Deep Insights Through Advanced Testing

What is Functional Pathology?

Functional pathology tests are used to investigate functional, biochemical, nutritional, metabolic and hormonal status. The results provide essential information to assist the practitioner in the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients seeking a holistic approach to health.

The tests are designed so patients can collect specimens in the privacy of their own homes. Functional pathology testing provides a tool for early intervention, management and monitoring of ongoing treatment efficacy.

Our Testing Categories

Food Intolerance & Allergy Testing

Identify hidden food sensitivities that may be driving inflammation, digestive issues, skin problems, headaches, and fatigue.

• IgG & IgA Food Intolerance — 96 Foods General ($290–$320)
• IgG, IgA & IgE General Foods Panel ($320–$360)

Gastrointestinal Testing

Comprehensive assessment of your digestive health, gut microbiome, intestinal permeability, and coeliac status.

Complete Microbiome Mapping Test

The Complete Microbiome Mapping Test was designed to assess a patient's microbiome from a single stool sample, with particular attention to microbes that cause disease or that disrupt normal microbial balance and contribute to perturbations in the GI flora and contribute to illness.

The panel is a comprehensive collection of microbial targets as well as immune and digestive markers. It screens for pathogenic bacteria, commensal bacteria, opportunistic pathogens, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Common conditions assessed include IBS/IBD, abdominal cramps or pain, leaky gut symptoms, SIBO, allergies, weakness, diarrhoea, bloating, and fatigue.

View sample report (PDF)

Complete Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA levels 1–5)

The CDSA is a functional test that provides an overview of the components of digestion, absorption, intestinal function and microbial flora, as well as identifying pathogenic bacteria, parasites and yeasts. Poor digestive function and imbalanced gut flora may play a crucial role in the underlying cause of a number of health conditions.

The CDSA Level 3 expands on the CDSA Level 2 with the addition of digestive and metabolic markers such as pancreatic elastase (PE-1). It is recommended for patients with diffuse and non-specific GI-related symptoms such as IBS, indigestion, dysbiosis, constipation, and diarrhoea. This profile also includes sensitivity testing — when colonising bacteria or yeasts are detected, they are tested against natural anti-microbial and prescription anti-fungal agents.

View sample report (PDF)

Intestinal Permeability (IP)

The Intestinal Permeability test, also referred to as a "leaky gut" test, is a precise and non-invasive method for assessing gastrointestinal mucosal integrity. Damage to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract is common in people with conditions such as food sensitivity, IBS, Crohn's disease, arthritis, coeliac disease and dermatological conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.

The IP is a challenge test using Lactulose and Mannitol.

View IG sample report (PDF) | View SR sample report (PDF)

Other GI tests: Coeliac Profile ($80–$120), Paediatric Biome ($280–$320)

Stress & Hormonal Testing

Assess your adrenal function, sex hormones, thyroid status, and sleep quality to understand the hormonal drivers of your symptoms.

• Adrenocortex Stress Profile — Extensive ($230–$270)
• ENDO MAP / SCAN / STAT ($180–$250)
• Female Hormone Profile — Extensive ($280–$330)
• Male Hormone Profile — Extensive ($250–$300)
• Thyroid — Extensive ($120–$160)

Reverse T3 (rT3)

Thyroid hormones are essential in maintaining and regulating the body's metabolism. Triiodthyronine (T3) is the most active of the thyroid hormones. Approximately 85% of circulating T3 is produced by monodeiodination of thyroxine (T4) in tissues such as liver, muscle and kidney. Selenium and zinc are required for this process.

Reverse T3 (rT3) is an inactive form of T3 produced particularly during periods of stress. Under certain conditions, more rT3 is produced and the desirable conversion of T4 to T3 decreases. This occurs during fasting, starvation, illness, and during times of increased stress. An increased production of rT3 is often seen in patients with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Wilson's Thyroid Syndrome and stress.

Reverse T3: $80–$110 | Sleep Profile: $200–$250

Genetic & Cardiovascular Testing

Identify genetic predispositions and assess your cardiovascular risk factors for personalised prevention strategies.

MTHFR Gene Testing

The MTHFR gene (Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase) is a key enzyme required to metabolise homocysteine. High homocysteine levels are recognised as a risk factor for coronary artery disease, venous thrombosis and stroke, Type 2 Diabetes, obesity, neural tube defects, recurrent miscarriage, Autism Spectrum Disorders, depression and other mood disorders. The major cause of high homocysteine levels is folate deficiency.

MTHFR: $80–$120 | MyDNA Comprehensive Health Report: $290–$340

Cardiovascular

• Cardiovascular Profile — Comprehensive 2 ($180–$220)
• Liposcreen — LDL Subfractions, Oxidised LDL & HDL ($160–$200)

Nutritional Analysis

Identify nutritional deficiencies and imbalances affecting your energy, immune function, and overall health.

• Copper, Ceruloplasmin & Zinc ($90–$130)
• Iodine Loading & Urine Elements ($110–$150)
• Nutristat ($280–$340)

Hair Mineral Analysis (HMA)

Hair mineral analysis is a safe, non-invasive test that measures the levels and comparative ratios of nutrients and toxic metals found in hair. HMA can detect whether there is an excess or deficiency of vital nutrient minerals such as calcium, potassium, zinc and iron. It can also identify over-exposure to toxic metals such as aluminium, lead, arsenic and mercury. This test provides a reading of the minerals deposited in the cells and interstitial spaces of the hair over a 2–3 month period.

Environmental & Mental Health Testing

Assess environmental toxin exposure, neurotransmitter levels, and metabolic markers linked to mental health.

• ALL Tox Profile ($350–$420)
• Drinking Water — Minerals & Metals ($120–$160)
• Heavy Metal Analysis ($130–$170)
• Neurotransmitters — Advanced ($280–$330)
• Organic Acids — Metabolic & Environmental ($240–$290)
• Pfeiffer Profile — Extensive ($200–$250)

Your Nutripath Testing Process

1. Your naturopath selects the right tests and sets everything up through the Nutripath online portal on your behalf
2. Nutripath contacts you directly via email and/or text with a payment request — complete payment promptly so your kit can be sent out
3. Once payment is made, Nutripath posts your test kit directly to your home address
4. Read through all instructions carefully — more than once — before collecting your sample. Blood tests are collected at your nearest QML Pathology collection centre; stool, urine and saliva tests are completed at home
5. Use the express post return envelopes. Posting Monday or Tuesday ensures your sample arrives at Nutripath's Melbourne lab by end of that week
6. Nutripath analyses your sample and sends results to your naturopath, who prepares a full interpretation for you
7. You receive an email to book your results consultation through Cliniko

Please note: Prices are approximate and based on current Nutripath public pricing. They are subject to change. Your naturopath will confirm the exact cost before any test is ordered. Functional pathology testing is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance in most cases.