Genova Diagnostics offer the most comprehensive range of diagnostic procedures and some of the most advanced diagnostic services currently available in the UK. They are a fully recognised laboratory that has been established since 1994.

Thyroid UK is now working with Genova Diagnostics Europe in order to bring a range of tests to you where you can receive your own results. We receive a small commission for recommending Genova Diagnostics which helps us in our campaigning.

Please Note:
If you order tests from Genova Diagnostics, your results will be sent directly to you. However, Thyroid UK will be named as your practitioner. Unfortunately, this does not mean that Thyroid UK are qualified to interpret the test results for you. This should only be done by your own personal physician.

Thyroid UK will automatically receive a copy of your results to help us with our research. If you do not want us to have a copy of your results please inform Genova Diagnostics when you send your test to them.

Genova Diagnostics are the leading specialists in the fields of: allergy & food intolerance, hormonal balance, digestive analysis, and nutritional assessments. Their clinical laboratory tests offer prevention, early assessment, and management of complex chronic disease and maintenance of optimal health.

Genova Diagnostics aim to establish and maintain the highest professional standards in functional testing and is committed to helping as many people as possible to achieve optimal well-being.

Genova Diagnostics is a centre of excellence overseen by their consultant, who is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists. The Scientific Director, a Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science, is a leading clinical immunologist who runs the day to day operation of the laboratory.  The laboratory is regulated by NEQAS (National External Quality Assessment Scheme) and is recognised by health insurance companies. With a referral from a GP it may be possible for the patient to claim on their policy.

Thyroid UK can offer you the following tests, which include an interpretation report:

Thyroid Blood Profile:
TSH/TT4/FT4/FT3/Antithyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPOAb)/Antithyroglobulin Antibody(TgAb)
£50.00(Order Code: TUK1) (Discounted price for TUK only)

If you have read our Information Pack, you will now know that we believe doctors should be using all the tests available to look for thyroid disease. Unfortunately, this does not happen and we have therefore arranged for you to be able to test yourselves with all the thyroid tests including FT3 and antibodies. People are often a little confused about thyroid antibody testing.

Antithyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPOAb) - These are found raised in Hashimoto’s disease - otherwise known as autoimmune thyroiditis.  Here the cells of the thyroid gland are attacked and slowly destroyed. Patients with these antibodies present either have Hashimoto’s, or are going to have it with subsequent reduction of thyroid function. (Elevated levels are found in virtually all cases of Hashimoto’s disease and they will also be raised in 65% of patients with Graves’ disease.)

Antithyroglobulin Antibody (TgAb) - These levels rise as well as the TPO Ab levels in autoimmune thyroiditis, but to a lesser degree.

Another group of antibodies, Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI Ab) exert their effect by targeting the TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) receptors in the thyroid gland, and activate them abnormally, thus stimulating the thyroid gland to overproduce thyroid hormones. This of course is Graves’ disease and these Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulins are the chief cause of it.

Although this may all sound logical and clear, life being what it is means that both the thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin antibodies and the antithyroid peroxidase antibodies may both be present in an autoimmune (Hashimoto’s) thyroiditis and in Graves’ disease in some degree at least.

Some family members may all have raised levels of all three antibody types, yet not have any clinical symptoms. This may well be that the thyroid is not too badly affected so far, and can compensate for the present. Nevertheless, these family members are at risk, perhaps later on, and should have follow up checks every six months or a year or so. Any level of antibody titre should be regarded as at least potentially suspicious of future illness.

T3/T4 24hr Urine Test
£85.00 (Order Code: TUK2)

Most of you are by now aware that the usual blood tests done to test thyroid function are FT4, FT3 and TSH. We have found, however, that there is another form of testing that seems to show exactly what your thyroid function is. Laboratory blood test techniques give information only about the hormonal status of a patient at a particular point in time. The elevation of hormone levels in urine however, assesses tissue exposure to thyroid hormones over a 24-hour period. 

Doctors Baisier, Hertoghe and Eeckhaut conducted a research study to evaluate and compare laboratory indices of thyroid function. They reviewed the records of all the hypothyroid patients seen in a private practice in Antwerp, Belgium between may 1984 and July 1997 - 882 patients. 237 of these patients were also followed up during replacement therapy.

The doctors composed a list of generally accepted symptoms to use as an objective base for reflecting the clinical status of the patient. They noticed that a small series of the most frequently seen symptoms could be isolated so they compared this restricted list of main symptoms before and after treatment and then correlated these data with the blood tests serum T4, serum T4/thyroid binding globulin and the 24hr urine Free T3 test.

They wanted to assess the correlation between symptoms, treatment and urinary excretion of free T3. The conclusion of the study was that “The 24hr urine free T3 test seems to be a reliable test, more accurate than the serum T4, serum free T4 and serum TSH test in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases and their follow up under treatment. It correlates well with the clinical status of the patient and is not influenced by binding globulins. A series of main symptoms can be used as an efficient tool in the discovery of thyroid disease.”

Urine tests are easy to do in the comfort of your own home. You simply collect your urine over a period of 24 hours in a clean container, draw some urine into a syringe, package it up and send it direct to the lab. Full instructions are given, so there’s no need to worry about how to do the test.
 
If you have read our Information Pack, you will realise how important vitamins and minerals are in respect of the smooth running of your thyroid. They are needed both to produce, convert and utilise thyroid hormones. We therefore suggest that you not only have your thyroid tested, but your mineral status too as you may be able to revert your thyroid back to normal without the use of hormone replacement. Too many people rely on processed foods these days and this is a common reason for the thyroid to misbehave!

Reverse T3 test
£60.00 (Order Code: TUK 3)

We know that the thyroid produces T4, most of which is converted outside of the thyroid gland into T3. However, some T4 is converted into Reverse T3, which is produced as a way to help clear some T4 from the body. Dr Lowe tells us, “Under normal conditions, cells continually convert about 40% of T4 to T3. They convert about 60% of T4 to reverse-T3. Hour-by-hour, conversion of T4 continues with slight shifts in the percentage of T4 converted to T3 and reverse-T3. Under normal conditions, the body eliminates reverse-T3 rapidly. Other enzymes quickly convert reverse-T3 to T2 and T2 to T1, and the body eliminates these molecules within roughly 24-hours.  Under certain conditions, the conversion of T4 to T3 decreases, and more reverse T3 is produced from T4. Three of these conditions are food deprivation (as during fasting or starvation), illness (such as liver disease), and stresses that increase the blood level of the stress hormone called cortisol. At these times, conversion of T4 to T3 decreases about 50%, and conversion of T4 to reverse-T3 increases about 50%. The reduced T3 level that occurs during illness, fasting, or stress slows the metabolism of many tissues. Because of the slowed metabolism, the body does not eliminate reverse-T3 as rapidly as usual. The slowed elimination from the body allows the reverse-T3 level in the blood to increase considerably.”

It might be a good idea to make sure that you are converting in the correct way and then look at ways, perhaps, to change your lifestyle.

We have had some doctors inform us, “All the thyroid tests come back under-active, so there must be something wrong with it.” We feel that this is probably because most people that do the test are ill. However, although most of the results show underactivity, some do come back ‘normal’.

Your GP will probably not have heard about the urine tests and will therefore not understand them. You may need to visit one of the doctors on our list if your results show up a problem.

Because of the controversy surrounding the urine test, we have decided to do a study correlating blood, urine and saliva testing. We will keep you informed of how this is going but should you wish to donate to our Urine Test Study fund, we would be most appreciative.

Adrenal Stress Index (ASI)
£70 - (Code: HOR01)
Since the thyroid and the adrenals are linked and failing health in one can disrupt the other, it would be a good idea to look at your adrenal status. Stress can have a profound effect on our emotional and physical well-being, affecting everyone at some point and causing symptoms ranging from weight gain, depression, digestive problems and many more. Continued imbalance of stress hormones can wear the body down, triggering chronic fatigue. A powerful, precise and non-invasive assay, the adrenal stress test serves as a reliable marker of the stress response and is a critical tool for revealing adrenal imbalances that may be subtly or dramatically influencing your health. The test, which simply requires 4 saliva samples, accurately reflects the levels of hormones by detecting the free fraction (bioactive) component of those functions at a cellular level.

If you suffer from one or more of the following symptoms you should consider the ASI test.

• PMS, cravings, weight gain, weight loss, abdominal obesity, inexplicable hunger
• Increased number of minor infections, and viruses (e.g. thrush, cystitis, colds, flu)
• Poor concentration and memory, low energy, insomnia, depression, loss of libido
• Headaches, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks, nervousness and/ or irritability
• Digestive disturbances (diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, stomach aches/ pains)
• Increased sensitivities to food, alcohol intolerance
• Skin problems (eczema, psoriasis)

We are all individual and stress can cause many other symptoms.

Comprehensive Adrenal Stress Index
£90 (Code: HOR02)

This test comprises of the above Adrenal Stress Index Test plus a Secretory IgA (SIgA) test. Secretory IgA (SIgA) is found in saliva in the mouth, throughout the gastrointestinal tract and in mucous secretions throughout the body. SIgA, working with our immune system, provides our first line of defence against bacteria, food toxins, fungus, parasites and viruses. A deficiency of SIgA is the most common cause of immunodeficiency. Low levels increase our susceptibility to infection and may be a fundamental cause of many health conditions such as Coeliac Disease, chronic infections, Crohn's Disease, candidiasis, food intolerances, allergies, autism and other behavioural problems. Very high levels of sIgA can also be found in people who have chronic infections and whose immune system is overloaded or hypersensitive. Lifestyle, stress and nutritional factors can all influence sIgA levels.

The Menopause Profile
£120.00 (Code: TUK7)
Progesterone; Oestradiol; Progesterone/oestradiol; ratio 2- Hydroxyoestrogens (sum of 2-hydroxyoestradioland 2-hydroxyoestrone); 16- alpha- hydroxyoestrone; Bone Collagen Peptide (deoxypyridinoline or DPD); Creatinine

Testosterone Saliva Test
£65.00(Order Code: HOR07)
Testosterone is an androgenic hormone found in both men and women, being produced by the testes and the adrenal glands. The testes produce large amounts of testosterone and consequently testosterone is more dominant in men than women. This hormone is responsible for the distinguishing characteristics of the masculine body, and is also responsible for libido, muscle growth and calcium deposition in the bones, in both men and women.

Women occasionally have higher levels of testosterone than considered normal. This is seen in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) commonly.

Low testosterone levels in men results in lowered libido, low mood, low motivation and drive, loss of muscle mass, decreased size of sexual organs (if deficiency is severe), difficulty establishing an erection and infertility. Low levelss are also associated with arteriosclerosis and hip fractures. In women low testosterone can also cause decreased libido and a loss of motivation and drive.

Symptoms of elevated testosterone in women include hirsutism, acne, weight gain and anovulation.

The testes metabolic processes are sensitive to stress, smoking, environmental toxins, oestrogen and nutritional deficiencies. The increase in these factors has resulted in a growing incidence of male infertility, a doubling of testicular cancer and a decrease in male sexual function.

Stress can also have a profound effect in both men and women on testosterone production as can the imbalance in other sex hormones.

Female Hormone Panel
£144  (Code: TUK4)
Measures levels of Progesterone and Oestradiol over 28 days, using 12 saliva samples, Progesterone/Oestradiol Ratio, Testosterone.

1 Day Progesterone/Oestrogen
£65.00 (Code: TUK5)
This single-sample test is designed to assess the progesterone / oestrogen ratio in post menopausal women or women taking the contraceptive pill.

Comprehensive Menopause Panel
£170.00 (Code: TUK8)
This tests the progesterone/Oestrogen ratio; Testosterone; Melatonin and the Adrenal Hormones, Cortisol and DHEA.

Comprehensive Female Hormone Panel
£180.00 (Code:TUK6)
As well as assessing the monthly fluctuation in Oestradiol and Progesterone through the female hormone panel, the comprehensive female hormone panel also assesses Melatonin and the Adrenal Hormones, Cortisol and DHEA.

Candida Antibody Profile
£70.00 (Order Code: ANT01)

What is Candida?
Candida is a natural part of our gut flora. It is a yeast that is present in our intestinal tract, skin, and genito-urinary tract. In this form it is an important part of the very fine balance of micro-organisms that exists for our health.  However, Candida can change into a pathogenic form (disease-causing), and damage the gut lining. This can cause 'leaky gut syndrome' which is an important part of the aetiology of this condition. Candida can secrete a number of powerful toxins into the surrounding tissues and ultimately the bloodstream and it may be that many of the symptoms associated with Candida are due to the action of such toxins rather than the yeast itself.

Who gets Candida?
There is little doubt that the single most important cause of candidiasis is a history of antibiotic use. In addition to their desired effects, they also kill off healthy bacteria in the gut, which is vital for optimum health and proper gut function. A reduction often leads to the overgrowth and increased pathogenicity of other micro-organisms such as Candida species, which are resistant to the effect of antibiotics. Other contributory factors include the use of steroids, including those used for arthritis and asthma, and the use of the contraceptive pill. In addition there are environmental factors implicated such as low thyroid function/adrenal function, a diet high in refined sugars, poor nutrition and surgery all influence gut health. Those with a poor immune function associated with long-term illness, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and diabetes also have an increased risk of candida.

Some of the more common symptoms associated with candidiasis are thrush, white coating on tongue, Diarrhoea/constipation, Bloating/excess gas, Rectal itching, Recurrent cystitis, Headaches, Depression & mood swings, Slow metabolism, Menstrual cramps & irregularities, Lethargy & 'foggy-headedness’, Fatigue and Acne.

The National Candida Society inform us that it may be that “antibiotics act as the ‘final straw’ where health has already been compromised, most probably by one or more of the following:

• use of the contraceptive pill or HRT
• use of natural progesterone cream
• use of other steroids (hydrocortisone, beconase, prednisolone etc.)
• use of immuno-suppressive drugs
• repeated use of broad-spectrum antibiotics e.g. for acne
• dental mercury amalgam poisoning
• other heavy metal poisoning e.g. lead, cadmium
• chemical poisoning from the home, garden, workplace etc.
• hormonal changes e.g. puberty, pregnancy, menopause, stress - usually as a contributory factor

How does the test work?
If Candida has become pathogenic, it will elicit an immune response leading to the production of elevated levels of specific antibodies to Candida. Using a very sensitive technique levels antibodies to Candida are measured. Such antibody levels can be used to diagnose not only a recent or current Candida infection but also previous infections.

How to treat Candida
If the test indicates a current infection, in many cases it can be successfully treated through the use of an 'anti-candida' diet. Information is included with a positive result but for those requiring a more in depth and personalised programme, Genova Diagnostics offer specific nutritional counselling.

Hair Mineral Analysis
£65.00(Order Code: ELE01)
With ever-growing levels of toxic metals in the environment, widespread nutrient and mineral insufficiencies, poor lifestyles and dietary habits; there is an increasing need for a reliable tool to identify of elemental imbalances. Scalp hair has been used since 1929 to assess mineral levels, and is also widely accepted for assessing toxic element exposure.

Hair is an excretory tissue for many essential, nonessential and potentially toxic elements. In general, the amount of an element that is irreversibly incorporated into growing hair is proportional to the level of the element in other body tissues. 

Clinical research indicates that hair levels of specific elements, particularly toxic elements such as cadmium, mercury, lead and arsenic, are highly correlated with pathological disorders. Symptoms of excess toxic metals can include: fatigue, constipation, insomnia, emotional disturbances, and learning disabilities to name but a few.

Many elements are essential to life, assisting in the production of energy and other important biochemical processes, particularly enzyme reactions. Deficiencies or imbalances among elements lead to health problems.

The Genova Diagnostics Hair Mineral Analysis tests for the following:

Toxic Elements: Aluminium, Antimony, Arsenic, Beryllium, Bismouth, Cadmium, Lead, Mercury, Platinum, Thallium, Thorium, Uranium, Nickel, Silver, Tin, Titanium

Essential Elements: Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Chromium, Vanadium, Molybdenum, Boron, Iodine, Lithium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Strontium, Sulphur, Barium, Cobalt, Iron, Germanium, Rubidium, Zirconium.

How to Order

To order a test all you need to do is:

Telephone Genova Diagnostics (020 8336 7750)
or email them (kitorders@gdx.net)

Give them your name, address, date of birth and the code for the test/s you require.

NB. In order to obtain your own copy of the test results,
you must mention Thyroid UK when ordering the tests.