Functional Blood Chemistry

A critical piece of the assessment and ongoing monitoring of a patient is the integration and use of functional blood chemistry.

Welcome!

This Course Covers:
Part 1: Functional Blood Chemistry Interpretation
Part 2: Optimal Values Virtual Workshop
Part 3: Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis Practicum

Note: While not mandatory, we highly recommend Module 1 be taken before or in conjunction with other modules.

A methodical assessment of standard blood test results through the functional nutrition lens helps uncover subtle imbalances, that when supported, help to ensure optimal health. Just because your labs are in the “normal range” doesn’t necessarily mean they’re optimal. It is important practitioners understand this process not typically included in conventional training, as it can represent a key aspect of the full Functional Nutrition process and help to ensure more successful case outcomes.

Blood chemistries are of unique value in helping to connect the dots in combination with physical signs and symptoms.

In this module, the functional medicine model will be applied in a unique way to the interpretation of conventional blood work. Everything involved in lab work will be covered:

• Lab ordering – various options
• Patient prep for the blood draw – when to stop supplements, importance of fasting, and more
• Reference ranges – how they are derived and changed
• Functional lab interpretation – Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Complete Blood Count, Anemias, Protein status, key interactions and relationship between various nutrients, and more

This module will provide new and unique skills to apply to your functional and integrative practice.

 

Meeting Times:

Tuesdays 4-6 PM ET (US) Sept 29, Oct 6, 13, 27, Nov 10, 17, and Dec 1 and 8,

Note: No class Tuesday, Oct 20th, and Nov 3rd.

Optimal Lab Values 4-hour Virtual Workshop: Saturday, October 24th. 11 AM  – 3 PM ET (US)

Recording access:

All sessions recorded in case you miss live or if you just want to review again. Recording access limited to 6 months from access date. All other course materials available for download to your permanent files.

CPE:

CPE is earned after the last live session is complete and then after passing a self-study quiz and completing a brief learning assessment survey.

Certificate of Completion is earned upon completion of all module quizzes (Note: this must happen within course access timeframe to avoid an additional fee). Certificates will be sent to the email you used to register for this course.

Objectives and Additional Practice Learning Practice Exercise (Optional):

Objectives:

Upon completion of this unit, participants will be able to….

Objective 1: Compare and contrast the differences between functional lab ranges and standard lab ranges.

Objective 2: List the general categories included in the Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP), as well as all tests included in this panel.

Objective 3: Analyze the CMP to interpret key relationships between tests.

Objective 4: Identify all tests included in the Complete Blood Count (CBC).

Objective 5: Classify and interpret White Blood Cell (WBC) lab results.

Objective 6: Evaluate lab results to determine type of anemia or iron overload.

Objective 7: Explain the thyroid physiology and negative feedback loop.

Objective 8: Interpret thyroid labs using standard ranges and functional ranges.

Practice Exercises:

Exercise 1: Convert standard lab ranges to functional lab ranges for yourself or a patient. Share with a colleague how the lab interpretation changed when using the functional lab ranges.

Exercise 2: Calculate the sodium/chloride ratio using a patient’s labs. Explain what the result indicates.

Exercise 3: Calculate the calcium/albumin ratio using a patient’s labs. Explain what the result indicates.

Exercise 4: Make a reference card of labs that indicate dehydration, and those that indicate over-hydration.

Exercise 5: Describe how deficiencies of zinc and vit D impact alkaline phosphatase.

Exercise 6: Summarize in your own words that ‘Iron Tiger’ article found in the handout section.

Exercise 7: Indicate for each anemia covered in this course, the nutrition intervention needed, i.e. supplement iron, another nutrient. Does one of the 6 Core Centers of Health need to be addressed and when.

Exercise 8: Read a reference article from the 18-19 COT Blood Chem references found in the handout section.

Exercise 9: Based on lab results from a patient or yourself, identify which of the 6 Core Centers of Health are imbalanced. Use the ‘Key Lab Summary COT’ located in the handout section.

Exercise 10: Role play having a conversation with a physician describing the need for further bloodwork. Be specific in providing rationale for tests you are recommending.

Exercise 11: Read one of the articles on the thyroid reference list found on the slides.

Exercise 12: Calculate the FT3 and rT3 ratio using a patient’s labs. Explain what the result indicates.

Exercise 13: Discuss with a colleague or class participant the process of assessing a patient’s thyroid function.

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Helpful Links: 

How to Print Slides: Download Here

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Module 1	Functional Blood Chemistry Interpretation
Unit 1	Slides/Handouts/Recordings
Unit 2	Optimal Values Virtual Workshop
Unit 3	Practicum Sessions
Unit 4	Functional Blood Chemistry Quiz