Your path to health is unique

Our clinicians go beyond traditional medicine and lab tests by providing optimal preventative, restorative and supportive care, and by ordering comprehensive labs that will give you a more complete picture of your health. Armed with these results, we empower you to incorporate our holistic treatment regimen into your lifestyle for life-long wellness.

Why Comprehensive Labs?

Laboratory testing is an important tool in providing a comprehensive assessment and feedback on your progress with respect to your health. We offer comprehensive testing and work with some of the leading laboratories in Canada. Most of the tests offered through Head to Heal Wellness are often covered through private medical insurance companies. In many cases this testing represents some of the most sophisticated and up to date testing available for the assessment of disease risk, environmental exposure, nutritional status and food sensitivities.

Below are just some of the labs we can order to give you a much deeper understanding of your ever-changing health. Having the ability to access this testing is important in providing specific, evidence based treatments.

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
ApoB helps transport lipids throughout the bloodstream, which is vital in the health of the cardiovascular function. Along with other lipid tests, ApoB is a powerful risk marker for cardiovascular disease.
Cholesterol, HDL, and LDL
These tests are risk markers for cardiovascular diseases. Large HDL particles in the blood are protective; having a higher amount is beneficial because they help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. LDL is responsible for carrying cholesterol to cells. However, despite its good intentions, LDL is known as the “bad” cholesterol because, when levels are too high, it can cause the formation of plaque buildup in the arteries.
Triglycerides
The ratio of triglycerides to HDL measures risk for heart disease. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body that stores excess energy from one's diet. An accumulation of triglycerides means there is too much fat in the blood and may indicate higher risk of a cardiac event.
C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
hs-CRP is revelatory in one's overall health as it relates to the risk of inflammation-related diseases. Chronic inflammation is linked to every major disease: heart disease (even before symptoms occur), type 2 diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, depression, all autoimmune diseases, and severe allergic reactions like asthma.
Thyroxine (T4) Free
This test is typically cross-referenced with TSH and T3 to gain insight into overall thyroid function. Thyroxine, or T4, is produced in the thyroid then released into the bloodstream where it travels to the liver and kidneys. It is converted into the hormone triiodothyronine (T3). The synergy of T4 and T3 is important for heart and digestive function, metabolism, brain development, bone health, and muscle control.
Iodine
Iodine is a key element required for thyroid hormone production, which regulates metabolism and energy. Testing helps identify deficiencies that may lead to thyroid dysfunction or metabolic imbalances.
Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb)
This test checks for antibodies created against thyroglobulin, a protein produced and used by the thyroid gland to make T3 and T4 hormones, which control metabolism and tissue/cell growth. If present, it may indicate thyroid-related autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto’s.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
About 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men have hypothyroidism, and a TSH test can help reveal thyroid issues. Looking at abnormal TSH results alongside thyroid peroxidase (TPO) may be a sign of Graves’ disease. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and controls the release of thyroid hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
Triiodothyronine (T3) Free
T3 levels can reveal an overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s) thyroid. T3 is the most powerful thyroid hormone in the body. It helps regulate body temperature, control heart rate, lower cholesterol, improve memory, promote regrowth after hair loss, soothe muscle aches, regulate bowel movements, and support fertility.
IgG Food Sensitivity Blood Spot Test
Using a finger prick blood sample, IgG sensitivity testing will evaluate immune reactions to over 96 commonly consumed foods. This test is highly valuable to individuals who have been experiencing long-term immune dysregulation or chronic digestive disturbances. Candida antibody testing can be added to this test.
Eosinophils
Eosinophils are recruited to inflamed areas of the body to trap substances, kill infected cells, viruses, parasites, and bacteria, and help tame an allergic response. Testing can reveal issues in the digestive tract, specifically the esophagus, and includes both percentage and absolute levels.
Neutrophils
Testing the quantity of neutrophils helps detect damage caused by inflammatory disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout), infections (both acute and chronic), certain cancers (such as myelocytic leukemia), and physical stressors (including eclampsia in pregnant women, injury, and burns). Neutrophils are key patrols and first responders in the immune system, attacking antigens they encounter.
Lymphocytes
Lymphocyte levels can reveal a number of conditions, including autoimmunity, bone marrow disorders, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and more. The role of lymphocytes in the body’s immune defense is so crucial that abnormal levels can weaken the body, leading to severe illness or impairing its ability to fight off infections.
White Blood Cells (WBC)
White blood cells play a vital role in defending the body against infections, inflammation, and diseases. This test is essential for diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as infections, leukemias, autoimmune disorders, and bone marrow disorders. Abnormal WBC counts can indicate an active infection, an immune response, or an underlying medical condition.
C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
hs-CRP is revelatory in one's overall health as it relates to the risk of inflammation-related diseases. Chronic inflammation is linked to every major disease: heart disease (even before symptoms occur), type 2 diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s, depression, all autoimmune diseases, and severe allergic reactions like asthma.
Pregnancy
A positive beta human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level is used for early detection of pregnancy. Pregnancy tests detect the hCG hormone in both blood and urine.
Testosterone, Free (female)
This helps evaluate functions associated with testosterone levels, such as fertility, sexual function, muscle mass, energy, mood, insulin resistance/sensitivity, and pituitary function. It can also detect prediabetes, PCOS, or menopause.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) (female)
FSH evaluates ovarian health and pituitary function, and can help determine a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), perimenopause, or menopause. As a type of protein hormone, FSH is responsible for stimulating the ovarian follicles that produce and release eggs during ovulation. If one is on hormonal birth control, this test will not be run.
DHEA Sulfate
DHEA Sulfate, the most abundant hormone in the human body, is associated with longevity, positive reproductive outcomes, and immune system regulation. This test can gauge reproductive function and the health of your adrenal gland.
Estradiol (E2) (female)
For biological females, testing the hormone estradiol (one type of estrogen) is key in detecting menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), androgen- or estrogen-producing tumors, uterine and breast cancer, and mitigating the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. If one is on hormonal birth control, this test will not be run.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) (female)
LH levels give insight into sexual development and fertility. LH releases estrogen during the menstrual cycle, which triggers the release of an egg from the ovary. It can also help determine states of perimenopause and menopause.
Estrogen Metabolism Ratio
The Estrogen Metabolism Ratio looks at how estrogens are broken down by the body. Two of the metabolites of estrogen, 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone (16OHE1) and 2-hydroxyestrone (2OHE1) are required in proper ratios to prevent conditions of estrogen dominance such as breast cancer and PCOS.
Testosterone, Total (male)
In all adults, healthy levels of testosterone are important for general health, body composition, sexual function, and reduced risk of disease. We can test both "free" and “total” testosterone in your blood. One will naturally have a higher level of "total" than "free.”
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) (male)
FSH levels share insight into one's fertility, along with testicle and pituitary health. Strong levels are necessary for healthy male hormonal function, and are partially responsible for sperm production and sexual development.
DHEA Sulfate
DHEA-S can gauge the health of the reproductive system and adrenal glands. It is one of three adrenal androgens: steroid hormones that control the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics.
Estradiol (E2) (male)
For biological males, testing the hormone estradiol (one type of estrogen) is key in understanding testosterone levels and sexual function. Estradiol is essential in sexual development and managing the reproductive system.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
Measuring one's PSA screens for tumors and/or monitors preexisting prostate cancer. On its own, it can not be used to diagnose cancer. Rather, this test and one's free PSA reveals the health of your prostate and acts as a signal if something is wrong.
Prolactin (male)
Prolactin levels can guide diagnosis of low libido or erectile dysfunction, or screen for pituitary tumor. Prolactin is a peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland.
Leptin
Leptin tells the brain when to stop eating. It is a hormone created by fat cells that regulates energy expenditure, and this test is an important diagnostic tool for leptin deficiency, which causes obesity and chronic inflammation. High levels are often associated with vascular risk factors, including insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
HbA1c is the average amount of glucose attached to blood cells over the last 90 days. It diagnoses, monitors, and screens for prediabetes and diabetes. This test is a revelatory look into one's health, specifically the body’s ability to control blood sugar. Unhealthy levels are triggered by inflammation, vitamin deficiencies, kidney damage, thyroid disorders, and more. One's diet and habits can have a substantial impact on this test.
Insulin
Insulin levels can uncover reasons behind abnormal blood sugar, insulin resistance, and more. It can also reveal hidden blood sugar issues even years before they escalate to something like diabetes. Establishing one's insulin baseline can be incredibly insightful to how one's lifestyle affects health.
Uric Acid
Uric acid in the blood screens for metabolic disorders, like gout, anemia, and immunodeficiencies. This often overlooked test has renewed attention after recent studies show elevated levels can increase the risk of death from cardiovascular issues by 39% and stroke by 35%.
Glucose
Too much glucose (hyperglycemia) is a major driver of many diseases and illnesses, including cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, kidney disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Glucose is a type of sugar (from food) that the body uses for energy. When glucose is not absorbed and used, it can form glycogen and be stored as fat in the liver. Over time, this can lead to a decline in overall health.
Nutrients
Nutrient Panels provide insight into the serum levels of vitamins A, B6, B12, C and E. It also reports on serum levels of common minerals including calcium (the active ionized form), copper, magnesium and zinc. Serum levels of vitamins and minerals are generally reflective of recent intake, but a normal result does not preclude the possibility of a mild or moderate deficiency since body stores may be lower than serum levels.
Lipids
The Lipids Assessment reports on cholesterol, triglycerides and the lipid transport proteins LDL and HDL. Lipid levels are standard tests for assessing risk of cardiovascular disease. The Lipid Panel may be recommended in the presence of low DHEAS in men or women, when androgens are high in women, or whenever cardiovascular disease is suspected.
IgG Food Sensitivity
In an IgG reaction, the IgG antibodies bind to food antigens creating antibody-antigen complexes. These complexes are normally removed by immune system cells called macrophages. However, if complexes are present in large numbers and the reactive food is still being consumed, the macrophages can’t remove them quickly enough. The food antigen-antibody complexes accumulate and can be deposited in body tissues. Once in tissues, these complexes can trigger inflammation, which may be responsible for a wide variety of symptoms.
Creatinine
Creatinine levels vary from person to person, but abnormalities typically signal kidney disease or damage. One's creatinine levels are directly related to lifestyle, diet, medication, and how those can impact the kidneys’ ability to function. Creatinine (not to be confused with creatine) is a chemical compound left over from everyday wear and tear of the muscles.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
Urea nitrogen is a waste product that the kidneys flush out, but the presence or buildup of urea nitrogen waste in the blood means the kidneys aren't regulating waste properly. Compared to one's creatinine levels, this test can screen for kidney disease.
Uric Acid
Uric acid in the blood screens for metabolic disorders, like gout, anemia, and immunodeficiencies. This often overlooked test has renewed attention after recent studies show elevated levels can increase the risk of death from cardiovascular issues by 39% and stroke by 35%.
Arsenic
Arsenic is a toxic heavy metal found in contaminated water food and industrial environments. Measuring arsenic levels helps assess exposure which has been associated with health issues such as skin conditions cardiovascular disease and impaired bone health.
Mercury
Mercury is a neurotoxin that can result in kidney damage, brain damage, and fertility issues. It is found everywhere: fish, coal, plastics, pesticides, mercury amalgam dental fillings, and more. Testing mercury levels over time and establishing a baseline provides an understanding of why and how one may be exposed to mercury.
Lead
Lead is a common element all around us and is naturally absorbed, but it can be dangerous if exposed to hazardous sources. Untreated toxicity can lead to fertility complications, kidney failure, convulsions, cardiovascular issues, hormonal disruption, gastrointestinal issues, and neurological changes.