With the ongoing physician shortages in Dawson Creek, accessing timely care can be difficult. Our goal is to help bridge that gap wherever possible. Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) have a broad scope of practice that includes ordering and interpreting a range of laboratory and diagnostic tests.

Testing, alongside a comprehensive medical intake and physical examination, is essential for accurate assessment and diagnosis. It helps us understand what's happening beneath the surface and guides personalized treatment planning.

It's also important for patients to understand the specific types of testing we are authorized to order, as well as those that must be arranged through a medical doctor or specialist.

Testing Within Our Scope

Naturopathic doctors in British Columbia undergo extensive training and are qualified to order and interpret many types of laboratory testing. As naturopathic care is provided privately outside of Medical Services Plan of BC (MSP), testing is typically paid out of pocket unless covered by your extended health insurance. All bloodwork is done through LifeLabs, there is a LifeLabs location in Dawson Creek, but bloodwork ordered through us can be completed at any LifeLabs in the province.

Standard laboratory blood work includes but is not limited to:

  • Nutrient status (eg. iron, B12, and vitamin D)
  • Thyroid function (TSH, T3, T4, antibodies)
  • Hormone testing (eg. estrogen, progesterone, LH, FSH, bioavailable testosterone)
  • Diabetes markers (Hba1c, fasting glucose, and fasting insulin)
  • Cholesterol and cardiovascular markers (lipid panel, Apolipoprotein B)
  • Liver and kidney function
  • H. pylori testing (breath, stool, or blood)
  • Autoimmune testing (ANA, RA, Anti-CCP, ENA)
  • Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR)
  • Blood cell panel (CBC)

Other standard laboratory testing:

  • Standard stool testing for gastrointestinal infections
  • Urine testing for UTIs, kidney function, and certain STIs
  • Vaginal swabs and pap testing
  • Throat swab and culture, including rapid strep testing

Functional testing:

  • Comprehensive stool analysis, including parasite testing
  • Salivary hormone testing (eg. Cortisol, menopause testing)
  • SIBO breath testing

Imaging:

  • Ultrasound

Testing Outside Our Scope

Some investigations must be ordered through a family physician or specialist.

Advanced Imaging:

  • X-ray
  • MRI
  • CAT scan

Surgical or invasive diagnostics:

  • Scopes – such as colonoscopy, laparoscopy, endoscopy
  • Skin biopsy
  • Cervical biopsy

If you're seeking a medical family doctor or nurse practitioner, you can register for one here.

If you'd like to make an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors, you can book online or by calling the office.

For detailed regulatory information, please refer to the standards published by the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC.

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