Functional testing in New Zealand
FUNCTIONAL TESTING
Functional testing doesn't replace conventional investigations. Used thoughtfully and at the right time, it complements them by offering another perspective when the information we already have doesn't fully explain what you're experiencing. I recommend testing selectively, only when I believe it will meaningfully inform the next steps in your care.
How I think about functional testing
A THOUGHTFUL APPROACH
Symptoms persist despite addressing the foundations, including nutrition, sleep, stress, lifestyle and appropriate blood work.
Your health history or clinical presentation suggests a specific investigation is likely to provide valuable additional information.
The results are likely to influence our next steps, helping guide a more personalised nutrition and lifestyle plan.
You understand what the test can, and can't, tell us, including the cost, timing and how the results will be interpreted.
For many people, the most valuable place to begin is with a comprehensive health history, dietary assessment and appropriate blood work. Functional testing is considered only when it's likely to provide meaningful additional information, not simply because another test is available.
WHAT I OFFER
Functional testing options
Comprehensive blood work is often where I begin and, where appropriate, can usually be arranged through your GP. When additional insight may be meaningful, practitioner-only functional testing can complement your clinical history, symptoms and pathology findings.
Below are some of the functional tests I most commonly recommend. Each is ordered through accredited laboratories and interpreted alongside your wider clinical picture, never in isolation.
GI Map
COMPREHENSIVE STOOL TEST
What it can help us understand
Gut microbiome composition, opportunistic bacteria, parasites, pathogens, inflammation and digestive markers.
When I may recommend it
Persistent digestive symptoms, suspected dysbiosis, IBS or ongoing gut concerns.
SIBO Breath Test
LACTULOSE GLUCOSE FRUCTOSE
What it can help us understand
Hydrogen and methane patterns produced after a measured dose of each, indicating bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.
When I may recommend it
Bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, altered bowel habits or suspected SIBO.
Zonulin Test
GUT BARRIER MARKER
What it can help us understand
Zonulin, a marker of intestinal permeability often associated with leaky gut.
When I may recommend it
When symptoms suggest impaired gut barrier function and the results are likely to guide the next steps in your care.
Dutch Test
DRIED URINE HORMONE TEST
What it can help us understand
Sex hormones (oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone), cortisol patterns across the day, and melatonin.
When I may recommend it
PMS, perimenopause, irregular cycles, PCOS, or when blood tests don't provide the full picture.
Organic Acids Test
(OAT) METABOLIC URINE TEST
What it can help us understand
Cellular energy and mitochondrial markers, neurotransmitter pathways, yeast and bacterial markers, B-vitamin status.
When I may recommend it
Chronic fatigue, brain fog, suspected mitochondrial or methylation issues.
Mycotoxin Test
MYCOTOXIN PROFILE
What it can help us understand
Levels of mould-derived toxins, indicating ongoing exposure or accumulated burden.
When I may recommend it
Known or suspected mould exposure, unexplained chronic inflammatory symptoms with no clearer driver.
KBMO Gut Barrier
IGG FOOD SENSITIVITY TEST
What it can help us understand
IgG food reactions, plus candida, occludin and zonulin markers in a single panel.
When I may recommend it
When a well-conducted elimination diet hasn't provided clear answers.
MyDNA
NUTRIGENOMIC PROFILE
What it can help us understand
DNA nutrition testing explores genetic influences on nutrition, metabolism, detoxification and inflammation.
When I may recommend it
For longer-term nutrition strategies where genetic insights may add useful personalisation.
MCAS Profile
NZ STANDARD LABS
What it can help us understand
Markers associated with mast cell activation, including tryptase, histamine and chromogranin A.
When I may recommend it
Recurrent flushing, itching, hives, unexplained allergic-type symptoms or when mast cell activation is clinically suspected.
Practitioner-only supplements in NZ
SUPPORTIVE
Practitioner-only supplements are professional-grade formulations available in New Zealand exclusively through registered healthcare practitioners. They are often selected for their quality, purity, bioavailable forms and clinically meaningful dosages.
Alongside evidence-based foundational supplements, I may recommend practitioner-only products thoughtfully and only when they are likely to provide meaningful support within the context of your personalised nutrition plan.
From your first consultation to a test result
HOW TESTING FITS IN
While every client's journey is unique, my approach is always the same: understand first, investigate thoughtfully, and only test when the results are likely to meaningfully inform your care.
01
Your initial consultation
A 70-minute consultation to explore your health history, symptoms, lifestyle and goals. This is where we begin to understand your story and identify what may be contributing to your health concerns.
02
Building Foundations
Together we'll focus on the fundamentals; nutrition, sleep, stress, lifestyle and, where appropriate, comprehensive blood work, before considering further investigations.
03
Further Investigation
If additional insight may be meaningful, we'll discuss whether a select functional test is appropriate, what it can help us understand, the cost involved, and how the results may influence your plan.
04
Interpreting Results
Your results are reviewed together during your ongoing consultation, where they're interpreted alongside your symptoms, health history and wider clinical picture. There is no separate interpretation fee.
COMMON QUESTIONS
About functional testing in NZ
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No. Most clients don't require practitioner-only functional testing. We begin with a comprehensive health history, dietary assessment, lifestyle review and, where appropriate, comprehensive blood work. Functional testing is considered only when it is likely to provide meaningful additional information that will influence your care.
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The cost varies depending on the test. Most practitioner-only functional tests used in New Zealand are analysed by accredited overseas laboratories, so pricing differs between investigations. Before any testing is ordered, we'll discuss the cost, what the test may help us understand, and whether the information is likely to influence your care.
The laboratory fee is paid separately. Reviewing and interpreting your results is included as part of your ongoing consultation, so there is no additional interpretation fee.
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Most practitioner-only functional test results are available within three to four weeks, although turnaround times vary depending on the laboratory and shipping times. Standard blood test results are usually available within a week.
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No. I only recommend or order functional tests after an initial consultation. Every result needs to be interpreted alongside your health history, symptoms and wider clinical picture. On their own, test results rarely provide meaningful answers.
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Feeling unwell despite 'normal' results is a common reason people seek further support. While routine blood tests provide valuable information, they don't always answer every clinical question. Depending on your health history and symptoms, we may consider whether additional investigations are appropriate. Functional testing isn't about proving something is 'wrong', it's about gathering meaningful information, recognising patterns and understanding how different systems in your body may be functioning so we can make more informed decisions together.
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Conventional pathology and practitioner-only functional testing each provide a different lens through which to understand health. Blood tests remain an important foundation, while functional testing may include stool, urine, breath, saliva or genetic testing to explore aspects of digestive function, metabolism, hormones or the microbiome that routine blood work cannot always assess. Used together, they can provide a more complete clinical picture when appropriate.
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I am currently certified in both Integrative Nutrition and Performance Nutrition and am completing my final year of supervised clinical mentoring towards becoming an Accredited and Registered Clinical Nutritionist and Complementary Medical Practitioner in Australasia. As part of this process, I continue to practise under the guidance of an experienced clinical mentor.
Not sure whether testing makes sense for you?
A GENTLE NEXT STEP
That is exactly what the free 15-minute chat is for. We can talk through what you are dealing with and whether a test, or no test at all, is the right next step.