Health problems and confusing symptoms are not always easy to resolve. The human body usually does not reveal its defects with superficial investigations. Lab tests to pinpoint the contributing causes of symptoms and disease are not commonly performed by conventional doctors. The following list details areas of investigation that could uncover some reasons and possible treatments for your health problems.

Conventional Labs

If necessary I can order any lab or diagnostic test that is currently available for my patients.

Dr. Handwerger is an expert in functional medical testing. The following are some of the tests available to his patients.

AMAS Testing

Endocrinology

• Women's Hormonal Health Assessment provides a focused overview of hormonal balance in both pre- and post-menopausal women.
• Estrogen Metabolism Assessments, Urine or Serum evaluate how estrogen is being processed in the body.
• Male Hormone Evaluation
• Comprehensive Thyroid Assessment a comprehensive analysis of thyroid hormone secretion and metabolism, including central thyroid regulation and activity, peripheral thyroid function, and thyroid autoimmunity.
• Bone Resorption Assessment is a simple, direct urinary assay of pyridinium crosslinks and deoxypyridinoline, useful in identifying current rate of bone loss, lytic bone disease, and efficacy of bone support therapies.
• Glucose/Insulin Tolerance Test employs a glucose challenge and blood samples over a four-hour period to assess the relationship of insulin and glucose.
• Adrenocortex Stress Profile is a salivary assay of cortisol and DHEA, imbalances of which are associated with ailments ranging from obesity and menstrual disorders to immune deficiency and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Male Hormone Profile analyzes four saliva samples over a 24-hour period for levels of testosterone, free testosterone, melatonin, and the estrogens.
• Female Hormone Profile analyzes eleven saliva samples over a 28-day period for the levels of ß-estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, providing clues about menstrual irregularities, infertility, endometriosis, breast cancer, and osteoporosis.
• Menopause Profile examines three salivary samples over a 5-day period to determine levels of ß-estradiol, estriol, estrone, progesterone, and testosterone for women who are menopausal.
• Comprehensive Melatonin Profile analyzes three saliva samples for the secretion pattern of this important hormone.
• IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 or Somatomedin C) (serum) mediates many of the in vivo cell division and metabolic effects of growth hormone.

Gastrointestinal

• Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis evaluates digestion and absorption, bacterial balance and metabolism, parasite infection, yeast and immune status. 
• Comprehensive Parasitology Profile evaluates stool for presence of parasites and levels of beneficial flora, imbalanced flora, pathogenic bacteria, and yeast.
• Intestinal Permeability Assessment analyzes urine for the clearance of two non-metabolized sugars, lactulose and mannitol. Identifies "leaky gut" and malabsorption.
• Heliobacter pylori Stool Antigen test is an FDA-approved evaluation of H. pylori antigens shed directly in the stool. This test is useful for detecting the major causal bacterium associated with peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis, and increased risk of gastric cancer. This noninvasive test also provides a simple and sensitive clinical tool for monitoring eradication therapy.
• Total Element Clearance Profile (24 hr and Random/Timed) Measures urinary excretion of 9 nutrient elements and 20 toxic metals, including "classic" toxics such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, as well as newer technology toxics such as niobium and gadolinium.

Metabolic

• Cellular Energy Profile evaluates fourteen organic acids that play a pivotal role in the generation of cell energy. Using a urine sample, the test can reveal metabolic distress associated with generalized pain and fatigue, which may arise in response to toxic exposure, nutrient imbalances, digestive dysfunction, and other causes
• Comprehensive Detoxification Profile analyzes saliva, blood, and after- challenge doses of caffeine, aspirin, and acetaminophen in order to assess the Phase I and Phase II functional capacity of the liver to convert and clear toxic substances from the body. This profile includes markers for oxidative stress and important antioxidants.
• Oxidative Stress Analysis (Blood & Urine) identifies markers of hydroxyl radical activity, urine lipid peroxides, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, following a challenge dose of aspirin and acetaminophen.
• Comprehensive Cardiovascular Profile analyzes blood for levels of HDL, LDL, lipid fractionation, total cholesterol, ratios, triglycerides, lipoprotein(a), homocysteine, fibrinogen, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Includes Relative Risk Indices and Metabolic Syndrome Alerts.

Genetic Base Testing


Our predictive genomic profiles assess genetic variations in each person that, when combined with modifiable factors in the environment, may increase disease risk. This empowers physicians and patients to realize:

• Earlier, more effective preventive interventions-years before disease develops 
• Precise, customized therapies that truly address each individual's needs 
• Improved clinical insight into patients with treatment-resistant "chronic" conditions 
• CardioGenomic™Profile Identifies genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with increased risk of developing atherosclerosis, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. Risk factors include methylation defects, hyper-coagulation syndromes, cholesterol regulation defects, inflammation, general risk markers and cardio-protective markers.
• OsteoGenomic™Profile Identifies genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with increased risk of developing osteopenia and osteoporosis. Risk factors include collagen synthesis, calcium metabolism, vitamin D3 activity, parathyroid hormone action, osteoclastic activity, and chronic inflammation.
• DetoxiGenomic™Profile Now Available
  Identifies genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with increased risk of developing detoxification defects especially with increased exposure to xenobiotics and other toxins. Risk factors include altered cytochrome P-450 activity in phase 1 detoxification, impaired glutathione conjugation and acetylation in phase 2 reactions, altered catecholamine methylation and increased oxidative stress. Detoxification defects have been associated with increased risk for certain cancers, chronic fatigue, multiple chemical sensitivity, and alcoholism.
• ImmunoGenomic™Profile
  Identifies genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with increased risk of developing defects in immune competence and surveillance. Risk factors include altered interleukin production and activity within the body and increased production of other cytokines like tissue necrosis factor alpha that may lead to conditions characterized by chronically up-regulated inflammatory response. Immunologic polymorphisms have been associated with increased risk of asthma, atopy, osteopenia, heart disease, and infectious diseases.

Imaging Services

Dr. Handwerger can provide access to all diagnostic imaging services such as radiology, CAT Scans and  Ultrasound

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis or BIA is considered one of the most exact and accessible methods of screening body fat. In conventional BIA, a person is weighed, then, height, age and gender are entered in a computer. While the person is lying down, electrodes are attached to various parts of the body and a small electric signal is discharged that measures the impedance or resistance to muscle and fat. The more muscle, the lower the value as the electricity passes easily through lean mass. A formula in the computer converts all of the data to indicate what percentage of the body is fat.