Q: I’m new at testing and trying to figure out which tests are important to start using in my practice. I was doing gut testing but seems like OAT is more comprehensive.
A: I always start with the OAT, and then complement it with a stool analysis is possible.
Q: Can you share the top two to three tests you use on patients initially?
A: I use the OAT, MycoTOX Profile, and Hair Heavy Metals. I will often add the IgG Food MAP too if possible. If there are a lot of gut symptoms too then a comprehensive digestive stool analysis is worthwhile as well.
Q: Do you recommend a biofilm disruptor prior to the Organic Acids Test?
A: No
Q: Does low pyroglutamic acid (on far left of scale) indicate adequate GSH?
A: Yes. The report indicates that low pyroglutamic has no known clinical significance, only high pyroglutamic.
Q: How do you treat a fatty acid metabolism problem?
A: A simple approach is L-carnitine supplementation. However, to go deeper, and this may be necessary for certain people, you need to determine what are the reasons behind the elevated fatty acid markers.
Q: How much elevated out of range could be considered as bad or negative?
A: For most markers, as I mentioned in my lecture, above the 2nd standard deviation line. There are exceptions such as high normal pyroglutamic in the view of known or suspected environmental chemical exposures that can indicate a worsening trend in glutathione status. The nuances within the OAT and the respective sections and certain markers become more obvious overtime and experience. A good example of this would be high normal HVA and low VMA, but an elevated HVA/VMA ratio. Even though the HVA and VMA are within their “normal” range, the ratio elevation indicates a developing block of the dopamine beta-hydroxylase or existing underactivity of this enzyme.
Q: If #7 is high and #21 is high, do you need to address dietary oxalates at all or is it more likely the candida?
A: Make this judgement based on the clinical picture of the individual. Not everyone needs to do the exact same thing for high oxalate. If they are symptomatic of oxalate, then a more aggressive program can be implemented. If you are picking up on high oxalate and they are not symptomatic and the arabinose is high too, then all they may need to do is treat the candida. If they are consuming high oxalate foods and the arabinose is high then addressing the candida and having them reduce high oxalate foods will usually take care of the elevated oxalate.
Q: In the first bacteria section, what markers are considered beneficial?
When do you order stool comprehensive test?
A: I feel a stool analysis is complementary to the OAT. The stool test will provide different and additional information. I always start with the OAT, but I have no problem doing a stool test as well.
Q: Is the OAT test still effective if a patient is on numerous psychiatric medications and supplements?
A: Yes, however, the medications may alter the neurotransmitter section, so you need to be aware of this.
Q: How do you conduct an OAT test on someone who is taking several medications/natural supplements?
A: I just have them do the test and make sure they follow the test instructions on what to avoid. Other than that, I personally do not have them stop medications or supplements.
