The testing portfolio
Functional testing, explained.
Functional testing measures how your body's systems are working — so you can see the patterns standard panels miss. Here are the three modalities behind our family, what each measures, and the real lab method behind it.
GI-MAP — Comprehensive Stool Analysis
The GI-MAP is a stool test that uses qPCR DNA analysis to detect and quantify gut microbes and digestive markers — mapping pathogens, commensal bacteria, opportunists, and key immune and digestion signals.
Lab: Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory
What it measures
- Pathogenic bacteria, parasites, and viruses
- Commensal and opportunistic flora balance
- Digestion markers (e.g. pancreatic elastase)
- Inflammation and immune markers (calprotectin, secretory IgA)
What it can't tell you
It maps what's present in a stool sample at a point in time. It does not diagnose disease on its own — results are a starting point for your provider.
Who it's for
Anyone with ongoing digestive symptoms, or whose hormonal or skin concerns may trace back to the gut.
DUTCH — Comprehensive Hormone Testing
The DUTCH test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones) uses LC-MS/MS to measure sex and adrenal hormones along with their metabolites — adding a layer of detail that blood or saliva alone don't capture.
Lab: Precision Analytical, Inc.
What it measures
- The daily free-cortisol rhythm and cortisol awakening response
- Sex hormones — estrogens, progesterone, androgens
- Hormone metabolites and metabolism pathways
- Organic acid and related markers (panel-dependent)
What it can't tell you
It characterizes hormone patterns from dried urine. It is not a diagnosis; interpret it with your healthcare provider.
Who it's for
Adults navigating hormone-related symptoms who want objective, metabolite-level data.
HTMA — Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a screening tool that surveys mineral status and heavy-metal exposure from a small hair sample, offering a window into longer-term mineral patterns.
Lab: Accredited mineral-analysis laboratory
What it measures
- Nutrient mineral levels (e.g. magnesium, zinc, calcium)
- Mineral ratios and patterns
- Heavy-metal exposure markers
What it can't tell you
HTMA is a functional screening tool, not a clinical diagnostic. It indicates patterns worth exploring — it does not diagnose deficiency or toxicity on its own.
Who it's for
People interested in a longer-term view of mineral status and exposure as part of a fuller picture.
At a glance
Three tests, three systems.
A quick comparison of what each modality looks at and the methodology behind it.
| GI-MAP | DUTCH | HTMA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| System | Gut & microbiome | Hormones | Minerals |
| Sample | Stool | Dried urine | Hair |
| Method | qPCR DNA analysis | LC-MS/MS | Mineral & heavy-metal analysis |
| Lab | Diagnostic Solutions | Precision Analytical | Accredited mineral lab |
| Availability | US & Canada | Canada | Canada |
Questions
Functional testing FAQ
Functional testing is laboratory testing that measures how your body's systems are working — gut, hormones, minerals — rather than only screening for diagnosed disease. It's designed to surface patterns and imbalances early so you can act on data.
No. Functional testing complements conventional care. It provides data and insight; it does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. We encourage you to share your results with your primary healthcare provider.
Each test is ordered through its dedicated property — GI-MAP for the US and Canada, the DUTCH test in Canada, and HTMA in Canada. This page links out to each. Real Health Diagnostics is the education hub; the properties handle ordering and logistics.