A Personalized Whole Person Approach to Health:
Advanced Diagnostic Testing at Sanctuary Functional Medicine
At Sanctuary Functional Medicine, we believe that while we all follow a basic “human metabolic” pattern, we are all unique in countless ways. In the wider medical field, patients are often given generic, band-aid solutions that fail to address the root cause of their specific health concerns. As a functional medicine provider, my goal is to gain a deeper understanding of what’s happening in a patient’s body on a biochemical level. Only then can I create a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual sitting in front of me.
Advanced diagnostic testing allows us to accomplish that. It serves as a spot light, giving us a clearer picture of what’s going on beneath the surface and guiding us toward more effective, personalized care.
What is Advanced Diagnostic Testing?
Unlike conventional lab testing, which often only covers basic issues, advanced diagnostic testing takes a comprehensive look at multiple contributors to health. From genetic predispositions to the types of bacteria living in the gut, these tests help uncover imbalances and provide insight into the underlying causes of symptoms.
The process is highly individualized. Beyond these lab insights, we don’t just treat the numbers on the page—we treat the whole person. That means considering symptoms, personal health goals, genetics, past labs, and medical history to determine which tests will provide the most useful insights. From there, we can design a treatment plan that is specific to each patient’s needs.
What Can Comprehensive Blood Work Tell You in our Intensive Program?
In functional medicine, we often say, “Everything is connected like a spider web.” The body’s biochemical processes are intricately connected, meaning even a minor imbalance in one area can have widespread effects throughout our bodies. In order to truly optimize health, we first need to understand where those imbalances lie. Our advanced testing methods allow us to detect potential health concerns in ways that conventional medicine can’t. This proactive approach enables us to create a roadmap designed to support a healthier more abundant life.
Advanced Testing Options at Sanctuary Functional Medicine
At Sanctuary, we offer a range of specialized tests to help uncover the root causes of health concerns and guide treatment decisions.
Organic Acid Testing
Identifies nutrient deficiencies that may indicate malabsorption issues in the gut or a genetic need for higher-than-normal nutrient need. We don’t settle for reference ranges, but aim to ensure nutrient levels are in the optimal range for long-term health.
Mold & Other Toxin Testing
Identifies toxic burdens, such as mycotoxins, synthetic toxins, or heavy metals, which can interfere with your health. For patients with chronic conditions, reducing toxic load can be a critical part of their recovery.
Inflammation Markers
Chronic inflammation is a driving force behind many diseases, some you already know and some you might surprise you. By identifying patterns of inflammation, we can target interventions that support the body’s ability to heal more efficiently.
Thyroid Panel
Goes beyond a standard TSH test to assess full thyroid function, including hormone levels and autoimmune markers. This enables us to detect thyroid imbalances early and address potential issues before they progress. We also aim as always at optimal levels rather than settling for reference ranges.
Hormone Testing
Evaluates hormone levels for both men and women, using optimal ranges rather than standard lab references. Proper timing of blood work is key to identifying imbalances such as estrogen dominance or low progesterone in women, allowing for more precise treatment strategies.
Advanced Cardiovascular Panel
Provides a more detailed look at heart health than a basic lipid panel. By analyzing particle size, patterns, and inflammation markers, we can better assess cardiovascular risk and create personalized strategies to optimize heart health.
Metabolic Function Panel
Evaluates key markers such as fasting insulin, triglycerides, homocysteine, and C-reactive protein to detect early signs of cardiac risks—long before it becomes a larger problem. This allows us to intervene with diet, lifestyle changes, and targeted supplementation.
GI Panels
We tailor GI testing to look at upper or lower GI function in terms of digestion, metabolism, inflammation, sensitivities, and the microbiome. This may include testing for yeast overgrowth, SIBO, or parasites when needed.
Autoimmune Panels
Depending on your situation, we search for autoimmune processes behind your symptoms and then identify the triggers behind those processes. With this approach we can turn down and sometimes turn off the symptoms.
A Smarter Approach to Health
At Sanctuary Functional Medicine, we don’t settle for surface-level answers. We dig deeper to uncover the root causes of health concerns and create individualized treatment plans which empower patients to achieve their healthier more abundant life. By utilizing advanced diagnostic testing, we can provide a clearer roadmap to health—one that is designed specifically for you and your long term restored health.
Dr. Potter Sanctuary Functional Medicine