Functional tests are laboratory assessments that focusses on how the body functions at a molecular, cellular, tissue or organ level, instead of testing for the presence or absence of disease. Rather than using diagnosis as such, functional testing usually assesses for imbalances and sub-optimal function that are contributing to the cause of your health concerns.

Since one health condition can have many causes and one cause can lead to many different conditions, functional testing can greatly assist practitioners and patients in a targeted approach and individualised treatment protocols for greater health outcomes.

Functional tests involve samples of either blood, stool, urine, hair, saliva or breath. Apart from blood draws, most others can be done at home, and are available in most countries around the world.