Laboratory Testing
Get the blood work and lab tests you need without a family doctor's requisition. Dr. MacLeod can help you access comprehensive testing directly, even without a family physician.
More than 148,000 Nova Scotians lack a family physician and provincial waitlists stretch years into the future. Even those with doctors often face limited testing options through MSI. Private comprehensive blood work allows you to get the results you need without the usual barriers.
No Referral Required
Dr. MacLeod's patients can access testing without a referral
Comprehensive Panels
Tests often not covered by provincial health insurance
Faster Results
Skip the wait times for standard healthcare appointments
Optimal Range Interpretation
Results reviewed using functional medicine ranges, not just "normal"
Available Testing
From routine wellness panels to specialized functional testing
Complete Thyroid Panel
Go beyond standard TSH testing. We test Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies to catch dysfunction that standard testing misses.
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Hormone Testing
Comprehensive assessment of sex hormones, cortisol and DHEA. Blood, saliva and urine testing options available.
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Nutrient Status
Identify deficiencies affecting energy, mood and immune function: Vitamin D, B12, iron, magnesium, zinc and more.
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Wellness Baseline
Comprehensive screening including CBC, metabolic panel, lipids, blood sugar markers and inflammation markers.
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Digestive Health
Comprehensive stool analysis, food sensitivity panels and gut health assessment for digestive symptoms.
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Specialized Testing
Heavy metal assessment, chronic infection panels, organic acids testing and advanced functional medicine panels.
Learn moreHow It Works
Book Online or Call
Schedule an initial appointment to discuss your health concerns and goals.
Consultation
Dr. MacLeod determines which tests are appropriate for your situation and orders tests.
Get Tested
Dr. MacLeod will collect your blood sample. You won't need to visit a separate lab.
Review Results
Review your results using optimal functional ranges and develop recommendations.
Beyond "Normal" Ranges
Standard lab reference ranges are based on the average population. A "normal" result doesn't necessarily mean optimal function for you.
Dr. MacLeod will interpret results using optimal functional ranges, identifying imbalances before they become problems. A TSH of 3.5 may be "normal" by standard ranges, but functional medicine considers values above 3.0 potentially problematic. This proactive approach helps you optimize your health, not just avoid disease.
Example: Vitamin B12
A level of 250 pg/mL is considered "normal" but may cause symptoms for some people. Functional medicine aims for optimal, not just acceptable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor's referral for blood work?
No. You can access comprehensive blood work without a family doctor's requisition. Helpful if you don't have a family doctor or want tests your physician doesn't typically order.
Is private blood work covered by MSI?
Testing ordered through a naturopathic doctor is not covered by MSI. However, many extended health insurance plans cover naturopathic consultations. Lab tests themselves are out-of-pocket but provide access to markers often unavailable through conventional channels. All expenses are eligible medical expenses for tax purposes.
Where is the blood draw performed?
Dr. MacLeod performs blood collection in the clinic. You won't need to visit a separate lab.
How long until I get my results?
Most standard blood tests have results within 5-10 business days. Specialized tests like comprehensive stool analysis, DUTCH hormone panels or food sensitivity panels may take 2-3 weeks. We'll schedule a follow-up to review your findings once results are available.
Do I need to fast before blood tests?
Some tests require fasting, while others don't. Dr. MacLeod will inform you if you will need to fast for your blood work.
Ready to Get Tested?
Whether you need routine blood work or specialized functional testing, we can help you access the lab assessments you need, without the barriers of the conventional healthcare system.