COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 883
For clinical and practical purposes, minimum testing frequencies
should be established to ensure adequate monitoring while
respecting patient resources [39, 40].
Minimum Recommendations for Active Treatment Protocols:
● High-risk or severe cases: Every 3 months until stabilized
● Moderate cases: Every 6 months until optimized
● Mild cases or general optimization: Initial testing with 6-month
follow-up, then annually
Minimum Recommendations for Maintenance Protocols:
● Previous severe imbalances: Every 6 months for 2 years, then
annually
● Previous moderate imbalances: Annual comprehensive
testing
● General health optimization: Annual testing with expanded
panels every 2-3 years
Specialty Testing: When and Why to Implement
Beyond standard functional panels, specialty testing offers deeper
insight into specific systems and potential root causes. These tests
should be strategically deployed based on clinical presentation,
initial findings, and therapeutic goals [41, 42].
Gut Health Assessment
When to Order:
● Digestive symptoms (gas, bloating, inconsistent bowel
movements)
● Skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, and unexplained
rashes
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