They fundamentally changed Metametrix’s stool analysis test in several ways. Genova raised the prices on ALL of their testing – some prices didn’t go up much, while others became downright cost-prohibitive. (There are ways to obtain this article – dump the URL of the PDF article into a website called the Wayback Machine and get it anyway!) Of course, now that Genova has taken over and since Genova does culture and not PCR, they couldn’t have a disparaging article circulating out there. Back when Metametrix and Genova were bitter competitors (don’t worry, Metametrix, you were far better all along), Metametrix wrote an article comparing the superior PCR microbial testing to the inferior culture-based testing. Helpful informational articles on various tests have disappeared. Policies got enacted or changed, major popular tests got *fundamentally* changed, and prices got increased, all without any prior notice. Their communication and documentation have been CRAP. They were hesitant, and it appears that they want to get rid of them altogether, outside of the ION super-panel. We had to call for test codes and pricing. They left Metametrix’s (better) version of the Amino Acids panels off the revised and integrated price list. They discontinued the Male Hormone Panel, something I found quite useful. This sentiment grew a little more, um… intense… after talking with the lab directly. So I started poking around my pools of colleagues, and found that they shared my same sentiment. However, when you start discontinuing tests or changing up the remaining tests, those of us depending on you get a little perturbed. Sure, we appreciate the increased insurance coverage and all that. They began changing things, and not for the better. It was as if they said, “Now that you’re mine and you have nowhere else to go…” Genova behaved itself for the duration of that year, appearing to listen a lot (to us docs, who were not shy with our comments) and changing little (another relief, because Metametrix’s tests were fantastic just as they were, with little need for alteration).Īlmost as soon as the door had closed behind Metametrix’s exiting owners, however, Genova took over like a tyrant. The labs underwent about a year-long transitional period beginning in summer 2012, in which the retiring owners of Metametrix agreed to stay on for 1 year to ensure a smooth transition and harmonious blend between the marrying labs. However, our gut intuition told us otherwise, and it turns out we were right. As Princess Leia from Star Wars would gravely say, “I have a bad feeling about this.” But, trying to think happy thoughts, we went with the flow, praying that the merger would take the best of both labs and produce a wonderful hybrid. Practically every good Functional Medicine doctor began a journey on eggshells. Unfortunately, the lab using the inferior technologies (Genova Diagnostics) bought out the other lab (Metametrix Clinical Labs), due to Metametrix’s owners/directors aspiring to retire. One utilized the DNA-based PCR method, which is highly superior, while the other utilized the standard culture method, which misses a lot. Both labs offered a similar panel, but their methods differed greatly. The most pivotal test offered between the two labs is the comprehensive stool analysis. The overlap, however, was not perfect duplication – for example, both labs claimed to offer amino acids testing, but one analyzed urinary output, while the other took a direct blood measurement. They each offered some unique test profiles, but there was also a lot of overlap between the two. Salicylates can block vitamin K.Once upon a time, there were two major functional/specialty diagnostic laboratories. Use salicylates such as aspirin with care.Vitamin K2 is found in fermented foods such as cheese, meats, and dairy products.Vitamin K1 is highest in green leafy vegetables such as kale, broccoli, collard greens, and lettuce.There are two natural forms of vitamin K, which differ based on their phytyl group-phylloquinone (vitamin K1) synthesized from plants, and menaquinone (vitamin K2) from bacteria in the large intestines. Digestive problems, especially malabsorption.Calcification of soft tissue, especially heart valves.Symptoms & conditions related to vitamin K deficiency Therefore, high ucOC indicates low vitamin K status. A vitamin K deficiency is indicated by an ucOC increase in circulating blood and urine. Osteocalcin (OC) is almost exclusively a product of mature, active osteoblasts and is a vitamin K-dependent, Ca +2 binding protein. Very little vitamin K is stored in the body therefore direct measurement is not ideal. The Genova Diagnostics Vitamin K Assay measures a functional marker, undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC). The Genova Diagnostics Vitamin K Assay (Direct vs.
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