Laboratory Testing
Get the blood work and laboratory testing you need without a family doctor's requisition. Testing and in-office blood collection are available through Dr. MacLeod's practice at Optimal Wellbeing Clinic in Bedford.
Private testing can provide access to routine and specialized laboratory assessments when you do not have a family physician, when appointments or publicly funded testing are difficult to access, or when you would like a broader assessment. Your testing plan is developed with you during a consultation and can include recommended markers as well as additional tests you would like to discuss.
Laboratory testing benefits
No Family-Doctor Requisition
Dr. MacLeod can provide a private laboratory requisition for patients of the practice.
Broad Testing Options
Options range from general wellness blood work to more detailed and specialized testing.
In-Office Collection
Blood collection is performed in the clinic for tests available through the practice.
Clinical Interpretation
Results are reviewed in the context of your symptoms, history and other clinical information.
Available Testing
Testing is individualized; these are common categories available through the practice. The markers listed are examples rather than a fixed panel.
Thyroid Testing
Individualized thyroid assessment ordered according to symptoms and history.
Commonly includes:
- TSH
- Free T4
- Free T3
- TPO antibodies
Hormone Testing
Blood testing for the reproductive and adrenal hormones relevant to your concern.
Commonly includes:
- Estradiol
- Progesterone
- Testosterone
- FSH & LH
Nutrient Status
Assessment of the nutrients most likely to be contributing to your symptoms.
Commonly includes:
- Vitamin D
- B12
- Ferritin
- Magnesium
Wellness Baseline
Broad screening across blood counts, metabolic markers, lipids and blood sugar.
Commonly includes:
- CBC
- Lipids
- HbA1c
- Creatinine
Digestive Health
Tests chosen by what they can actually answer for your symptom pattern.
Commonly includes:
- Celiac serology
- Calprotectin
- Stool analysis
- Breath testing
Specialized Testing
Selected assessments for complex cases where routine testing has not explained things.
Commonly includes:
- Heavy metals
- Organic acids
- Methylation
- Environmental toxins
How It Works
- 1
Initial Consultation
Discuss your health concerns, previous results and testing priorities with Dr. MacLeod.
- 2
Build Your Testing Plan
Review the recommended tests, any additional markers you would like considered and the expected costs.
- 3
Sample Collection
Complete blood collection in the clinic with preparation instructions provided in advance.
- 4
Review Results
Review the complete pattern and determine practical recommendations or next steps.
Understanding Your Results
Laboratory reference ranges help identify results outside the expected population range, but a number should not be interpreted in isolation.
Dr. MacLeod reviews symptoms, medications, health history, trends over time and relationships between markers to understand what the complete pattern may mean for an individual patient.
A testing plan built with you
Dr. MacLeod recommends a thorough set of tests based on your health history and goals. If there are additional markers you want investigated, you can review their purpose, cost and limitations together before the requisition is completed.
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. This can be helpful if you do not have a family doctor or want to discuss testing that is not routinely ordered.
Is private blood work covered by MSI?
Testing ordered through a naturopathic doctor is not covered by MSI. Many extended health insurance plans cover naturopathic consultations, while laboratory costs are generally paid out of pocket. Check your individual plan for details.
Where is the blood draw performed?
Dr. MacLeod performs blood collection in the clinic, so you generally will not need to visit a separate laboratory.
How long until I get my results?
Many standard blood tests return within 5–10 business days. Specialized tests such as comprehensive stool analysis or hormone panels may take 2–3 weeks. A follow-up is arranged once the relevant results are available.
Do I need to fast before blood tests?
Some tests require fasting and others do not. You will receive preparation instructions for the tests being ordered.
Plan Your Laboratory Testing
Book an initial consultation to discuss your concerns, previous results and the routine or specialized testing you would like to access.
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