Laboratory Testing

Dr. Kelley offers a variety of laboratory testing and interpretation. Test kits are either given to you in office to take home for sample collection or stop by to pick up a requisition form to take to the lab.

Great Plains Laboratory

The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc. is a world leader in providing testing for metabolic, genetic, mitochondrial, and environmental factors in chronic illnesses.

Organic Acids Test (OAT) Nutritional & Metabolic Profile: This test provides an accurate evaluation of intestinal yeast and bacteria.  Abnormally high levels of these microorganisms can cause or worsen behavior disorders, hyperactivity, movement disorders, fatigue and immune function.  Many people with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders often excrete several abnormal organic acids.  The cause of these high levels could include: oral antibiotic use, high sugar diets, immune deficiencies, and genetic factors.  If abnormalities are detected, treatments can include supplements, such as vitamins and antioxidants, or dietary modification.  Upon treatment, patients and practitioners have reported significant improvement such as decreased fatigue, regular bowel function, increased energy and alertness, increased concentration, improved verbal skills, less hyperactivity, and decreased abdominal pain.  The OAT is strongly recommended the initial screening test.

GPL-TOX (Toxic Organic Chemical Profile): Every day, we are exposed to hundreds of toxic chemicals through products like pharmaceuticals, pesticides, packaged foods, household products, and environmental pollution. As we have become more accustomed to chemical-laden products, and as our environment has become more contaminated, we have been confronted with an accelerating rate of chronic illnesses like cancer, heart disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, chemical sensitivity, autism spectrum disorders, ADD/AD(H)D, autoimmune disorders, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

Because exposure to environmental pollutants has been linked to many chronic diseases, The Great Plains Laboratory has created GPL-TOX, a toxic organic exposure profile that screens for the presence of 168 different toxic chemicals including organophosphate pesticides, phthalates, benzene, xylene, vinyl chloride, pyrethrin insecticides, and others. This profile also includes Tiglyglycine (TG), a marker for mitochondrial disorders resulting from mutations of mitochondrial DNA. These mutations can be caused by exposure to toxic chemicals, infections, inflammation, and nutritional deficiencies.

GPL-SNP1000: The Great Plains Laboratory is excited to announce our brand new genetics test, GPL-SNP1000. This test is the most comprehensive test for alterations in the genetic code in the pathways that are most important for integrative medicine. This test looks at nine core groups of genes which are crucial for many different biological pathways. Previous to GPL-SNP1000, most genetic tests have only looked at a small subset of genes and very few SNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms). GPL-SNP1000 includes over 1,000 different SNPs and over 144 different genes. For example, Dr. Amy Yasko’s Nutrigenomics Test includes just 30 SNPs over 13 genes. Our cost per SNP is just $00.67 versus $16.50. See the chart below for a side-by-side comparison of the two tests organized by pathway.

Pathways assessed by GPL-SNP1000:

DNA Methylation - critical role in detoxification, neurotransmitter function and proper cellular function Oxalate Metabolism - The degree to which and individual is predisposed to having adverse consequences from high levels of oxalate is influenced by their ability to metabolize oxalates. Deposition of oxalates in critical tissues such as brain and blood vessels, and the oxidative damage caused by oxalate salts can lead to pain, kidney stones and possibly neurological symptoms. Mental Disorders / SAM-E / B12 Metabolism - Mutations to these genes can cause an increased risk of developing depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Gluten Opioid Peptide Homeostasis - Mutations in these genes could lead to gluten sensitivity which can manifest in a variety of symptoms. Many patients with autism spectrum disorder report neurological benefits upon switching to a gluten-free diet. Autism Spectrum Genes P450s (cyps) - Mutations in these genes could alter the appropriate dosage for many medications and could have long-term health consequences. These genes are in a family of enzymes that detoxify endogenous chemicals (including medical drugs) and they metabolize endogenous chemicals including hormones, neurotransmitters, cholesterol, and vitamins. Cholesterol Deficiency (synthesis, absorption/transportation) - Low cholesterol values are associated with manganese deficiency, celiac disease, hyperthyroidism, liver disease, malabsorption, and malnutrition. Acetaminophen Toxification/Detoxification Transporters - Transport proteins are important for shuttling molecules across cellular membranes. Mutations to transporter genes impede the ability of cells to uptake vital nutrients and export toxic substances. Just a few of the diseases associated with faulty transport are Alzheimer's disease, coronary artery disease, aggessive behavior, and decreased drug efficacy.

Diagnos-Techs

Established in 1987, Diagnos-Techs, Inc.™ Laboratory in Kent, Washington, is considered the leading
salivary-based testing and research laboratory in the United States. In 1989 Diagnos-Techs was the first
laboratory to introduce salivary-based hormone testing into routine clinical practice - creating a
powerful tool in evaluating stress and hormone-related disease and illness. In 1995 Diagnos-Techs added salivary-based gastrointestinal and food allergy testing.

Adrenal Stress Index Panel

The Adrenal Stress Index Panel (ASI) is a simple non-invasive test utilizing four saliva samples collected a specified time periods during the day. It was introduced by Diagnos-Techs in 1989 to evaluate stress, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.

Bone Health Panel

The Bone Health Panel (BHP) provides an assessment of bone health utilizing a combination of non-invasive saliva and urine tests. It measures how fast bone is being lost and and the hormone levels associated with bone health.

Female Hormone Panel

The Female Hormone Panel (FHP) is a non-invasive test consisting of eleven saliva specimens collected during specified time periods throughout the menstrual cycle. The expanded Female Hormone Panel (eFHP) includes fourteen additional measurements.

Food Allergy (Sensitivity) Panel)

The Food Allergy (Sensitivity) Panel tests for an immune response to four of the most common food allergens: gluten, soy, milk, and egg proteins. Antibodies to these foods can easily be tested for from a non-invasive saliva sample, providing information that can aid in successful treatment.

Gastrointestinal Health Panel

The Gastrointestinal Health Panels (GI) are a group of non-invasive screens of the gastrointestinal tract and its function. It includes 12-22 individual, yet related, tests. Stool and saliva samples are submitted by the patient after home collection.

Male Hormone Panel

The Male Hormone Panel (MHP) uses non-invasive testing to assess hormone imbalances and deficiencies in men. Using a saliva sample, seven hormones are measured. The expanded panel adds two more hormone tests to the panel.

Menopausal Hormone Panels

The Postmenopausal Panel (PostM) provides measurements of six key hormones. The Perimenopause Panel (PeriM) contains the same components as the Postmenopause Panel but is samples twice, 13-15 days apart. The expanded versions add two more hormones to each panel.

Flexi-Matrix:

Flex C -  Flexustomized Test Panels - Male Hormone Panel (MHP) - Uses non-invasive testing to assess hormone imbalances and deficiencies in men. Using a saliva sample, seven hormones are measured. The expanded panel adds two more hormone tests to the panel. Gastrointestinal Health Panels (GI) - A group of non-invasive screens of the gastrointestinal tract and its function. It includes 15-22 individual, yet related, tests. Stool and saliva samples are submitted by the patient after home collection. Food Allergy (Sensitivity) Panel - tests for an immune response to four of the most common food allergens: gluten, soy, milk and egg proteins. Antibodies to these foods can easily be tested for from a non-invasive saliva sample, providing information that can aid in successful treatment. Female Hormone Panel (FHP) - A non-invasive test consisting of eleven saliva specimens collected during specified time periods throughout the menstrual cycle. The expanded Female Hormone Panel (eFHP) includes fourteen additional measurements. Bone Health Panel (BHP) - Provides an assessment of bone health utilizing a combination of non-invasive saliva and urine tests. It measures how fast bone is being lost and the hormone levels associated with bone health. Adrenal Stress Index (ASI) - A simple non-invasive test utilizing four saliva samples collected at specified time periods during the day. It was introduced by Diagnos-Techs in 1989 to evaluate stress, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.

Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory

Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory is pleased to offer you the GI Microbial Assay Plus (GI-MAP). The GI-MAP includes the first comprehensive pathogens assay that is FDA approved, the GPP assay by Luminex Corp. The pathogen targets include bacteria, parasites and another first for the market, viruses!

Using the same molecular technology, we have developed assays for microbes that are useful for integrative and function medicine practitioners. And unlike previous PCR assays, we have fully validated each target organism in our panel, so that you can have confidence in the results. The panel includes opportunistic organisms, normal flora, parasites, and fungi. DNA/PCR techniques also allow for the measurement of antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors that contribute to pathogenicity. Both are used to help determine clinical significance and the most effective treatments.

Other available stool tests may appear to be DNA-based tests, but they are in fact using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF) only to identify stool microbes. Their methodology relies on cultures from stool and are not molecular/PCR based assays. With a culture based test it is not possible to measure strict anaerobes, viruses or virulence factors. They also lack the ability to deliver true quantitation of any of the reported organisms.

Considering the many advances in DNA technology over the last 10 years, and an FDA approved, PCR based technology and assay that is used by major hospital labs. Why would you still rely on culture and microscopy for stool analysis and assessment of the GI environment?

We have the solution. A truly Diagnostic Solution

GI Microbial Assay Plus (GI-MAP™)

Modern technology has given us a number of insights into the root causes of chronic illness. Nowhere has this insight been more revolutionary and impactful than in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract is home to an entire ecosystem of microorganisms (known as the microbiome), living in a symbiotic relationship with its host. These microorganisms do far more than just reside within us - they are essential for life and health. They are responsible for many important functions such as vitamin synthesis, hormone production, immune system regulation, and communication with the neurological system. More than ever before, medical research has established a link between health benefits or disease risks brought about by these microorganisms that inhabit the human body.

In the last few decades, DNA analysis has transformed the field of microbiology. Almost all research of microbes utilize DNA methodology. The NIH has followed suit with initiatives including the Human Microbiome Project, which characterized the microbiome of 15 habitats of the body using DNA analysis.

More than ever before, we are keenly aware of the health benefits or disease risks brought about by the microorganisms that inhabit the human body. Culture techniques, previously the standard, left up to 50% of bacterial species virtually invisible. Because most of the bacteria of the GI tract are anaerobes, culture based methods cannot cultivate them which leaves a large blind spot for clinicians when trying to diagnose the source of infection.

Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory is pleased to partner with you to bring true ADVANCES in microbial testing. Our commitment to laboratory medicine is to utilize proven methodologies that are accurate and reliable. We are pleased to offer clinicians the first of many advances, the GI-MAP™ (GI Microbial Assay Plus)

GI-MAP™ Advantages

  • True DNA/PCR Assay
  • Rapid TAT – Results in 3-7 days!
  • Quantitative PCR Pathogen Testing
  • High Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Antibiotic Resistance Genes
  • Virulence Factors

The GI-MAP stool test utilizes cutting edge, Quantitative PCR technology to provide a true DNA/PCR based stool test. This technology has high sensitivity, specificity and a rapid turnaround. The GI pathogens include bacteria, parasites and viruses.

Continuing with this platform, the GI-MAP measures opportunistic organisms, normal flora, fungi, parasites and antibiotic resistance genes. And the Plus refers to immunologic markers for GI health and function including SIgA, Elastase, Calprotectin and Anti-gliadin testing.