Functional
Lab Testing
A "normal" lab result doesn't always mean a healthy one. We read your labs through a functional lens and look at where values sit within the reference range, how they relate to each other, and what patterns they reveal. This approach looks at patterns and trends, not just whether a number is flagged. The result is a clearer picture of why you feel the way you do, and a treatment plan built on real answers instead of guesswork.
The short answer
Functional lab testing at Panka Natural Health means your naturopathic doctor reads your results for patterns, not just flags. We start with the labs you already have and recommend new tests only when they add to the picture. We offer DUTCH hormone, stool and SIBO, advanced cholesterol, and food sensitivity testing.
Ordered and interpreted by Dr. Haley Panka, ND, and Dr. Jacob Panka, ND, MS, naturopathic doctors trained in primary care at the National University of Natural Medicine.
Before we order anything new, we review the labs, imaging, and records you already have. That review is included in your visit, and it means we only recommend testing that genuinely adds to the picture, so you're not paying to repeat work that's already been done.
Below are some of the panels we order most often, organized by what they evaluate.
Nutrition and Metabolic Evaluation
Screening Metabolic Panels
Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency Testing
Cardiovascular Panels
Cholesterol Testing with Lipoprotein Particle Profile
Diabetes Panel
Micronutrient Panels
Organic Acids Test
Hormone Evaluation
Thyroid Foundations Panel
Extensive Thyroid Panel with Autoantibodies
Sex and Adrenal Hormones
Menstrual Cycle Mapping
Perimenopause Panel
Diurnal Cortisol Testing
Gut Health Evaluation
Intestinal Health Markers of Digestion and Inflammation
Food Allergy and Sensitivity Testing
Celiac and Gluten Sensitivity Testing
Gut Microbiome Abundance and Diversity Profile
Candida and Yeast Testing
H. Pylori Stool Antigen
SIBO Breath Test
Comprehensive Stool Analysis and Parasitology
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing for Prescriptive and Natural Agents
Brain and Neurologic Evaluation
Neurotransmitters
Amino Acids
Markers of Inflammation, Neurologic, and Cardiovascular Health
COMT, MTHFR, and other SNPs involved in DNA methylation
Environmental Allergy Testing
Trees, Pollen, and Grasses
Mold
Dust
Pet and Farm Animals
Comprehensive Health Exposure Panel
Environmental Toxins, Heavy Metals, and Mold
Pollutants (styrenes, phthalates, vinyl chloride, benzene, gasoline additives, etc.)
Pesticides
Mold and Mycotoxins
Mold Allergy Testing
Heavy Metal Testing
Common questions about lab testing
How do you decide which tests I need?
We start with the labs, imaging, and records you already have. That review is included in your visit. We only recommend a new test when it adds to the picture, so you're not paying to repeat work that's already been done.
Does insurance cover lab testing?
We're a direct-pay practice and out-of-network with all insurers. Your other providers may be able to order some tests through insurance, or you can pay cash for testing through us. Either way, you'll know what a test costs before we order it. Medicare and Medicaid don't reimburse naturopathic services in Minnesota.
What happens after my results come back?
We go over every result with you, explain what each finding means for you, and build your plan around what we found. Questions between visits can go to your doctor through the Charm portal.
Can I do testing if I don't live near Hopkins?
Yes, as long as you're in Minnesota or Wisconsin during your visits, which can be by video. We'll go over which tests are available where you live.
What happens after your labs?
We review every result with you in detail, explain what each finding means in context, and build a treatment plan tailored specifically to what we found, no "your labs look normal, see you in a year."
