Liver Detoxification Test

About the test
The liver detoxifies many harmful substances into less harmful forms which the body can safely eliminate. There are two parts to detox - in phase I, enzymes activate toxic substances, making them more accessible to phase II. Phase II continues this process, converting toxins to more water-soluble forms for elimination through urine and stool.

The Detoxification Test is a test done by Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory in Asheville, North Carolina and Metametrix Clinical Laboratory in Norcross, Georgia. It assesses the body's capacity to detox and evaluates specific aspects of the detox process. Standard liver function tests conducted by conventional doctors measure enzymes such as SGOT and SGTT - in contrast, the detoxification profile can identify specific, subtle places where the system is impaired in its ability to detoxify.

It can specifically identify whether phase I and/or phase II is impaired, which allows the patient's alternative medicine doctor to customize a detoxification program for them. This test also includes markers for oxidative stress and antioxidants.

Health conditions this test is used to assess
This test is used to assess any chronic condition related to impaired liver function and detoxification. It can also be used as part of an optimum health plan.

What is involved?
This test involves swallowing tablets containing common substances - caffeine, aspirin, and acetaminophen - that challenge the liver's detoxification ability. After that, urine and saliva samples are taken and the test kit is returned to Great Smokies Lab for analysis.

How can I get a Detoxification Profile?
Talk to your health care professional about your symptoms and ask if this test would be useful for you. It can be done through:
Great Smokies Diagnostic Laboratory or Metametrix Clinical Laboratory.