Our Lab Testing Process

Functional Medicine Lab Tests

Most of our lab testing is done by specialized out-of-state laboratories. I always discuss costs and benefits of each test, and try to minimize your costs as we decide.

Each specialized test requires using their special Test Kit (specimen shipping box), which I will have the Lab ship to you. I order these tests for you online, usually from the "Rupa Health" lab-coordinating service, which will send you an invoice that you can pay online. When paid, the Lab is automatically notified to send you the specimen-collecting kit. (These Labs are out-of-network for insurance purposes, but after the test has been completed, you can ask the Rupa website to send you a billing slip ("Super Bill") with the relevant billing codes to submit to your insurance.)

Be sure to follow all specimen-collecting directions carefully to avoid invalidating the results, such as drawing blood specimens in early AM fasting (later in the day is not the same "fasting" for test purposes). Remember that Lab specimens are time- and temperature-sensitive. Plan your collection on the same day that you will ship it. Keep it refrigerated if directed. If a frozen "brick" is needed, be sure to freeze it overnight before collecting. Don't ship near a weekend or holiday where it may wait on a loading dock in the hot sun. If you drop off to FedEx or UPS, take it to the station near the end of the day before their pickup to the airport.

Functional Medicine Lab Tests

Each test kit contains detailed instructions for obtaining your specimens, which you must follow exactly to avoid the need to repeat the test. (Do it right the first time!) Please contact me if you have any questions about how to prepare for and when to obtain your specimens (which may be urine, stool, saliva, and/or serum or whole blood). Urine, stool or saliva specimens can be collected by you at home at a convenient time.

If you need a blood specimen, I will discuss where to get your specimens drawn, and the blood-drawing station will do the processing and shipping. Shipping charges and (for most labs) the blood-drawing fee are covered by the lab. Shipping should be early in the week (to avoid arriving on weekends or holidays, which could spoil the speimen).

Each Lab Test Kit requires a Requisition Slip to be submitted with your Test specimen, specifying the exact Test and your Diagnostic Codes (be sure to fill in your patient-specific data before sending the specimen).

  • They cannot process your specimen unless their form is complete and correct (include your insurance information if needed).
  • Each specimen tube is required by law to be properly labeled with patient's name and date & time of collection (to prevent lab mix-ups!).

    Laboratories prepay shipping of your specimen boxes by FedEx or UPS delivery. (Ship early in the week, and not before holidays, to avoid arrival when the lab is closed.)

  • Hand your box to an agent at the local FedEx or UPS office before 5 PM (weekdays), rather than to a truck driver or tossing into a bin. (Verify that it will go out "today", not held overnight.)
  • Specimens required may be urine, stool, saliva or blood, and may require refrigeration or sometimes freezing prior to your submitting them to FedEx or UPS. (Follow instructions.)
  • Follow enclosed directions carefully on sealing the box & preparing for shipment (except for blood specimens, which are shipped by the drawing station). Call the lab if you have any question on shipping or insurance payment.

I will discuss my test recommendations with you during your Office Visit, and either charge you for the cost of the tests at that time or discuss how you should pay the lab (whichever is most cost-effective). Some lab tests can be covered out-of-network by some insurance plans.

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Conventional Lab Tests

Occasionally we need conventional lab tests done at a local laboratory. (Patients should bring in any relevant test reports that have already been done elsewhere.) No Test Kit needed for these, but be sure you bring them your test requisition slip from me, and any insurance information.

Be sure to follow any special instructions for timing or dietary preparation (such as “Fasting” — in early AM before eating or drinking anything except water).