Blood test that checks for nutritional deficiencies

[TPROSE]

This past week I got a blood test to check for nutritional deficiencies. Unlike other tests, this one checks how micronutrients are actually functioning within your white blood cells (within the last 3 to 6 months). I ordered it directly through the lab that does it: Spectracell Laboratories in TX. NO DEALING WITH DOCTORS!!!! YAY!!!!!! I has read about it in the past, and then another member on the Women's Hair Loss Project Network blogged about having it done. So I decided to do it too. I will get the results in 2 to 3 weeks.

[Angela]

This past week I got a blood test to check for nutritional deficiencies. Unlike other tests, this one checks how micronutrients are actually functioning within your white blood cells (within the last 3 to 6 months). I ordered it directly through the lab that does it: Spectracell Laboratories in TX. NO DEALING WITH DOCTORS!!!! YAY!!!!!! I has read about it in the past, and then another member on the Women's Hair Loss Project Network blogged about having it done. So I decided to do it too. I will get the results in 2 to 3 weeks.

Do you have a professional that can help read the results?

[TPROSE]

Do you have a professional that can help read the results?

Hi Angela! Good question. The test results are actually quite visually oriented. The lab has a client services department that is able to help doctors and consumer clients interpret the results. I could have gone through a doctor, but this way I was guaranteed that I would not charged a premium on the test, which I have learned from experience often happens. So I just went to a lab and paid them $30 to draw my blood.

here is an example of what test results look like:
http://www.spectracell.com/media/fia-chart-values.jpg

[Elissa]

Definitely keep us updated on the results! I never got all of my micronutrients tested.. just a few of them at random.. The hair loss doctor knew to test my copper though (I guess it has to do with hair loss) and it turned out I had a copper deficiency! I think they usually are checking for toxicity though.

Let us know what your results are! Thanks for sharing the site BTW. I didn't know we can order blood work for ourselves. So you just had to pay $30? And a doctor didnt have to order the test? Sorry-- this is all new to me.

[TPROSE]

Definitely keep us updated on the results! I never got all of my micronutrients tested.. just a few of them at random.. The hair loss doctor knew to test my copper though (I guess it has to do with hair loss) and it turned out I had a copper deficiency! I think they usually are checking for toxicity though.

Let us know what your results are! Thanks for sharing the site BTW. I didn't know we can order blood work for ourselves. So you just had to pay $30? And a doctor didnt have to order the test? Sorry-- this is all new to me.

Hi Elissa! I paid a lab in my area $30 to just draw the blood. My blood samples were then shipped overnight to the Spectracell lab in Texas that reads the test. The cost of the test (including shipping) is $265. You could also ask your doctor if he/she would be willing to pay for the test. I belong to an HMO, and my doc would never pay for the test. I was initially going to go to a doc that was listed on the Spectracell site, but I did not want to have to pay a consultation fee, and then have to pay for the test on top of that! I'll keep you posted!
Tracy

[VictoriaG]

Tracy I am also very curious about this, how it's all handled...and if you are comfortable with the results you get. Please let us know! Thanks,

[TPROSE]

According to the test, I am deficient in B12, Oleic Acid, Zinc, and Glutathione.
The test results were very easy to read, and even come with supplementation suggestions! Like any normal test, reference ranges are given so I can see how depleted, or to what extent I have enough stores of a specific nutrient. Please let me know if you have any questions! Tracy

[Angela]

Its awesome that you have some results! Very cool!

[Elissa]

Thanks for the update on the tests.. I was actually thinking about it today and wondering if you got the results yet..haha. Just make sure when you supplement b12 to take sublingual 12 (preferably methylcobalamin, the more bioactive form). Sublingual tabs get absorbed better than swallowing pills. I take these:
http://www.amazon.com/Sublingual-Vitamin-Folic-Biotin-25mcg/dp/B000WCP8VM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1242791067&sr=8-1
You can also get b12 injections from your doc (I did these for years and they got my b12 up really quick)

I'm not sure about the other vitamins/nutrients, but I hope you feel better once you get what you are missing!

:)

[Collette]

I take 5000 mcg of sublingual every day. I swear by it.