Diagnostic Tests

Beverly Medical Center
Integrative Medical Practice

Raleigh, NC and Triangle Area

Dr. Beverly Goode-Kanawati, D.O.

Sandra L. Britt MS, APRN, ANP-C

Diagnostic Tests allow for our team to get valuable risk factor information about your personal health.  Dr. Goode-Kanawati offers diagnostic tests to patients around the Raleigh, NC area.

Book Now:

Beverly Medical Center
Integrative Medical Practice

Raleigh, NC and Triangle Area

Dr. Beverly Goode-Kanawati, D.O.

Sandra L. Britt MS, APRN, ANP-C

Diagnostic Tests allow for our team to get valuable risk factor information about your personal health.  Dr. Goode-Kanawati offers diagnostic tests to patients around the Raleigh, NC area.

Book Now:

As part of our comprehensive evaluation process for each patient, we recommend and offer a variety of testing based on our patients needs.  In addition to a thorough health history, physical exam, and collaborative dialogue, these tests provide actionable information to help drive the most effective care for each individual.

Why so many different tests?

If you are experiencing health issues or symptoms that may have been overlooked over in the past, we want to identify the root cause(s).  You may be experiencing food allergies, nutrient deficiency, parasites, or even exposures to certain toxins and/or heavy metals. Testing is important to identify the cause of issues and rather than merely addressing symptoms.

Are these tests covered by my insurance?

Whether or not these tests are covered by your health insurance depends on your insurance provider and policy. To find out if your insurance does cover these tests, you will need to contact them directly.  Most of the blood tests that are ordered are covered under standard insurance policies and Medicare. Most of the specialty tests are not covered by insurance. 

24 Hour Comprehensive Hormone Profiling

24 Hour Comprehensive Hormone Profiling

24 Hour Comprehensive Hormone Profiling

Type of Test: 24 hour Urine Collection, Tests profile for 20 Hormones

Why Profiling? A profile provides in tabular format a group of data, which may reveal traits or characteristics, which might not be gleaned from single data points seen in isolation. Due to the large number and complex metabolic pathways of steroid hormones of both adrenal and gonadal origin, profiling has been a goal since the late 1960’s. However, clinical hormone testing has largely been confined to assaying one or the other primary hormone in either serum or urine by radioimmunoassay. A profile constructed by this approach is prohibitively expensive.

In recent years, gas chromatography coupled with unequivocal identification and quantification of steroids via mass spectrometry (GC/MS) has been the preferred approach to profiling. However, this strategy has largely been confined to universities and medical schools, owing to high equipment and personnel costs associated with operating this rather sophisticated equipment.

Striving to make state-of-the-art hormone profiling widely available the laboratory we use offers research quality testing to the ever-growing community of health care providers and their patients who recognize the importance of the delicate balance inherent in the production of hormones, their physiological actions and metabolism. It is well appreciated that besides playing pivotal roles in reproductive functions certain of these hormones and/or their metabolites have widespread effects on the central nervous system. There they may be involved in mediating, amongst other things, mood disorders including depression, sexual receptivity, appetite as well as cognitive and motor functions.

Hormones of Interest

Hormones in normal or pathophysiological states can be grouped into primary and secondary hormones. Primary steroids have recognized biological functions and include estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, cortisol and aldosterone. These, due to their low concentrations, present significant analytical obstacles. Progesterone for instance is not normally detectable in urine and thus does not lend itself to direct assay. In any case, measurements of primary steroids, either in combination or in isolation, give little information on possible errors or imbalances in biosynthetic pathways.

Profiling affords a means of providing significant information on the metabolic pathways of steroid hormones and is an answer to some of the shortcomings associated with analysis of primary and/or secondary steroids only. We have carefully conceived a profile of primary and secondary steroid hormones and their most important metabolites. The profile presently is comprised of more than 20 components and includes:

  • Estrone (E1)
  • Estradiol (E2)
  • Estriol (E3)
  • Testosterone
  • Androstanediol
  • Androstenedione
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
  • Androstenetriol (5-AT)
  • Androsterone (AN)
  • Etiocholanolone (ET)
  • Pregnenolone
  • Cortisone (E)
  • Tetrahydrocortisone (THE)
  • Tetrahydrocorticosterone (THB)
  • 5-Tetrahydrocorticosterone (5-THB)
  • Tetrahydro-11-dehydrocorticosterone (THA)
  • Cortisol (F)
  • Tetrahydrocortisol (THF)
  • 5-Tetrahydrocortisol (5-THF)

Source Credit: 2002 Rhein Consulting Laboratories

***The information presented herein is intended for healthcare professionals. Its purpose is educational and is not intended as a guide to diagnose or treat disease.

Expectations, & Insurance Coverage

Type of Test: 24-hour urine collection

Tests For: Hormone levels

Insurance Coverage

There is NO guarantee that insurance will cover this test. If it is covered the laboratory (not Beverly Medical Center since we are not doing the actual testing) can provide you with a Superbill to submit for reimbursement.  The laboratory name is Rhein Consulting.  You can request this paperwork by contacting the lab at 503-292-1988.

Results Turn-around Time

The lab will mail your results directly to Beverly Medical Center approximately  2-3 weeks after they receive your specimens in the mail.

Special Instructions Before Taking This Test

PLEASE NOTE:

If you are taking oral hormones or topical  hormone creams of any kind DO NOT take or use them the day before and the day of the collection for this test. If you are using a hormone patch continue use as normal.

Adrenal Stress Index

Adrenal Stress Index Information

General Information of Adrenal Stress Index Testing

If you are experiencing stress, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety or depression, it could mean that your adrenal glands are not functioning properly. Your adrenal glands are responsible for producing hormones you need, such as adrenaline and cortisol. Cortisol specifically aids you in managing stress among other important functions.

Sometimes, our adrenal glands don’t work as well as they are supposed to. Of which results in some abnormalities in energy production, bone growth, immunity, quality of sleep, regeneration of skin, thyroid function as well as muscle and joint functions.

According to DiagnosTechs, you should consult your doctor about Adrenal Stress Index testing if you are suffering from the following:

  • Chronic stress and stress-related health conditions
  • Fatigue or lack of energy
  • Anxiety or depression
  • Irritability or mood swings
  • Insomnia, sleep disturbances or difficulty waking
  • Difficulty losing weight
  • Poor memory or difficulty retaining information
  • Muscle and joint pain or weakness
  • Easy bruising or excessive stretch marks
  • Hypertension

***The information presented herein is intended for healthcare professionals. Its purpose is educational and is not intended as a guide to diagnose or treat disease.

Expectations, & Insurance Coverage

What to Expect for Adrenal Stress Index Test

Type of Test: Saliva

Tests For: This test will show the physician if your adrenal glands are functioning properly

Adrenal Stress Index Test Procedure

  1. Stop by Beverly Medical Center during business hours and pick up a test kit or test kit can be mailed to the patient’s home by calling the office at 919-844-4552 and placing an order and paying for the kit and shipping fee over the phone by credit card.
  2. Take the kit home and collect all necessary specimens and mail specimens directly to the lab in the provided shipping package that will come with the test kit.

Insurance Coverage

This test is not usually covered by insurance.  

Results Turn-around Time

The lab will mail your results directly to Beverly Medical Center approximately 2-3 weeks after they receive your specimens in the mail.

Special Instructions Before Taking This Test

Please review the important information below prior to performing the Adrenal Stress Index Test.

Antidepressants and Anxiety Medications

Stay on these medications during your test and as prescribed.

Steroid Hormones and Hydrocortisone

Discontinue 3-4 weeks prior to testing only under the supervision of your healthcare practitioner: 

  • Prednisone
  • Dexamethasone
  • Prednisone
  • Cortef or Hydrocortisone
  • Preparation-H
  • All hydrocortisone creams

Hormones and Prohormones

Discontinue 3-4 days prior to testing unless otherwise instructed by your Health Care Provider(s):

  • Adrenal Repair Supplements

Antihistamines and Decongestants

Discontinue 3-4 days prior to testing:

Singulair, Allegra-D, Zyrtec, Zyrtec-D, Claritin, Claritin-D, Benadryl Sudafed, Mucinex-D, Mucinex-DM, and Tanafed-X, or any over the counter antihistamine not listed here.

Antifungal and Yeast Medications

Discontinue 3-4 weeks prior to testing:

  • Nizoral
  • Diflucan
  • Mycelex Troche

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us during business hours via email (info@beverlymedicalcenter.com) or phone (919-844-4552)

LEAP/MRT

LEAP/MRT Information

What is MRT Testing

MRT stands for Mediator Release Test. All food-induced inflammatory reactions involve mediator release, which is the single most important event leading to all the negative effects you may be suffering, including symptom generation. There are 3 categories of diet-induced inflammatory reactions.

Food Allergy, Food-Induced Autoimmune Disease, and Food Sensitivities

Food and food-chemical sensitivities are highly complex non-allergic (non-IgE), non-celiac inflammatory reactions. They follow multiple inflammatory pathways and may be governed by either innate or adaptive immune mechanisms. There are a wide range of chronic inflammatory conditions wherein food and food-chemical sensitivities play either a primary or secondary role in generating inflammation and symptoms.

***The information presented herein is intended for healthcare professionals. Its purpose is educational and is not intended as a guide to diagnose or treat disease.

Expectations, & Insurance Coverage
  1. What to Expect for LEAP/MRT Food Testing

Type: Tests for 150-170 Food and Food-Chemical Sensitivities

Please call to request pricing.  Insurance does not cover this test. 

Procedure:

  1. Call the office at 919-844-4552 to schedule an appointment for a blood draw.
  2. Appointments are scheduled Monday-Thursday 08:30 – 11:00 Fridays 08:30-10:00

Results Turnaround Time

The lab will mail your results directly to Beverly Medical Center in approximately 2-3 weeks.

Special Instructions Before Taking This Test

PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR PRACTITIONER BEFORE STOPPING OR REDUCING ANY MEDICATION

Prior to testing, please follow the directions below:

  • Antihistamines-discontinue for 3 days.
  • Steroids-nasal sprays or inhalants discontinue for 72 hours.
  • Steroids/Corticosteroids-oral 10 days according to dose and length of treatment per practitioner.
  • No Adrenal Support Complex (supplement) morning of draw.
  • YOU DO NOT NEED TO FAST FOR THIS TEST.

ELISA/ACT

ELISA/ACT General Information

ELISA/ACT conducts a Lymphocyte Response Assay (LRA) test to detect delayed food and chemical allergies which is administered through a blood draw. The test examines your lymphocytes that indicate health and disease and also detects delayed food and chemical allergies.

 

The items that are tested for are:

  • Foods
  • Additives/preservatives
  • Environmental chemicals and toxic minerals
  • Molds
  • Dander’s, hairs and feathers
  • Medications
  • Therapies Herbs
  • Food Colorings

Learn more about the ELISA/ACT Test Here.

 

***The information presented herein is intended for healthcare professionals. Its purpose is educational and is not intended as a guide to diagnose or treat disease.

Expectations, & Insurance Coverage

Type of Test: Blood test

Tests For: Tests for food, chemical, metal, medication & mold allergies

ELISA/ACT Test

  1. Call the Office at 919-844-4552 to schedule an appointment for a blood draw. (See specific instructions to prepare for blood draw at the bottom of this page)
  2. Appointments are scheduled Monday-Thursday before 1:00pm.

Insurance Coverage

 Insurance does not cover this test.

Results Turn-around Time

The lab will mail your results directly to Beverly Medical Center in 2-3 weeks.

Special Instructions Before Taking This Test

IF YOU DO NOT FOLLOW THE BELOW INSTRUCTIONS, YOUR BLOOD CANNOT BE PROCESSED.

FOUR (4) DAYS PRIOR TO THE TEST

  • Stop taking steroids and cortisone pills and creams UNDER THE DIRECTION OF YOUR HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONER unless specifically advised by them to continue.   Ask your practitioner for the Steroid Bridge information to assist with the four-day avoidance.
  • Stop taking Enbrel (etanercept), Humira (adalimumab), Remicade (infliximab) and other TNF inhibitors under the direction of your healthcare practitioner. 
  • Wait two weeks after a cortisone injection. 
  • Include a complete list of any medications, vitamins, or herbs you have been taking with the sample.

NOTE:Theophylline (aminophylline) may, on rare occasions, interfere with the LRA by ELISA/ACT tests due to its mild antihistamine activity. Patients should be informed that the test may be rendered invalid (the controls show either false-positive or false-negative results). The patient should be given the option of either taking the test during a drug-free interval or taking the test anyway, and if invalid results occur, retaking the test at no additional charge.

TWO (2) DAYS (48 HOURS) PRIOR TO THE TEST

Stop taking all over-the-counter antihistamines, antihistamine-containing prescriptions, and aspirin (acetyl-salicylate) containing compounds such as: (See your doctor or pharmacist to review your medications’ aspirin content)

  • Alka Seltzer
  • Anacin
  • Arthritis Pain Formula
  • Bayer
  • Bufferin
  • Ursinus
  • Ecotrin
  • Empirin
  • Encaprin
  • Equagesic
  • Excedrin
  • Vanquish
  • Fiogesic
  • Measurin
  • Mido
  • Momentum
  • MonoGesic
  • Sleeping Aids
  • Percodan
  • Sine-Off
  • Synalgos-DC
  • Talwin Compound
  • Triacimicin

NOTE:Some topical shampoos, lotions, creams, etc. contain salicylic acid. While these should not interfere with the test, they should be avoided if possible during the 48-hour period to the test. Please also avoid eating fatty foods like nuts.

12 HOURS PRIOR TO THE TEST

  • Do not eat or drink anything except spring or distilled water.
  • Drink plenty of spring or distilled water up until the time of your blood draw.
  • Do not take vitamins or medications (other than those listed below) unless specifically advised by your doctor.
  • From the time of your evening meal until the test the following morning, brush your teeth with water only (no toothpaste).
  • Avoid smoking and other people’s smoke or any other exposure that may cause a reaction, including beauty products and toiletries.

THE EVENING BEFORE A MORNING BLOOD DRAW

  • Take a shower or bath around 8pm the evening before
  • Use regular soap and shampoo, nothing with deodorant, extra moisturizer, or conditioner
  • Do not use deodorants, body lotions, creams, saline solution, scented hand soap, lip balm, hair products, makeup or other beauty products
  • Only brush your teeth with water

ON THE MORNING OF THE BLOOD DRAW

  • Do not take another shower or use any beauty products or toiletries until after the test
  • Rinse your mouth with spring or distilled water
  • Do not eat breakfast or take any medications or vitamins prior to test

DURING THE 12-HOUR FAST, YOU MAY TAKE THE FOLLOWING MEDICATIONS

  • Birth control pills/estrogens
  • Insulin or other hormones (such as thyroid hormone)
  • Heart medications, except quinidine
  • Zovirax (acyclovir)
  • Blood pressure medications or water pills
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Coumadin (blood thinner)
  • Advil, Motrin, Tylenol, and other NSAIDs

If you have any questions about these instructions, please contact us during business hours via email (info@beverlymedicalcenter.com) or phone (919-844-4552)

GI Map

GI Map Information

Your gut health plays a vital role in mediating the effects of your diet and other health factors including metabolic, digestive, neuroendocrine and immune functions. With GI Map testing, we can discover the root cause of certain ailments. The GI Map (Microbial Assay Plus) is equipped with technology to detect bacteria, fungi, parasites and more by targeting specific genetic markers of those organisms.

Test For:

  • True DNA/PCR Assay
  • Quantitative PCR Pathogens (bacteria, parasites, and viruses)
  • Measures opportunistic organisms, normal flor, fungi, and parasites
  • Antibiotic Resistance Genes
  • Virulence Factors
  • Also tests for SIgA, Elastase, Calprotectin, and Anti-gliadin
  • Fecal Immunochemical Test (screening for colon cancer)
Expectations, & Insurance Coverage

Type of Test: Stool Collection

Procedure

  1. Stop by Beverly Medical Center during business hours and pick up a test kit or the test kit can be mailed to the patient’s home by calling the office at 919-844-4552 and paying by phone with a credit card. 
  2. Take the kit home, collect specimens and mail directly to the lab. All necessary shipping materials and paperwork are included in the test kit.

Insurance Coverage

There is NO guarantee that insurance or Medicare will cover this test, however we do encourage patients to contact their insurance company prior to testing, to verify if this is a covered benefit or not. If ins.verifies that it will be covered the lab will be happy to provide you with a Superbill that you can submit for reimbursement. This test can be covered by some forms of Medicare such as traditional Medicare with a supplement but not the Advantage plans. 

Results Turn-around Time

The lab will mail your results directly to Beverly Medical Center 2-3 weeks after they receive your specimens in the mail.

Special Instructions Before Taking This Test

Avoid taking aspirin two days prior to collection.

Heavy Metal Test with Mineral Analysis

Heavy Metal Test with Mineral Analysis Information

The Heavy Metals Test with Mineral Analysis detects and measures toxic metals and necessary minerals in urine. Since  the heavy metals test we order for our patients also comes with a mineral analysis so it can be seen which minerals you are lacking makes this test extremely valuable. Moving forward, with this information we can execute a plan of care to get your health on the right track.

The heavy metals in the environment that are most commonly found to be linked to health problems include:

  • Mercury
  • Lead
  • Cadmium
  • Arsenic

What are symptoms of Heavy Metal Toxicity?

Symptoms of heavy metal toxicity includes the following:

  • Tremors
  • Headaches
  • Infertility
  • Brain Fog
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Deteriorating eye health
  • Memory problems
  • Poor kidney function
  • Digestive problems
  • Tingling sensations in the hands, feet, and/or around the mouth
  • Poor immune function (frequent infections and autoimmune diseases)
Expectations, & Insurance Coverage

Type of Test: 6 hour urine collection

Tests For: Levels of Heavy Metals in body and levels of essential minerals in body

Procedure

  • Stop by Beverly Medical Center during business hours and pick up a test kit or test kit can be mailed to the patient home by calling the office at 919-844-4552.
  • At the time the test kit is picked up, a prescription is given for the medication used for this test. 
  • Take the kit and prescription home and collect all necessary specimens and mail specimens directly to the lab in the provided shipping package that will come with the test kit.

Insurance Coverage

This test is not generally covered by insurance. 

Results Turn-around Time

The lab will mail your results directly to Beverly Medical Center 2-3 weeks after they receive your specimens in the mail.

Special Instructions Before Taking This Test

PLEASE ASK FOR AND FOLLOW THE SPECIALIZED DIRECTIONS ON HOW PERFORM THIS TEST 

Abstain from the consumption of fish AND shellfish for 7 days prior to taking the test (fish oil is okay).

If you have any questions regarding the Heavy Metals Test or instructions, please contact us during business hours via email (info@beverlymedicalcenter.com) or phone (919-844-4552)

Hemoccult Testing

Hemoccult Test Information

What is Hemoccult Testing?

Hemoccult testing is done at home and is used to test the presence of occult blood hiding within stool. This blood can’t be seen to the naked eye after a bowel movement, thus it is an important screening tool to help with the early detection of colon cancer.

Expectations, & Insurance Coverage

What to Expect with a Hemoccult Test

Type of Test: Stool collection

Procedure

  1. Stop by Beverly Medical Center during business hours and pick up the test kit or have the kit mailed to your home by calling the office at 919-844-4552.
  2. Take the kit home and collect specimens and return them to the office via drop off or express mail.

Insurance Coverage

We encourage our patients to contact their insurance company prior to testing and give them the CPT code listed under the tests to verify if this is a covered benefit or not. 

Results Turn-around Time

The staff at Beverly Medical Center will conduct the test within the office lab. You should receive your results within 1-2 weeks.

OAT & Amino Acid Test (plus add-on panels for Toxins, Mycotoxins, Glyphosate)

OAT & Amino Acid Test Information

The OAT and Amino Acids test offers data on metabolic, nutritional, and neurological disorders. Analyzing different organic and amino acids from a urine sample, this test provides vital metrics of the possible causes and consequences of abnormalities along with nutritional data.

 

These tests provide a very broad range of information.  The OAT can illuminate issues with energy production, gut dysbiosis, nutrient deficiencies, neurotransmitter balance, and more.  The Amino Acid test helps identify deficiencies in specific categories of amino acids relating to detoxification, thyroid and endocrine health, and more.

 

Great Plains also offers add-on option to test for Toxins, Mycotoxins (from mold exposure), and Glyphosate.  Each of these may be a helpful addition if toxic exposure is suspected.

 

Source: Great Plains Laboratory  

Expectations, & Insurance Coverage

Type of Test: First morning urine collection.

Procedure

  1. Stop by Beverly Medical Center during business hours and pick up a test kit or the test kit can be mailed to the patient’s home by calling the office at 919-844-4552.
  2. Take the kit home, collect specimens and mail directly to the lab. All necessary shipping materials and paperwork are included in the test kit.

Insurance Coverage

This test is not generally covered by insurance. 

Results Turn-around Time

The lab will mail your results directly to Beverly Medical Center 2-3 weeks after they receive your specimens in the mail.

GPL-TOX

Collect 5 mL of first morning urine before food or drink. The night prior to collection and before going to bed please get as hot and sweaty as possible.

Test For:

  • Identifies a number of different toxic chemicals
  • Identifies a marker for mitochondrial disorder

COMBINATION ORGANIC ACID AND AMINO ACID TEST

Collect 35 ml of first morning urine before food or drink.

Tests for:

  • Indication of potential harmful genetic variations
  • More complete assessment of detoxification capacity
  • Evaluation of gastrointestinal function and intestinal dysbiosis
  • Will give a more complete insight into overall nutritional status
  • Reveals imbalances in neurotransmitters 

MYCOTOX PROFILE TEST

Collect 10 mL of first morning urine before food or drink.

Tests for a number of different mycotoxins from several species of mold

Special Instructions Before Taking This Test

Collect urine sample in the morning before consuming any food or drink. Follow instructions in test kit for specific panel being performed.

Parasite Testing

Parasite Test Information

How is Parasite Testing Conducted

Parasite testing is done at the lab in the Beverly Medical Center by a healthcare professional. The parasite test requires a  stool sample specimen brought in by the patient in a specimen container provided with the test kit.

Expectations, & Insurance Coverage

What to Expect with Parasite Testing

Type of Test: Stool Collection

Procedure

  1. Stop by Beverly Medical Center during business hours to pick up the text kit or the kit can be mailed to your home by calling 919-844-4552.
  2. Collect a stool sample into the specimen container provided.
  3. Bring stool sample and completed requisition form back to the office on Monday or Thursday. (Note: Sample must be kept refrigerated and no older than 48 hours)
  4. The sample then will be checked for parasites and other issues that can be seen in a microscopic specimen such as poorly digested food particles, yeast overgrowth,  and  amebas.  You will be contacted via phone with the results.

Insurance Coverage

This test is not covered by insurance.

Special Instructions Before Taking This Test

Follow test instructions as directed.