Patient FAQs

First, you will need to find a healthcare provider who either already has an account with Metametrix or one who is willing to establish an account. If you need help finding a clinician in your area, Metametrix provides a clinician referral service.

Once you have a healthcare provider to order the tests, he/she will need to contact Metametrix to order the appropriate kit(s). The kit(s) can be sent directly to you or to the healthcare provider's office.

Included in the kit are instructions and all the various vials and tubes needed for collection of the sample. Additionally, there is a pre-paid return-shipping envelope so that your sample will be shipped back to the lab simply and promptly.

Test turnaround time is defined as the number of days that will usually elapse between the time Metametrix receives a specimen and the time the results of that specimen are released. The average turnaround time is between 7-14 days. Larger panels of testing and more complex analytical methodologies may require more time. For up-to-date information on individual tests, please call Client Services at 800-221-4640.

Any questions should be directed to the doctor who ordered the test for you, as he/she is most familiar with your medical history, symptoms, age, lifestyle, etc. Your doctor will know best what to do by looking at your other test results and taking your symptoms and history into account. If he or she has questions, they can call Metametrix at 800-221-4640 to setup a consultation with one of our clinical consultants.

Functional and Integrative Medicine is an approach to health care that evaluates functional systems, not just by treating symptoms. An example is that certain micronutrients are essential for our bodies to function optimally, and the lack of these essential nutrients can lead to illness. Functional and Integrative Medicine uses sophisticated laboratory testing procedures to examine biochemical imbalances in the body, which can cause or complicate a specific health problem. Doctors that practice Functional and Integrative Medicine use the test results to reinstate balance into the body often by designing personalized diets or supplementation programs. Giving the body what it needs to function normally will help the patient feel better.

Absolutely. Functional and Integrative Medicine is considered a complementary medicine that is available to enhance the quality of healthcare. Functional and Integrative Medicine offers a natural, non-toxic alternative in dealing with most chronic health problems.

Many people believe this statement. Unfortunately, eating a good diet is not easy to do these days. Research shows that certain nutrients are inadequate in our diets - vitamins, for example. It is difficult to get the quantity of vitamins necessary to help prevent diseases like osteoporosis simply by eating a good diet. Functional and Integrative Medicine involves a good diet, which is fundamental, and specific supplementation based on individual need, which can make all the difference in a person's overall health.

Functional and Integrative Medicine is focused on correcting underlying causes of health problems. In traditional medicine, doctors are trained to diagnose and then use a variety of drugs that can help relieve a particular symptom. This approach usually does not address the cause of the problem, but may significantly improve the symptom. A good example of this method is migraine headaches. The traditional approach would be to treat the symptom with aspirin or other painkiller. A Functional and Integrative Medicine approach is to test for food allergies or a magnesium deficiency since both are common causes of migraine headaches. Functional and Integrative Medicine might also attempt to determine some other possibility (such as toxicity) that could be causing the headache.

Functional and Integrative Medicine is primarily aimed at "chronic illness". Conditions like cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, neurological disorders, musculoskeletal disorders (like arthritis and fibromyalgia), autoimmune diseases, and certain types of cancers are all types of "chronic illness". Acute illnesses are better served by traditional medicine. Functional and Integrative Medicine offers a therapy that addresses the root of a condition, not the symptoms, providing the body with the components to heal within and help prevent the onset of disease.

One of the benefits of Functional and Integrative Medicine is that it employs compounds that have evolved with the body. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids are part of what naturally make up the body. Consequently, they are very low in toxicity. The body is capable of handling them, even in doses much higher than the recommended daily allowance. Herbal products, on the other hand, are used as an alternative therapy that can produce pharmaceutical effects similar to drugs. They are not natural to the body; so, there is a difference between herbal medicine and nutritional medicine in terms of potential toxicity.

Metametrix offers a choice of pricing plans, determined by the payment method chosen on the Test Requisition Form at the time the specimen is sent to the laboratory.

List Price: The actual price of the test or profile. Metametrix uses this list price when filing medical claims for patients with private insurance only. The patient is responsible for the entire balance not covered under the patient's insurance plan.

Patient Prepaid Price: A discounted price offered to patients for prepayment. Payment in full must be submitted with the specimen to qualify for this price. An itemized receipt for insurance filing by the patient will be mailed to the patient. Metametrix does not bill patients under this plan. This plan applies to all patients in New York, since Metametrix does not file any insurance claims in New York State.

Clinician Billing*: Clinician billing is up to your clinician. In this option, you pay your clinician directly for the testing services. Your clinician will then be billed by Metametrix and be responsible for payment. Please contact your physician directly to discuss this option.

*Exception - New York State: Clinicians in New York State are unable to bill patients for laboratory services. All New York patients must use the pre-pay option.

Patient or health professional's credit card (Visa/MC/AMEX/Discover), money order, or check payable to Metametrix, Inc. Please indicate method of payment on the Test Requisition Form under "Check or Credit Card Information".

Metametrix will not accept checks or money orders drawn on non-US banks.

As a courtesy, Metametrix will file medical claims for patients with private insurance only. We are not a participating provider with any insurance company and therefore all testing is considered out-of-network by all insurance companies. The patient is responsible for paying any portion of the test not covered by insurance. To qualify for insurance billing, payment in full must accompany the specimen. All Medicare patients must prepay for their testing before Medicare can be filed. They are also required to sign the Test Requisition Form indicating they are a Medicare patient.

Note: We do not file insurance claims for Cigna, Medicaid, Worker's Compensation, or when Special Combination profiles are ordered.

Exception - New York State: Metametrix does not bill patients or file any medical claims with private insurance, Medicaid, or Worker's Compensation. We do not file insurance claims (except for Medicare) for New York patients since NY State is required to reimburse the patient directly.

Patients should contact their insurance company for coverage information. Your insurance company will need the procedure (CPT) codes to verify coverage. For a list of CPT codes click here.

In compliance with NY State law, Metametrix cannot bill or receive payment from NY State health professionals for laboratory testing. Patients are solely responsible for payment for laboratory services. Patients will pay the Patient Prepaid price. Metametrix does not bill patients.

We will file a claim to Medicare at the patient's request. The patient will need to send the patient prepay amount with their specimen. They need to include their Medicare information along with their signature on the Test Request Form where indicated. Medicare will most likely deny benefits. The patient will receive an explanation of benefits from Medicare that they may forward to their secondary insurance company, if applicable. It is very unlikely that the secondary insurance will cover what Medicare denies.

No. The testing will reveal your current total body nutrient status,and identify if supplements are at adequate levels. However, it is best to consult your clinician as some doctors like to discontinue supplements prior to testing.

If you routinely take medication and want to evaluate its effects, continue to take the medication when you collect for the test. If the medication you are taking is related to your testing, its impact should be seen on the results. If you choose to cease your regimen please be aware that we cannot know for certain how long it will take for the medication to clear your system. This might make your results more difficult for your clinician to interpret. Always consult your prescribing physician first. This information is also applicable to supplements, diet, and exercise.* There are some tests that will be affected by certain medications. Please consult your kit instructions for specific information.

It would be best to reschedule the blood draw. A small cup of black coffee may be okay, but juice or anything that supplies calories may alter the results.

Urine tests that require a reduction in fluid intake do so because the results depend on a concentrated urine specimen. If the specimen is too dilute, the laboratory will have to reject the specimen because the results will not be accurate. The requirements for fluid restriction are provided in the kit instructions. We ask that you follow the instructions to the best of your ability and use your best judgment. For example, a patient that exercises in the course of their day will lose fluids through sweating and they might need more than the reduced level recommended in the instructions.
*Do not allow yourself to become overly dehydrated for the purposes of collecting a concentrated specimen.

The best way to do this is by using a pediatric collection bag which is available upon request. They are automatically included in the Pediatric ION kit.

If you are doing a test that requires a 24 hr. urine collection, please contact Metametrix client services department and we will send you the 24hr collection jug. For first morning and overnight urine collections a special container is not required. The container used, however, should be thoroughly clean but does not need to be sterile.

We recommend that you speak with your clinician or clinician's office staff first, as many times they will know where to send you. Alternately, we do have a limited list of laboratories or phlebotomists willing to provide Metametrix blood draws for some areas.  Please contact Client Services at 800-221-4640 for further information. Also, you may look in your local telephone book or online for laboratories in your local area (LabCorp, Quest Diagnostic, hospital lab, etc.). Call them first and let them know you have a kit which includes all specimen collection materials, instructions, and prepaid shipping materials but you need a laboratory with a centrifuge to conduct the blood draw.

• If your specimen is serum, freeze it.
• If your specimen is urine, freeze it.
• If your specimen is whole blood mineral, keep it at room temperature, invert the tube gently (rock it back and forth) at least once a day.
• If your specimen is whole blood fatty acid, refrigerate it.
• If your specimen is plasma, freeze it.
• If your specimen is stool, refrigerate it.
• If your specimen is saliva, refrigerate it.
• If your specimen is IgG or Fatty Acid Bloodspot keep it at room temperature and dry.
• If your specimen is the Amino Acid Bloodspot store it in the refrigerator, in a plastic bag, and keep it dry.

Please note: for specific details regarding how long a specimen can be kept, see the individual test's information below.

It is best not to ship the specimen on a Friday as we are not open on Saturdays. The specimen would most likely remain in a non-climate controlled warehouse until delivery Monday morning, which could cause possible specimen test rejection.

The statement on the bag does not in any way pertain to your shipment and should therefore be left unmarked. The FedEx laboratory packing materials are universal and meant for many types of specimens.

No, it does not. Refer to the kit shipping instructions for the requirements specific to the test. Requirements do vary and in cases where a frozen specimen is required, plastic ice is included. We DO NOT expect or require that the sample(s) arrive frozen. We simply want to keep the sample as cool as possible during the shipping process.

You can ship two of the kit boxes in the same FedEx Lab Pack. Be sure that all tubes are clearly labeled, the test request forms are properly filled out, and everything is in the corresponding kit box.

• Serum - 2mL
• Bloodspot - Four spots of blood the size of a standard hole punch completely filled and completely soaked through to the other side of the collection card.

Yes. As long as you have filled the circles and the blood has soaked through to both sides, it does not matter if the specimen goes outside of the lines.

• Serum - within 21 days of collection
• Bloodspot - within 8 weeks of collection

IgE allergies are the most commonly known allergies. These are what we think of as "classic" allergies. Common examples include bee sting resulting in hives, eating peanuts resulting in swelling and the more severe reaction, anaphylactic shock. IgE reactions are immediate and typically easily recognized.

IgG sensitivities are much different and less well-known. These are what we think of as "delayed" or "hidden" allergies. IgG sensitivities are more difficult to detect due to the fact that reactions probably will not take place immediately following the consumption of the reactive food. Reaction can also vary. For example, some people with IgG sensitivities might experience muscle and joint aches; others might notice behavioral differences, while still others might experience intestinal symptoms. It should be noted that IgE and IgG reactions are different; that is to say, you can have an IgE allergy to a food and not an IgG sensitivity and vice-versa.

In order for those foods to show an IgG reaction they need to be regularly consumed prior to the test. IgE responses are permanent, so the food does not need to be consumed prior to testing. Foods that you are sensitive to would react even if you do not eat them at all.

For all foods not tested, the rule to follow is frequent rotation to reduce the possibility of allergic reactions. This means that the food may be eaten in a meal or two, but then you need to allow several days before eating those foods again. You may also refer to the food families in your IgG Food Reaction Patient Guide. Foods that are grouped together may be eliminated together to avoid reactions.

The reaction is an IgG (antibody) response to whole milk and to fractions of milk such as casein. Lactose intolerance is completely different. It means you do not have adequate amounts of lactase, the enzyme needed to break down lactose, a natural sugar in milk. We do not test for lactose.

Milk protein consists of casein and whey. The IgG4 reaction to milk looks at the total protein. The IgG4 reaction to casein looks specifically at casein. Subtracting the casein reaction from the milk reaction will give an estimate of the whey reaction.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine when the body reacts to gluten. This reaction can lead to damage of the mucosa, resulting in malabsorption, which means that your body is not absorbing some nutrients properly. Clinical presentation is varied given the possibility of widespread nutritional deficiencies, but those most commonly seen are, bloating, anemia, fatigue, weight loss, constipation and diarrhea. Metametrix has a full celiac panel. It includes: Total Immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgA Transglutaminase antibody, and Anti-gliadin IgA II. We also offer an IgA-antigliadin assessment of stool in our GI Effects Stool Profiles.

The two situations are closely related. Gluten is the major antigenic protein in wheat. In the IgG test, extracts used are the protein-containing fractions to eliciting the antibody response. If a patient has a high wheat IgG antibody reaction, it is often due to too much wheat in the diet. Similarly, if a person has gluten sensitivity, he or she will have an elevated reaction to wheat. If there are many reactions to other foods, intestinal permeability is most likely the underlying problem.

The immune system is not fully developed until about 9 months of age. Beyond that age, the IgG production from food antigen presentation is active. The test will show the presence of specific food antigen presentation due to increased permeability of the small intestine.

If used long enough, any steroidal medication will affect test results; this includes topical medications and inhalers. We understand that many people with asthma rely on their inhalers daily and cannot discontinue use for the required period of time. You and your clinician should discuss the possibility that positive results may appear weaker under these conditions. Ex. for IgG testing, a +5 severe reaction may show as a +4 instead.

• Plasma - 1mL
• Bloodspot - Four spots of blood the size of a standard hole punch completely filled and completely soaked through to the other side of the collection card
• Urine - there is no minimum specimen requirement as it is a 24hr. urine collection. For accurate results, no collections should be missed during the 24hr. period

Yes. As long as you have filled the circles and the blood has soaked through to both sides, it does not matter if the specimen goes outside of the lines.

• Plasma - within 14 days of collection
• Bloodspot - within 4 days of collection
• Urine - within 14 days of collection

Plasma levels of amino acids reveal more information regarding long-term nutritional status. Plasma analysis is the preferred way to assess essential amino acid status as it allows a direct look at the supply line from tissue stores. Also, by using plasma to assess amino acid status, you avoid potential errors in reading volumes that exist with urine collection.

Urine amino acid assessments aid in the detection of metabolic disorders due to genetic polymorphisms, micronutrient deficiencies or toxic abnormalities, all of which can interfer with amino acid utilization. Urine is more influenced by recent dietary intake and is not a good indicator of long term status.

You should monitor your amino status every six months or sooner per your healthcare provider's orders in order to adjust your amino acid formula. Your needs are likely to change after using the powder for a certain amount of time.

Because it is made in your body from the essential amino acid phenylalanine, which is included in the formula.

You can check with your local compounding pharmacist to see if they are able to compound the formula for you. If you would prefer, you can use Metabolic Maintenance, a company specializing in nutritional formulas and supplements. They can be reached at 800-772-7873.

• Whole blood - 4mL
• Hair - ½ gram
• Urine - there is no minimum specimen requirement as it is a 6-8hr. or 24hr. urine collection. For accurate results, no collections should be missed during the collection period

• Whole blood - within 3 days of collection
• Urine - within 1 week of collection
• Hair - indefinitely

Minerals can be referred to in several different ways. Minerals and elements are the same thing. Good minerals such as zinc and copper can be referred to as nutrient elements. Bad minerals such as arsenic and lead can be referred to as heavy metals or toxic elements.

No, you should wait at least a month after chemical treatments to collect the hair mineral specimen.

Blood is the specimen most frequently used to assess nutrient status (with some exceptions) and current toxic metal exposures.

Hair specimens can be useful in routine screening for toxic metal exposure, however may not be as helpful in determining essential nutrient status.

Urine levels can vary with recent dietary intake. Enhanced sensitivity may be obtained by measuring 6-8, or 24-hour excretion following oral or IV challenge with a chelating agent that mobilizes the elements and metals from body tissues.

Comparing results from multiple types of specimens is the best way to provide a more complete picture of elemental status.

Minerals are the small but essential nutrients which support proper function of the body. You could hold the total amount of the mineral zinc present in your body on the tip of your finger, but without it your cells could not divide and grow, and your organs would stop working in minutes. Every function of your body, from digestion to nerve impulse conduction and brain function is critically dependent on the presence and balance of about two-dozen different minerals. Your tissues cannot produce these elements, so they must be supplied regularly in your diet. Many factors, however, make it difficult for us to get adequate amounts of minerals. Modern food production depletes minerals from foods, and our lifestyles do not always make it convenient for us to eat the right balance of foods. Additionally, inadequate digestion and absorption of these nutrients can lead to subtle yet significant deficiencies that can cause serious health problems.

Recent surveys by the Center for Disease Control show surprisingly high numbers of people in the United States are not getting enough essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc. Magnesium, in particular, is necessary in over 300 different enzyme reactions in the body. It has been found to be low in about half of the population, frequently without any symptoms. This statistic is significant, given new evidence linking magnesium deficiency to heart attacks and high blood pressure, diseases that are often recognized too late. While the RDA for magnesium is around 400 mg, studies have determined that the average American diet supplies only 279 mg daily.

Yes, there are certain elements that have no known benefits to humans, and are considered toxic. Examples would include but are not limited to lead, mercury, and arsenic. Even too high a level of beneficial nutrient minerals can be a problem. For example, in normal quantities, zinc is essential; in quantities too high, it can cause anemia, and deplete copper.

• Plasma - 1mL
• Whole Blood - 7mL
• Bloodspot - 4 spots filled completely to the dotted lines and soaked through to both sides.

• Plasma - within 4 days of collection
• Whole blood - within 7 days of collection
• Bloodspot - within 11 days of collection

Yes. As long as you have filled the circles and the blood has soaked through to both sides, it does not matter if the specimen goes outside of the lines.

Fatty acids are the break-down products of fats. Certain fatty acids are required by the body yet are not produced by the cells. They are termed essential and must be provided by the diet. There are two families of essential fatty acids, omega-3's (EPA, DHA, ALA) and omega-6's (LA, GLA, AA). EFA's are provided by foods such as flax seed, fish, vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, meats and are necessary for many vital and protective functions in the body.

Trans fats are hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils found in many baked food products such as breads, crackers, cookies, doughnuts, as well as peanut butter and fried foods, such as french fries. The terms "partially hydrogenated vegetable oil" on food labels indicates that a natural oil has been chemically modified. In human tissues, trans unsaturated fat behaves as if it were saturated, leading to higher risk of heart disease and adverse impact on HDL or LDL cholesterol.

Plasma fatty acids are more influenced by recent dietary intake, as well as total caloric intake and stored fatty acids.

Red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid profiling is most commonly used to determine the presence of long term insufficiencies and imbalances. It measures total concentrations of individual fatty acids. RBC data are generally preferred for assessing overall body status of fatty acids, because the levels reflect those present in most tissues.

The level of fluid in the collection tubes must come up to the line once the specimen is collected. Be aware, it takes only a small amount of specimen to meet the requirements so begin with a very small amount and add more until the requirement is met. This will prevent spillage

The stool specimen must be received within 9 days of the initial collection.

The GI Effects tests utilize DNA analysis, the advantages of which include far greater accuracy, fewer samples to be collected, and the ability to measure previously immeasurable areas of the gut environment. Whereas many laboratories split testing into several costly profiles, yeast, inflammation, parasites, bacteria, pharmaceutical and botanical sensitivities and more are all included in the Metametrix profile.

Irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, constipation, bloating, diarrhea, cramping, maldigestion, gas, blood in stool, headaches, and eczema are all conditions whose treatment may be informed by the Profile. The test is prudent if a family history of celiac disease or other autoimmune bowel diseases is present.

First, carefully clean up the spilled liquid and wash hands/skin thoroughly. It is imperative that we have the correct amount of liquid and stool sample in each vial so you will need to recollect - call Metametrix Client Services (800-221-4640) to request new tubes.

Yes, if this is the only way to get a patient's specimen. The specimen is best if formed as the diaper can absorb a more liquid specimen. Try to avoid contamination with urine as it can dilute the specimen.

You could use a paper bowl or paper plate - anything that is clean, non-porous, and disposable. The collection container only needs to be clean, NOT sterile.

No, you will need to recollect the specimen.

If the blood is due to menstruation, you should wait and collect again after menstruation or use a tampon in another collection. If the blood was part of the stool and came from the bowel it will be tested and does not interfere with the rest of the test. Blood is one of the components tested in the GI Effects Stool Profile.

The urine specimen must be received with 14 days of collection.

The groups most at risk for rapid bone loss include men and women over 50 years old, all peri-menopausal women, women who have had hysterectomies, women who exercise heavily, women with a family history of osteoporosis, people who use anti-ulcer medication, smokers, people who drink a lot of soft drinks or caffeine, and people using steroids.

A minimum of 4 ml of urine is needed to run this test.

Besides age, bone health is most influenced by adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing exercise, and routine medical care.

Retesting should be done routinely to reveal benefits of therapy or allow for adjustments in dosage.

The human skeleton continues to grow from childhood to 25, when bone formation surpasses bone loss. After age 35, bone loss surpasses bone formation, and bone mass starts to decline. Bone loss is seen most dramatically in the five years leading up to and through menopause.

• Serum - 3mL
• Plasma - 1.5mL
• Whole Blood - 4mL

The specimen must be received within 14 days of collection

Yes, definitely. High insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia) are associated with Syndrome X and insulin resistance oppose the action of testosterone and diminish its production. Although insulin is necessary to assimilate sugars from food, high levels pose risk of heart attack by causing hunger and the build up of fat, which then leads to arterial plaquing, constriction and heart disease. High insulin levels also are associated with other conditions associated with cardiovascular disease including type II diabetes, high triglycerides, obesity, hypertension, and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

The minimum requirement is 13 mL of urine.

The specimen should be received within 4 weeks and must be collected in the tube that arrived with the kit as it contains a preservative.

It is best to collect the first urine when you are getting up for the day. If you usually go to bed at 10 pm and then wake up for the first time at 4 am, and then again at 6 am, collect both the 4 am and the 6 am urine together. If you get up every hour during the night or drink water during the night, collect the first urine for the day.

Men are able to do the Estronex test; however, the normal range is thought to be outside of the reference ranges for women. Men should consult their clinicians regarding this test.

• Serum - 1.5mL
• Plasma - 1mL

The specimen should be received within 14 days of collection.

The minimum requirement is .5mL of urine.

The urine specimen must be received within 21 days of collection.

After chewing gently for 1-2 minutes the cotton should feel completely saturated - similar to a sponge soaked in water.

The saliva specimen must be received within 7 days of collection.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone released by the adrenal gland in response to stress. Increased levels of cortisol in the blood can result in a weakened immune system through decreased production of white blood cells and antibodies. Inadequate or irregular sleeping patterns also may cause cortisol levels to be out of balance.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is a metabolic building block of testosterone, estrone, and estradiol; decreased levels are associated with stress.

The minimum requirement is .5mL of serum.

The serum specimen must be received within 7 days of collection.

The minimum requirement is 2mL of serum.

The serum specimen must be received within 7 days of collection.

The minimum requirement is 1.5mL of serum.

The serum specimen must be received within 7 days of collection.

• Whole blood - 4mL
• Serum - 2.5mL
• Plasma - 2mL
• Urine - 8mL

The specimens should be received within 7 days of collection.

Individual Optimal Nutrition. The ION Profile is the most complete nutritional and metabolic testing program available. The ION Profile measures more than 100 components, integrating them into a complete picture of your individual biochemistry. 
The ION Profile will help reveal your unique biochemical status as it relates to: energy and endurance, cardiovascular function, antioxidant function, liver detoxification function, inflammatory problems including joints and skin, mental and emotional function, and digestive disorders.

Each patient's report is tailored depending on the test results. The ION report contains specific, integrated treatment recommendations based on multiple abnormalities determined by the multi-panel test for each individual.

While it is possible to send the specimens separately as long as they are very clearly marked and it is clearly communicated to the laboratory, we strongly recommend against shipping the specimens separately. If received separately a $25 fee will be assessed due to the time and resources needed to ensure that the specimens are properly cared for and entered into our computer system.

Please see the last page of the ION Pediatric Kit Instructions for detailed information regarding minimum requirements and special blood draw instructions.  Click here to download the ION Pediatric Kit Instructions PDF.

The specimens should be received within 7 days of collection.

Individual Optimal Nutrition. The ION Profile is the most complete nutritional and metabolic testing program available. The ION Profile measures more than 100 components, integrating them into a complete picture of your individual biochemistry. The ION Profile will help reveal your unique biochemical status as it relates to: energy and endurance, cardiovascular function, antioxidant function, liver detoxification function, inflammatory problems including joints and skin, mental and emotional function, and digestive disorders.

While it is possible to send the specimens separately as long as they are very clearly marked and it is clearly communicated to the laboratory, we strongly recommend against shipping the specimens separately. If received separately a $25 fee will be assessed due to the time and resources needed to ensure that the specimens are properly cared for and entered into our computer system.

• Whole blood - 4mL
• Serum - 5.5mL
• Plasma - 3.5mL
• Urine - 8mL

The specimens should be received within 7 days of collection.

The Cardio/ION Profile includes the full ION Profile plus additional cutting edge risk markers for cardiovascular disease.

• Serum - 2mL
• Plasma - 1mL
• Urine - 8mL

The Triad specimens must be received within 14 days of collection.

• Serum - 3mL
• Plasma - 1.5mL
• Whole Blood - 4mL
• Yellow Top Urine Tube - 4mL
• Clear Top Urine Tube - 8mL

The Women's Health Profile specimens must be received within 14 days of collection.

• Organix Comprehensive - 8mL
• Organix Basic - 8mL
• Organix Dysbiosis - 8mL

The urine specimen must be received within 14 days of collection.

Many chronic health problems can be difficult to diagnose, especially when they involve nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, foggy thinking, malaise, gastrointestinal upset, joint aches,or sleep cycle disturbances. Standard medical tests are designed to identify disease states. Organic acid testing does not diagnose disease; it helps to give insight into the causes of disease. This profile helps to assess specific metabolic dysfunctions that we use to customize a nutritional program for you that will manage those areas in need of support. This program allows an approach that is beyond symptom management. Our goal is to identify dysfunctions related to metabolic impairments and nutritional deficiencies and correct them before disease is allowed to develop.

Yes. We are interested in the most concentrated urine sample, which would be your first morning urine. It is also the most appropriate sample to collect with regard to a representation of your metabolism.

Urine tests that require a reduction in fluid intake have such requirements because the results depend on a concentrated urine specimen. If the specimen is too dilute the laboratory will have to reject the test as the results will not be accurate. The requirements for fluid restriction are provided in the kit instructions. We ask that you follow the instructions to the best of your ability and use your best judgment. For example, a patient that exercises in the course of their day will lose fluids through sweating and they might need more than the reduced level recommended in the instructions. *Do not allow yourself to become overly dehydrated for the purposes of collecting a concentrated specimen.

No, the amount of preservative in the tube is very little - it might appear as condensation on the inside of the tube or might not be visible at all.

You can check with your local compounding pharmacist to see if they are able to compound the formula for you. If you would prefer, you can use Metabolic Maintenance, a company specializing in nutritional formulas and supplements. They can be reached at (800)772-7873.

The minimum specimen requirement for this test is 1.5mL of serum.

The specimen must be received within 21 days of collection.

The minimum specimen requirement for this is 1mL of serum.

The specimen must be received within 14 days of collection.

Metametrix measures 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D).

The minimum specimen requirement for this test is 1mL of serum.

The specimen must be received within 14 days of collection.

The minimum specimen requirement for this test is 4mL.

The specimen must be received within 7 days of collection.

The minimum requirement for this test is 6mL of urine.

This specimen must be received within 14 days of collection and must be kept frozen during that time.

No, the Poryphyrins Profile is designed to measure the effects of heavy metals and organotoxins on the porphyrins pathways.

No, the amount of preservative in the tube is very little - it might appear as condensation on the inside of the tube or might not be visible at all.

Serum. 6 mL minimum. Fasting blood draw into two SST Vacutainers.

3 Days Refrigerated. (Stable for 8 weeks frozen)

Serum. 6 mL minimum. Fasting blood draw into two SST Vacutainers.

3 Days Refrigerated. (Stable for 8 weeks frozen)

Whole blood, 2 x 7mL Vacutainer Sodium Fluoride tubes, 6.5mL minimum. Clotted samples  are unsuitable for analysis.

4 Days Refrigerated. Shipped overnight on freezer packs.

First morning urine in glass container. 2mL minimum.

5 Days (on freezer pack)