NEW! Autism Spectrum Disorder Profiles Now Available - Patients Save up to 38% off Tests!
Healthscope Functional Pathology is delighted to announce the launch of our new Autism Spectrum Disorder Profiles, Levels 1 and 2. These profiles include a range of tests that have been selected by our team of Technical Advisors and most experienced practitioners currently working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). These are the tests that are considered to hold the most value when indentifying the contributing factors to ASDs.
Which Tests do the Profiles Include?
The Autism Spectrum Disorder Profiles focus on nutritional status, biochemical function and gastrointestinal health. Investigating these areas may assist in devising optimal treatment programmes based on each child's unique biochemistry.
Healthscope Functional Pathology offers two levels of Profiles which have been developed to suit individual needs. The contents and prices of the two profiles are presented below. Please consult our Practitioner Mini Manual for more specific information on each test.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Profiles
| Profile Level 2 | Profile Level 1 |
|---|---|
| Vitamin B12 & Folate | Vitamin B12 & Folate |
| MTHFR Gene Test | MTHFR Gene Test |
| Essential Fatty Acids | Essential Fatty Acids |
| IgG Food Sensitivity Profile (93 Foods) | IgG Food Sensitivity Profile (5 Foods) |
| Complete Digestive Stool Analysis (Level 2) | Complete Digestive Stool Analysis (Level 1) |
| Comprehensive Urine Elements Profile | Comprehensive Urine Elements Profile |
| Urinary Amino Acids | |
| Metabolic Analysis Profile | |
| Oxidative Stress Analysis | |
| Profile Price - $1200 | Profile Price - $470 |
| Total Value - $1990 | Total Value - $600 |
| Saving - $790 or 38% | Saving - $130 or 21% |
How Do I Refer My Patients for an Autism Spectrum Disorder Profile?
The new profiles will be included on our Practitioner Request Forms in late 2010. In the meantime, you can request them by writing the profile name and level in the "Clinical Notes" section of our Practitioner Request Form.
Once you have given the patient their request form, please ask them to contact Customer Service on 1300 55 44 80 between the hours of 8.30am and 5.30pm (AEST) to order their Autism Spectrum Disorder Profile Test Kit, which includes clear and comprehensive instructions on how to proceed.
For further information on these two new profiles please contact our Technical Team on 1300 55 44 80 between the hours of 8.30am and 5.30pm (AEST) or email infofp@healthscope.com.au
New Autism Spectrum Disorder Patient Brochures - Now Available for your Practice!
Healthscope Functional Pathology recently launched a guide for patients and carers, entitled Functional Pathology Testing in Autism Spectrum Disorders.
This brochure provides an overview of the main tests recommended for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, with a view to assisting patients and practitioners in devising optimal treatment programmes based on each child's unique biochemistry.
To order copies of this new resource for your practice, please call Customer Service on 1300 55 44 80 between the hours of 8.30am and 5.30pm (AEST) or email csfp@healthscope.com.au
NEW!! PRACTITIONER MINI MANUAL 2010! Order your free copy now!
Healthscope Functional Pathology are very excited to have launched our new Practitioner Mini Manual. This is the essential Practitioner's Quick Reference Guide to Functional Pathology Testing, designed as a desktop reference for you to locate the information you need quickly and easily. The Mini Manual provides essential information on how to use Healthscope Functional Pathology and divides the tests into their relevant sections, i.e. Gastrointestinal Tests, Hormone Profiles etc.
Each test has a brief overview, with reference to its clinical relevance, specimen requirements and type of kit, as well as a guide to appropriate companion tests. The Mini Manual is an abbreivated version of our larger Practitioner Manual, version three of which is currently in production and due out later this year.
To order your free copy of the Practitioner Mini Manual 2010 please call customer service on 1300 55 44 80 between the hours of 8.30am and 5.30pm (AEST) or email csfp@healthscope.com.au
New Tests – the MTHFR Gene
Healthscope Functional Pathology is delighted to be able to introduce a new test, the MTHFR gene, available to practitioners immediately.
MTHFR
MTHFR or methylenetetrahyrofolatereductase is essential in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine via methylation. A polymorphism of the MTHFR gene results in defective metabolism of folate and subsequent hyperhomocysteinaemia with its accompanying manifestations.
How does an MTHFR gene mutation manifest?
Mutations of MTHFR can cause high blood levels of homocysteine. The most common mutation in MTHFR is called C677T. People with two copies of this mutation, i.e. one inherited from their mother and one from their father, are called homozygotes, and are found in 5 - 10% of the population.
These individuals are predisposed to developing high blood levels of homocysteine, particularly when their diets are low in folate. A second mutation in the MTHFR gene, called A1298C, has also been implicated with high levels of homocysteine when found together with the C677T mutation.
What is the clinical relevance of testing the MTHFR gene?
High blood levels of homocysteine are recognized as a risk factor for:
- Coronary artery disease
- Venous thrombosis and stroke
- Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity
High homocysteine levels in the blood have also been associated with:
- Neural tube defects
- Stillbirths
- Recurrent pregnancy loss
- Depression
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
The major cause of high homocysteine levels is folate deficiency. Other factors include insufficient vitamin B12 and genetic mutations in the MTHFR gene. MTHFR gene mutations found in individuals with other inherited clotting disorders (such as Factor V Leiden) have a dramatically increased risk of venous thrombosis.
Companion tests which may also be useful in patient assessment:
- 2 & 16 Urinary Oestrogen Metabolites
- Salivary Hormone Profiles (Male/Female)
- Functional Liver Detoxification Profile (FLDP)
- Thyroid Hormone Profile
- Red Cell Folate
- B12
- Homocysteine
MTHFR gene testing is now available through Healthscope Functional Pathology at a cost of $50.00. This test requires a blood specimen,which can be taken at any time of the day. Fasting is not required beforehand. There is no collection fee if the patient has their blood specimen collected at their nearest Healthscope Collection Centre. Visit www.healthscopepathology.com.au for a full list of collection centres in each state.
For more information on the MTHFR gene please call the Technical Team on 1300 55 44 80 between the hours of 8.30am and 5.30pm (EST) or email infofp@healthscope.com.au
NEW DVD Available - Practitioner Discussion Group September 2009
Our Functional Pathology Practitioner Discussion Workshops are an integral part of the Healthscope Functional Pathology Practitioner Education Programme, providing the opportunity to update current knowledge, consider specific case studies and discuss the interpretation of test results.
Our most recent series, presented by Gold Coast Naturopath, Leisa Wheeler, ND, was very well received by practitioners in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Broadbeach in Queensland and Byron Bay in NSW.
The main topics covered by Leisa included:
- Understanding the fundamentals of Functional Pathology testing
- Case studies where Functional Pathology testing was utilised to understand the causes behind patient’s presenting symptoms and monitor patient response to treatment
- Learning how Functional Pathology testing can add value to your practice
If you were unable to attend the workshop this year the DVD is now available for purchase from Healthscope Functional Pathology at a cost of $20.00. This can be ordered online at www.healthscopepathology.com.au or contact customer service on 1300 55 44 80 or email infofp@healthscope.com.au
A bright new future for Functional Pathology
ARL Pathology recently underwent a change in ownership through a merger with Healthscope in August 2009.
This change presents a truly exciting development for functional pathology as it provides the room and resources to grow and expand the high-quality services ARL Functional Pathology has provided to the functional medicine community for the last 35 years.
What Will Happen to ARL Functional Pathology?
ARL Functional Pathology will continue to provide the highest-quality functional pathology testing services; however, a few changes will occur.
These changes will in no way influence the commitment to functional pathology demonstrated by ARL Functional Pathology for the last 35 years, which remains as strong as always. ARL's existing team of dedicated technical and customer support staff will continue to assist practitioners and patients with all enquiries and requests.
A New Chapter, A New Name
As part of the transition into Healthscope, ARL Functional Pathology will be renamed Healthscope Functional Pathology. The name change will be accompanied by a change of brand, both of which will start to be seen from late September.
Service Delivery
The way in which Functional Pathology tests are collected and performed will essentially remain the same. Most test specimens will still be self-collected by patients at home, using a pre-paid kit.
However, for tests that require blood collection, Functional Pathology services will become more accessible for patients through Healthscope's national network of collection centres (see below).
A National Network of Collection Centres
Patients will benefit from improved access to specimen collection services via Healthscope's network of accredited collection centres.
For further information, please contact the Technical Team on 1300 55 44 80 between 8.30am and 5.30pm (EST) or email techsupportfp@healthscopepathology.com.au