Detoxification Test
This test is only be done with a doctor’s consent
One of the chief organs responsible for cleansing the body is the liver. The liver uses two pathways for breaking down and eliminating toxins that can come from food, water, air or drugs. In our hectic, industrialized world, this flow of toxins can overwhelm the liver’s ability to detoxify, allowing these noxious substances to accumulate. This test assesses the capacity of the liver to cope with all of these toxins.
How does the test work?
Three compounds, namely caffeine, acetaminophen (paracetamol) and acetylsalicylic acid (asprin), are taken to challenge the liver’s detoxification pathways and hence assess its capacity.
Saliva and urine are analysed for the breakdown products of the three compounds to determine how well the liver can convert and clear toxins from the body.
Symptoms which may suggest the need to test your detoxification capacity
- Constipation and bad breath
- Gallstones
- Liver conditions
- Skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis and acne
- Unexplained itching
- Brain fog
- Premature aging
- Sensitivity to medications, perfumes, detergents.
Who should use the detoxification capacity test?
- Smokers or people exposed to second-hand smoke
- People who consume regular or excessive amounts of alcohol
- People who are regularly exposed to fumes from exhausts, or other toxic chemicals at home or work
- People who regularly take over-the-counter, prescription or recreational drugs (including the pill, HRT and antibiotics)
- People with bacterial or yeast overgrowths in the digestive tract
Poor detoxification has been implicated in a wide range of conditions, such as
- Multiple allergies/ intolerances
- Sinus problems
- Auto-immune conditions such as SLEand rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic fatigue
- Breast cancer
- Fibromyalgia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Gilbert’s syndrome
- Chronic headaches
- Digestive disorders, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and IBS
What is being measured
The test evaluates: Phase I and phase II activity in the liver checking for
- caffeine clearance
- acetaminophen derivatives
- salicylate derivatives Acetaminophen derivatives:
- Acetaminophen mercapturate
- Acetaminophen sulfate
- Acetaminophen glucuronide
- Caffeine Clearance
- Salicylate derivatives:
- Salicyluric acid
Specimen requirements
Urine and saliva samples
Before Taking this Test
Inform practitioner about health conditions and medications
Discontinue aspirin and acetaminophen (for 24 hours)
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, fruits, nuts, spices, and seasonings
Fast 10 hours overnight (before urine collection)
Arrange return samples Monday-Wednesday only
See instructions inside test kit for details
Turnaround Time
14 days
This test is only be done with a Doctor’s consent