COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 329
Although the blood collection process is the same for all types of
tests, whether a sample is tested as whole blood, plasma, or serum
depends on how it's handled after it's drawn. The processing of the
sample post-collection determines the type of analysis performed.
RBC and serum testing are both used to assess nutrient levels but
offer different insights. RBC testing measures nutrients inside red
blood cells, reflecting long-term nutrient status and how well
nutrients are used at the cellular level. It's commonly used in
functional medicine for nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and B12,
and is less affected by short-term dietary changes.
Serum testing, on the other hand, measures nutrients in blood
plasma and reflects short-term levels influenced by recent diet or
hydration. It’s widely used in conventional medicine to check for
immediate imbalances in electrolytes, vitamins, and other
markers. Used together, these tests offer a more complete view of
nutritional health.
Micronutrient Results in Practice
Dietary/supplement strategies, real‐world examples,
