Labs: Functional Testing
Discover our range of lab tests, available on their own or alongside treatment, to help you better understand your digestive health, wellbeing and nutritional needs.
Understanding Lab Testing
Lab testing can offer clearer insight into digestion, food reactions, nutrient levels and other factors that may influence your wellbeing.
Lab testing can be a useful tool when symptoms are difficult to understand or narrow down. Food intolerances, bloating, digestive discomfort, constipation, skin reactions, brain fog, low energy and nutrient imbalances can have many possible contributing factors, which is why testing can sometimes offer clearer insight.
At NATPATH, selected lab tests are available to explore areas such as food intolerance, gut health, breath testing and annual blood screening. These tests may help identify patterns that are not always obvious through symptoms alone, especially when reactions are delayed, change from day to day or involve several possible causes.
The aim is to add another layer of information, helping to guide more personalised nutrition, lifestyle and treatment recommendations. Where results suggest something that needs medical follow-up, clients are advised to speak with their GP.
Food Intolerance Details
Annual Health Screening
Who is it best for?
This test may be suitable for clients who want a broad overview of their general health, or who are experiencing fatigue, low energy, nutrient concerns, blood sugar changes, cholesterol concerns or changes in overall wellbeing.
What is it?
This is a comprehensive blood test measuring 39 key blood markers to give a wider picture of general health, nutrient status and important wellbeing markers.
Areas assessed may include:
• Cholesterol and triglyceride markers
• Blood sugar marker: HbA1c
• Liver function markers
• Inflammation marker
• Vitamin D
• Active vitamin B12 and folate
• Iron status markers
• Full blood count markers
What’s included?
Blood sample collection at the clinic where required, laboratory analysis, written laboratory report and results review. Where results suggest something that may need medical follow-up, clients are advised to speak with their GP.
Comprehensive Stool Test
Who is it best for?
This test may be suitable for clients experiencing ongoing bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, reflux, IBS-type symptoms, food reactions, fatigue, skin concerns or recurring digestive issues.
What is it?
This is an advanced and comprehensive stool analysis that looks at key areas of digestive function, gut inflammation and microbiome balance.
Areas assessed may include:
• Digestion and absorption
• Gut inflammation markers
• Immune activity in the gut
• Microbiome balance
• Yeast, fungal and parasitology markers
• Blood in stool markers
• Selected pathogen markers, where appropriate
What’s included?
At-home stool collection kit, laboratory analysis, written laboratory report and results review.
Where results suggest something that may need medical follow-up, clients are advised to speak with their GP.
Food Intolerance Test
Who is it best for?
This test may be suitable for clients who suspect certain foods are contributing to bloating, digestive discomfort, tiredness, headaches, skin flare-ups, brain fog or changes in bowel habits.
What is it?
This is a food-specific IgG blood test using a finger-prick sample. It can help highlight foods that may be worth exploring as part of a structured dietary plan.
Areas assessed may include:
• Food-specific IgG reactions
• A broad range of foods and drinks
• Clear food reactivity categories
• Possible dietary patterns linked to symptoms
• Results considered alongside your symptoms, food history and overall health picture
What’s included?
At-home finger-prick test kit, laboratory analysis, written laboratory report and results review.
SIBO Breath Test
Who is it best for?
This test may be suitable for clients experiencing persistent bloating, abdominal distension, excessive gas, constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, symptoms after carbohydrates or FODMAP foods, suspected SIBO or IBS-type symptoms.
What is it?
This is a non-invasive breath test used to assess hydrogen and methane gas patterns linked to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and methane-related digestive patterns.
Areas assessed may include:
• Hydrogen gas patterns
• Methane gas patterns
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth patterns
• Methane-related constipation patterns
• Symptoms linked to carbohydrates or FODMAP foods
• IBS-type digestive patterns
What’s included?
At-home breath test kit, laboratory analysis, written laboratory report and results review.
Where results suggest something that may need medical follow-up, clients are advised to speak with their GP.
Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance
Understanding the difference is important, and the table below highlights the key points to know.
Food Allergy
- Involves the immune system (IgE antibodies)
- Symptoms appear quickly (within minutes to hours)
- Can be life-threatening (anaphylaxis)
- Even small amounts can trigger reaction
- Examples: peanuts, shellfish, sesame seeds, nuts
Food Intolerance
- Does not involve immune system (IgG antibodies)
- Symptoms may be delayed (up to 72 hours)
- Not life-threatening but uncomfortable
- Small amounts may be tolerated
- Examples: gluten, eggs, yeast, fruit
Important Note
Food intolerance testing is not suitable for medical diagnosis or for diagnosing food allergies. If you suspect a food allergy, especially one that causes severe or immediate reactions, please consult your GP or an allergy specialist for appropriate testing and medical advice. Food allergy testing is also available on request. Once results are received, they will be shared with you so you can discuss them with your GP or allergy specialist.
Common Symptoms of Food Intolerance
Do any of these symptoms sound familiar?
Digestive Issues
- Bloating and gas
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea
- IBS symptoms
- Indigestion
Systemic Symptoms
- Headaches or migraines
- Fatigue and low energy
- Joint or muscle pain
- Brain fog
- Mood changes
- Weight fluctuations
Skin & Other
- Skin rashes or hives
- Eczema flare-ups
- Acne or breakouts
- Itchy skin
- Dark circles under eyes
- Water retention
How Lab Testing Works
A simple process with valuable insights.
Choose Your Test
Select the test that best fits your health concerns and wellbeing goals. This may be done independently or with practitioner guidance.
Sample Collection
Your sample is collected either at home or at the clinic, depending on the type of test and the instructions provided.
Laboratory Analysis
Your sample is sent to a certified laboratory for analysis, with results prepared in a written report.
Results Review
You’ll receive your results with a review to help explain the findings and guide your next steps.
Choose Your Lab Test
Food Intolerance Test
Test + results review
Finger-prick blood sample
Comprehensive Stool Test
Test + results review
Stool sample
Annual Health Screening
Phlebotomy where required
Blood sample
SIBO Breath Test
Test + results review
Breath samples
Discover Your Food Triggers Today
Book your food intolerance test and start your journey to better digestive health