Functional Testing
Functional testing goes beyond what standard insurance-guided panels are designed to measure. Where conventional lab work identifies disease, functional testing evaluates how the body is actually performing, identifying nutritional deficiencies, hormonal patterns, metabolic inefficiencies, gut dysfunction, toxin exposure, and neurochemical imbalances that standard panels routinely miss.
At FFC, functional testing is always physician-ordered and physician-interpreted. Every test is selected by Dr. Boesler based on the patient's clinical picture, and results are reviewed together in a follow-up appointment rather than delivered as raw data without context. This is what distinguishes functional testing at FFC from direct-to-consumer testing services. The physician's judgment is present at every step. The following are the functional tests FFC currently uses in practice:
Metabolomix
Collection: At-home urine test
A real-time snapshot of metabolic health, nutritional status, and cellular function. Measures hundreds of compounds across nutrient deficiencies, mitochondrial function, gut health byproducts, and toxin exposure markers. One of the most comprehensive metabolic evaluations available outside a research setting.
Most relevant for: Unexplained fatigue, metabolic dysfunction, nutritional assessment
DUTCH Test
Collection: At-home urine and saliva
A comprehensive analysis of sex hormones and cortisol that goes beyond measuring active hormone levels to track how the body processes and eliminates them through hormone metabolites. Includes markers for nutritional deficiencies, oxidative stress, gut health, melatonin, and more. Particularly valuable for optimizing bioidentical hormone therapy and testosterone replacement therapy.
Most relevant for: Hormonal imbalance, perimenopause and menopause, fatigue, weight gain, mood disorders, hair loss
GI-MAP
Collection: At-home stool test
Uses quantitative PCR technology to evaluate the gut microbiome in clinical detail. Identifies specific pathogens including bacteria, parasites, fungi, and viruses. Measures microbial balance, digestive markers, immune and inflammatory markers, and intestinal permeability including zonulin as a leaky gut indicator.
Most relevant for: IBS, bloating, digestive issues, autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation
Heavy Metal Profile
Collection: To be confirmed
Evaluates levels of toxic heavy metals including arsenic, lead, and mercury that accumulate in tissue over time and contribute to neurological, immune, and metabolic dysfunction.
Most relevant for: Environmental toxicity, neurological symptoms, chronic fatigue, immune dysfunction
Physician ordering and interpretation
Functional testing at FFC is always ordered as part of a clinical service. Dr. Boesler selects the appropriate test or combination of tests based on each patient's history, symptoms, and goals. Results are never delivered without context. Every functional test is reviewed with the patient in a dedicated follow-up appointment where findings are explained, questions are answered, and next steps are determined.
How to access functional testing at FFC
For new patients: Functional testing is incorporated into several of FFC's structured programs including the Two-Step Assessment, the Direct Health Program, and Protocol I. Dr. Boesler determines which tests are clinically appropriate as part of the program's care plan. View our programs and services →
For established patients: Individual functional tests are available as part of a restorative consultation.