Much of the healthcare industry is focused on treating symptoms rather than investigating underlying causes. The mission of Metametrix is to improve health worldwide by providing clinical laboratory tests that identify nutritional imbalances and toxicities underlying chronic diseases. Physicians use our testing services to custom tailor nutritional therapies, detoxification programs and other lifestyle changes that can result in significant, positive impact on patient outcome.

Working to fulfill that mission, in 1984 Metametrix founder J. Alexander Bralley began applying this new approach by offering testing for one important group of nutrients - amino acids. Wanting to expand these offerings to include other nutrients and add tests for toxicities that place increased stress on healthy function, he assembled a team of clinical laboratory specialists, researchers and clinicians. Today Metametrix offers an array of tests that reflect genetic, environmental and lifestyle influences on nutrient needs.

Metametrix is recognized internationally as a pioneer and leader in the development of nutritional, metabolic and toxicant testing. We have introduced several firsts in the industry, including quantitative organic acid analysis to identify nutrient and other metabolic imbalances; quantitative fatty acid analysis; multi-profile combinations for “comprehensive” analysis of nutrients and toxicities; fingerstick technology for a noninvasive option; and DNA identification of gut microbes. We continue to develop innovative testing profiles with “Next Generation Technology” to further advance treatment options for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, inflammatory, mental/emotional and autism spectrum disorders. We currently have five patents pending for new methods and applications with more in the pipeline.

As an early adopter of advances in laboratory science, Metametrix functions as a reference provider for other clinical laboratories wanting to offer our innovative services to their clients. Metametrix also performs testing for research institutions as they study the influence of nutrients and toxicities on health.

Metametrix is committed to expanding education in this new area of testing. Our professional staff develops educational material and consults with physicians on test application. We have numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals both for analytical methods and clinical applications. In 2001, Metametrix achieved an educational first with the release of a landmark book, Laboratory Evaluations in Molecular Medicine. This best-selling text gave clinicians an evidence-based insight into the testing associated with nutritional and metabolic medicine. Its long-awaited second edition is now available as a full-color new text nearly double the size of the first edition with twice the citations and illustrations. It is renamed Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and Functional Medicine, reflecting the two adjectives that have emerged as most descriptive of this growing approach to medicine.

At Metametrix we seek to build and maintain a reputation of the highest quality and reliability for the services we offer and to advance this specialty area of medicine through education, research and publications.