top of page

Tests to Order

The Born Free Protocol emphasizes the importance of a series of specialized tests to effectively tailor its wellness approach. Key among these are the Oligoscan and/or Cellular Micronutrient Assay test (CMA), the Organic Acids Test (OAT), and the Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA). During stage two, the Biomesight and GI-MAP are recommended for those looking for more gut health information.

 

BE SURE TO READ ALL INFORMATION ABOUT A TEST PRIOR TO ORDERING.

First Data To Collect: Fill Out Your Cronometer

Sign up and fill out your data to track your diet, exercise, and health data—at no cost. Entering at least two days of diet data is recommended.

Key Tests to Order for the BFP

Overview of the Oligoscan Test

Estimated Cost: $125-150 USD | Physician Order Needed: No | Results: 5 Minutes
 

The Oligoscan is a cutting-edge, in-clinic test that measures minerals, trace elements, and toxic metals through a non-invasive skin analysis.​
 

  • Provider: Oligoscan

  • Alternative Providers: So/Check, Zell Check

​​

​​

  • Requirements for Testing:

    • Performed In-Clinic: You will need to visit a local practitioner.

    • Personal Calibration: Your blood type, age, height, and weight are essential for accurate test calibration.
       

  • What Does It Measure?

    • Minerals and Trace Elements: A broad spectrum similar to Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA), including unique markers such as silicon and fluorine.

    • Toxic Metals: Identifies potential toxic metal poisoning with clear markers for high levels.

    • Vitamin Levels: Provides vitamin markers with a general target to exceed 55%.
       

  • Accuracy and Reliability:

    • Iron and Calcium: Measurements for iron and calcium through skin data are not reliable due to their systemic circulation and storage; blood tests are recommended for precise levels.

    • Not Affected by Inflammation: Oligoscan results are considered stable and not directly influenced by inflammatory conditions, making them actionable for supplement choices.

    • Follow-Up and Correlation: Subsequent Oligoscan reports can verify the effectiveness of supplements and correlate with other testing methodologies.
       

  • Additional Information:

  • Note on Minerals Not Covered:

    • Oligoscan does not measure rubidium or strontium; for these minerals, HTMA data should be consulted.

    • Low phosphorus may also suggest low calcium levels, which can be inferred from certain physical symptoms.
       

For a comprehensive understanding of the implications of mineral deficiencies, view the Born Free Basics Remineralization page. 

Overview of the CMA Test

Estimated Cost: $264 USD | Physician Order Needed: No | Results:  7-10 Days
 

  • Provider: DHA Laboratory and other providers

  • Preparation: Fasting for 8-12 hours is required

  • Other Requirements: Local blood draw and shipping

  • Order Here

  • Best Stage to Take: Before starting

  • Blood Draw Notes: Use a 18g needle (not 22g) to avoid hemolysis

​

The Cellular Micronutrient Assay (CMA) created by Cell Science Systems—(not to be confused with the Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA)—is an advanced diagnostic tool designed to uncover intracellular deficiencies by analyzing white blood cells. Unlike tests that examine serum or red blood cells, the CMA leverages the unique properties of white blood cells—including their mitochondria and distinct metabolism—to offer a detailed look at cellular health.

 

This approach provides insights into nutrient imbalances that other tests might miss, making it invaluable for a comprehensive health assessment.

​

Key Features of the CMA:

  • Unique Insights: Utilizes white blood cells to identify intracellular deficiencies, offering data not available through serum or red blood cell analysis.

  • International Availability: Provided by a US laboratory but requires rapid return shipping and a local blood draw.

  • Cost: Priced at USD$264, plus additional costs for shipping and phlebotomy services.

​

Considerations for the CMA:

  • Comprehensive Analysis: More accurate and includes additional nutrients compared to Oligoscan.

  • Lacks measurements for: Fluorine, toxic metals, and specific electrolytes (phosphorus, sulphur, sodium, and potassium).

  • Inference Capabilities: Allows for the inference of high fluorine levels through low iodine measurements.

  • Nutrient Targets: Includes daily targets for electrolytes but does not provide baseline levels for these markers.

​

The CMA's data is noted for its compatibility with the Oligoscan, employing specific thresholds for a precise nutritional assessment. Despite some limitations, such as not measuring certain elements and compounds, the CMA's detailed approach to cellular micronutrient status is a significant asset for individuals seeking an in-depth understanding of their health.

Overview of the OAT Test

Estimated Cost: $299 USD | Physician Order Needed: Yes | Results: 2-4 Weeks
 

  • Preferred Provider: Mosaic DX (formerly Great Plains Laboratory)

​​

  • Best Stage to Take Test: Before starting
     

  • What is OAT?

    • A diagnostic tool offering a comprehensive metabolic snapshot of an individual's overall health by measuring 76 organic acids from a single urine sample.

​​

  • Purpose and Benefits:

    • Metabolic Indicators: Organic acids, as metabolic byproducts, reflect the body's metabolic processes.

    • Functional Assessment: The test assesses gut health, mitochondrial function, neurotransmitter status, detoxification, and nutritional sufficiency.

    • Nutrient Needs and Diet: It can suggest necessary nutrients, dietary changes, antioxidants, detoxification needs, and other therapeutic actions.

​​

  • Who Might Benefit:

    • Individuals with symptoms or conditions potentially linked to nutritional deficiencies and metabolic imbalances, such as anxiety, depression, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, autism spectrum disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and chronic fatigue.

​​

  • Test Details:

    • Comprehensive Analysis: Assists clinicians in detecting nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, toxicity, and other imbalances.

    • Categories Covered: Includes intestinal microbial overgrowth, glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolites, neurotransmitter metabolites, pyrimidines and fatty acids, oxalates, amino acid nutritional markers, and detoxification indicators.

    • Applicability: Beneficial for those with complex and chronic conditions where metabolic imbalances and nutritional deficiencies are factors.
       

  • Specimen Requirements:

    • A minimum of 10 mL of urine, with detailed collection instructions provided to ensure accurate sampling.

​

  • Test Preparation:

    • ​Do not collect your sample while menstruating. Wait until the following week.

​

  • BFP Test Interpretation:

    • Test results can be uploaded to the Born Free Protocol "OAT Results" channel for interpretation.

​

The OAT is a valuable test for anyone seeking in-depth insights into gut-derived toxins and less obvious metabolic imbalances such as mitochondrial function. It's not limited to specific conditions and can be insightful for people with complex and chronic health issues.

​

In addition to facilitating the understanding of metabolic dysfunctions through observed marker patterns, the initial page of the OAT report highlights various indicators of microbial disruption. Subsequent pages detail metabolic issues stemming from infections and malnutrition.

Common findings in our data include elevated levels of yeast, bacterial, and fungal metabolites, often aligning with reported symptoms.

For more detailed insights into specific species and related metabolic issues, an additional MycoTOX test is available. A guide for clinicians on interpreting OAT results is currently in development, and examples of these interpretations can be accessed on our Discord server. This information is particularly useful in determining appropriate supplement choices.

Overview of the HTMA Test

Estimated Cost $125 USD ​| Physician Order Needed: No | Results: 2-4 Days
 

  • Preferred Provider: Doctor's Data
     

  • Best Stage to Take Test: Before starting
     

  • What is HTMA?

    • A diagnostic hair test that assesses the levels of minerals and toxins in the body by analyzing a sample of hair, providing an average of your functional mineral status over the hair growth period.
       

  • Purpose and Benefits:

    • Functional Mineral Status: Offers an approximation of mineral levels within the body's cells, particularly during periods of inflammation where minerals may be unevenly distributed.

    • Chronic Inflammation Insight: Useful in understanding mineral availability affected by long-term inflammation, similar to how HbA1C measures glucose levels over time.

    • PLEASE NOTE: The importance of the HTMA test has been adjusted; while not as imperative as it once was, it can still be considered helpful.
       

  • Elements Measured:

    • Specifically relevant to the nine elements transported by DMT-1 and ferroportin, which are key in cellular mineral transport.

​

  • Laboratories and Availability:

    • Lists of compatible laboratories and vendors are available for different regions including Australia, the EU, the UK, New Zealand, Poland, and the US, with specific URLs provided for each.
       

  • Hair Collection Guide:

  1. Please ignore any conflicting vendor-specific instructions.

  2. Use gloves for collection.

  3. Do not use clippers or an electric razor as metal contamination from tungsten blades, etc may occur.

  4. The hair needs to be clean, well-rinsed, dry, untreated and uncoloured. Unwashed hair may provide false (elevated) data for sodium and potassium, from dried sweat.

  5. Select suitable areas of sideburn, scalp and/or neck hair for collection.

  6. If the hair is longer than 2.5cm / 1", first trim the sample area to this maximum length with clean stainless steel scissors. By using shorter hair, the report data relates to a more recent period of time.

  7. Cut the (remaining) hair to be sampled as close to the skin as possible.

  8. Collect at least 2 heaped tablespoons worth of hair, or approximately 250 mg or the sample may be rejected.

  9. Place the hair sample in the sample kit envelope provided, or in a clean, clearly labelled envelope or sachet. Whilst Trace Elements Inc says not to use ziplock bags as apparently hair “sweats” and the sample may be rejected, Doctors Data supplies ziplock bags in their kit.

​​

  • Additional Considerations:

    • Some laboratories may offer additional elements like rubidium in their analysis, while others may not.

    • It's important to follow the specific hair collection protocol to ensure the accuracy of the test results.

Overview of the Biomesight Test

Estimated Cost $91-199 USD | Physician Order Needed: No | Results: 2-4 Weeks

​

The Biomesight test offers a detailed analysis of the gut microbiome using 16S rRNA sequencing technology for $199.00, with subscription options starting at $119.40. A Long Covid test option is currently available for 91.00 USD.

 

 

  • Best Stage to Take Test: Stage 2, after using BP2A for a few weeks
     

  • Testing Method:

    • Stool sample test

    • Utilizes 16S DNA sequencing to identify the count and relative abundance of gut bacteria from the Phylum to species level.

    • Capable of detecting up to 3000 microbes, with a typical finding of 200-400 different types per sample.

 

  • ​Results and Interpretation:

    • Provides a breakdown of key bacteria including probiotics, commensals, and pathogens.

    • Offers a scoring system, diversity calculation, and personalized recommendations for diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes based on the latest research.

    • Includes 43 gut health markers and allows comparison with others on the platform using aggregated metrics or individual species data.

 

  • Health Insights:

    • Analysis of short-chain fatty acid producers, toxin and neurotransmitter producers, detoxification enzymes, and vitamin synthesis.

    • Assessments for lactose and oxalate intolerance.

    • Personalized food and supplement recommendations available.​

​​

  • Platform Features:

    • Access to Cohort selector and Cohort Analyzer tools on the platform.

    • Discounts on professional-grade supplements through Fullscript.

 

  • Turnaround and Kit Contents:

    • 2 to 4-week processing time.

    • Kit includes a collection tube, swab, and prepaid return mailer for the UK, USA, and Canada.
       

  • Additional Services:

    • Provision of raw FASTQ data and CSV file for independent analysis or consultation with a practitioner.

    • Option to book a session with partner practitioners at an additional cost.

​​

For more information and frequently asked questions, please visit Biomesight's support page.

Overview of the GI-MAP Test

Estimated Cost $480 USD | Physician Order Needed: Yes | Results: 2-4 Weeks

​

The GI-MAP is designed to significantly impact gut health, which is pivotal for overall well-being. It assesses digestive, immune, metabolic, and neuroendocrine functions by analyzing the gut microbiome, aiding practitioners in identifying the root causes of chronic illnesses.

​

 

  • Best Stage to Take Test: Stage 2, after using BP2A for a few weeks
     

  • Testing Method:

    • Single stool sample at ambient room temperature in a provided vial.

    • qPCR provides true quantitative values

 

  • Test Ordering Optional Add-Ons: Various panels available include: GI-MAP, GI Pathogens Profile, H. pylori Profile, Zonulin Profile, and more.

    • Complementary panels for complex cases include OMX Organic Metabolomics and GenomicInsight for comprehensive health insights
       

  • Testing Technology and Uniqueness:

    • Utilizes quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology, a method that sets it apart in comprehensive stool testing. This technology enables the detection and quantification of parasites, bacteria, fungi, and more through the specific DNA of the organisms.
      ​

  • New Features (August 2023 Update):

    • Fecal Gluten Peptide Test: Measures gluten immunogenic peptides in stool to identify recent gluten exposure, available as an add-on or standalone test.

    • Universal Antibiotic Resistance Genes Panel: Identifies 55 genetic elements linked to resistance against 10 antibiotic classes, crucial for patients with chronic infections, hospital treatments, or antibiotic use, available only as an add-on.
      ​

  • Benefits of qPCR Technology:

    • Provides accurate, quantitative results that surpass standard PCR, culture, microscopy, or DNA sequencing methods. This precision is vital for determining the clinical significance of pathogens and dysbiosis patterns.
      ​

  • Who Can Benefit:

    • Almost every patient, especially those with autoimmune diseases, IBS/IBD, digestive complaints, skin problems, mood disorders, diabetes, weight loss issues, and more. The test is also applicable to infants and children, offering insights into various conditions including ADHD and Autism.
      ​

  • Report Contents:

    • The GI-MAP test results include a comprehensive analysis of gastrointestinal microbiota DNA from a single stool sample, providing insights into microbial balance, digestion, absorption, inflammation, and immune function.
      ​

  • Pathogens Detected:

    • Includes bacterial, parasitic, and viral pathogens known to cause intestinal issues, with a detailed list of specific organisms tested.

​

  • Order and Billing:

    • Tests must be ordered by a healthcare practitioner, but assistance in finding a practitioner is available. The billing system is transparent, with insurance and Medicare claims processing included.

​

  • Certifications and Quality Assurance:

    • Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory is CLIA certified, ensuring high standards of laboratory excellence.
       

  • Summary:

    • The GI-MAP offers a revolutionary approach to gut health assessment, leveraging advanced qPCR technology for precise, reliable analysis. This tool is essential for healthcare practitioners looking to provide personalized treatment plans based on accurate, comprehensive stool analysis.

​​

Need more information? Visit this GI-MAP information page.

Additional Blood Tests

Testing blood is a helpful way to understand specific aspects of immune activity and metabolism. Here is a list of some additional tests that can be helpful before, during, and after the BFP.

​

  • Blood type (This can be tested at home with an Eldon card, avail. via Amazon.)

  • CBC

  • CMP

  • RBC

  • WBC

  • Lipids

  • LDH isoforms

  • Iron Studies (iron, transferrin, transferrin saturation %, ferritin)

  • Vitamin B6

  • Vitamin D (inactive form)

​​

Your doctor is usually the best person to assist you with these tests, however private lab services are also available in many countries.

bottom of page