Why is the serum test unique?  (room 4 of 6)

There are two methods for testing essential fatty acids – the serum phospholipid method and the red cell method

Leading lipid researchers have concluded that analyzing serum phospholipids fractionated by thin layer chromatography (what our lab does) is the best way to obtain reproducible data to measure heart disease risk and silent inflammation.  This test is now the benchmark for all clinical testing.  By partnering with one of North America’s premier research laboratories, we are able to provide this same analysis directly to you.  No other lab in the world offers this sophisticated serum phospholipid testing

Some labs perform an inferior version of this serum phospholipid test by using red cells instead of serum.  The red cells degrade much faster and make consistency, accuracy, and reproducibility very difficult.   Due to the more stable qualities of serum, the serum phospholipid version of this test is significantly more accurate.  The serum version also reflects a 14 day average of the essential fatty acids in your blood versus a 120 day average provided by the red cell version.  Why is this important

For starters, the serum version of this test allows you to re-test after only 14 days to see how your levels have improved.  The red cell version would require you to wait 4 months before being able to re-test to measure your progress.  This costs you valuable time and money over the long haul.

Secondly, you may already be taking fish oil or may want to start taking some fish oil before you test the first time with us.  You will only need to wait 14 days to test as the serum version will show you the impact of the fish oil you started with.  Compare this to the red cell version, which would require you to take the initial levels of fish oil for 4 months before testing to see if you have the “right” levels for your body.

Lastly, in an effort to eliminate variability in results over time, the serum phospholipid version enables you to know with confidence that your change in levels are only due to changes in your health and changes you have made to your diet and lifestyle.  You will be sure your results have not changed due to the inconsistency caused by testing on fragile red cells.