisation.

Dr Adam will review the request and, if appropriate, issue the authorisation through the NutriPATH pathway.

You will then purchase the test kit directly through NutriPATH using the link provided.

Depending on the test, sample collection may involve stool, urine, saliva, blood, breath or a cheek swab. Some tests can be completed at home, while others may require attendance at a nominated collection centre.

Once the test has been processed, the results are sent to Doctor360. We can then forward a copy of the results to you.

If you would like the results explained and turned into a personalised treatment plan, you can book a Functional Testing Results Follow-Up Consultation with Dr Adam.

Pathway 2: You are not sure which test is right for you

If you are interested in functional testing but are unsure where to start, book a Functional Testing Initial Consultation with Dr Adam.

This consultation is designed to help identify which test is most clinically appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, current medications, previous results and health goals.

This helps avoid unnecessary testing and ensures the test chosen is actually likely to answer the right clinical question.

After your consultation, if testing is appropriate, Dr Adam can issue the relevant NutriPATH authorisation. You then purchase and complete the test directly through NutriPATH.

Once results are available, you can book a Functional Testing Results Follow-Up Consultation for interpretation and a personalised plan.

Functional Testing Initial Consultation

This appointment is for patients who are not sure which functional test is most appropriate.

It is suitable if you have symptoms or health goals but do not know whether you need gut testing, hormone testing, organic acids testing, genetic testing, toxin testing, cardiovascular screening or another form of investigation.

During this consultation, Dr Adam will review your situation and recommend the most appropriate testing pathway.

This is the best starting point if you want guidance before spending money on a test kit.

Functional Test Authorisation Request

This option is for patients who already know which NutriPATH test they would like to complete.

You can submit a request for authorisation, and Dr Adam will review whether the test is appropriate.

If suitable, an authorisation link will be sent so you can purchase and complete the test directly through NutriPATH.

This service does not include a full consultation, result interpretation, diagnosis, treatment advice or a personalised plan.

Functional Testing Results Follow-Up

This appointment is for patients who have completed functional testing and want their results interpreted properly.

During this consultation, Dr Adam will:

• Review your functional test results

• Explain the key findings in plain English

• Identify which findings are clinically relevant

• Connect the results to your symptoms and health goals

• Recommend next steps

• Create a personalised plan where appropriate

• Discuss lifestyle, nutrition, supplementation, medication or further testing if clinically indicated

This is where the test becomes useful. Results on their own are just data. The value comes from proper interpretation and a clear plan.

Functional test prices vary depending on the test panel selected, sample type, courier requirements and current NutriPATH pricing.

The prices below are approximate patient test-kit prices in NZD and are provided as a general guide only.

Doctor360 consultation fees are separate and cover Dr Adam’s clinical time, including test selection, authorisation, result interpretation and treatment planning where booked.

If you are interested in a NutriPATH test that is not listed above, please email Doctor360 and we can confirm the approximate current cost before arranging authorisation.

Please note that functional test kits are purchased directly by the patient through NutriPATH or the relevant authorised pathway. Doctor360 does not charge for the test kit itself.

Doctor360 consultation fees cover Dr Adam’s clinical time only.

Functional test kits are purchased separately by the patient directly through NutriPATH using the authorisation link provided.

Doctor360 does not charge for the test kit itself.

Test costs vary depending on the panel selected. Please review NutriPATH’s test information and pricing before proceeding.

Result interpretation and treatment planning are not included in a Functional Test Authorisation Request. If you would like your results explained and a personalised plan created, please book a Functional Testing Results Follow-Up Consultation.

Functional testing may be suitable for patients who:

• Want a deeper understanding of their health
• Have ongoing symptoms despite normal standard tests
• Want to assess gut health or microbiome balance
• Are concerned about hormones, stress or cortisol patterns
• Have fatigue, brain fog or poor recovery
• Want to investigate nutrient, mineral or vitamin status
• Are interested in biological age or longevity testing
• Have cardiovascular or metabolic risk concerns
• Are concerned about mould, mycotoxins or heavy metals
• Want genetic or methylation insight
• Want a more personalised health optimisation plan
• Already know which NutriPATH test they want and need practitioner authorisation

Functional testing is not suitable for emergencies or rapidly worsening symptoms.

If you have chest pain, severe abdominal pain, unexplained bleeding, sudden neurological symptoms, severe shortness of breath, suicidal thoughts, or any urgent medical concern, please seek urgent medical care immediately.

Functional testing should be used thoughtfully and interpreted in the context of your full clinical picture

If you know which test you want:

Book a Functional Test Authorisation Request.

If you are unsure which test is right for you:

Book a Functional Testing Initial Consultation.

If your results have already returned and you want them explained:

Book a Functional Testing Results Follow-Up Consultation.

Doctor360 can help you choose the right test, access NutriPATH functional testing, understand your results and build a personalised plan based on what your body is actually showing.