Clinical Tests

There are various tests that we offer patients based on their unique health needs and concerns. Every patient is different and the clinical approach to every patient is different.

Our health screenings and testing generally includes routine blood work such as a complete blood count, renal function testing, liver enzymes, blood sugar testing, cholesterol testing and others. Other routine screenings, such as STD testing, is done based on patient request and needs. However, many patients will have symptoms or other health risks that warrant more specialized testing.
We focus on doing tests that are indicated for each individual.

Please note that the vast majority of tests are covered by OHIP.

Total and Free Testosterone

If there is suspicion of low testosterone, these tests are necessary to make the diagnosis. If there is evidence of low testosterone on lab tests, then additional tests will need to be conducted to rule out any secondary causes. Some examples of secondary causes include hyperprolactinemia or hemochromatosis.

Cystatin C

Creatinine levels are a standard indicator of kidney health and function. However, those with higher muscle mass often have high serum creatinine levels. The Cystatin C test allows us to evaluate your kidney function more accurately.

Prolactin

Many symptoms that are caused by low testosterone can also be caused by disorders causing high prolactin levels. This is something we work to rule out in patients who have these symptoms.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

The ECG is a simple and routine assessment of the heart. While it's not a standard screening test for everyone, it is necessary for many patients and is done in conjunction with other tests.

Lipoprotein(a)

The lipoprotein (a) test is recommended by Canadian guidelines to be conducted in all adults at least once. High levels of lipoprotein (a) can put you at risk of heart disease and stroke.

Apolipoprotein B100

This test allows us to look at the total sum of all of the "bad cholesterol" in your body. Patients with high triglyceride levels often have LDL cholesterol (your main "bad cholesterol") that is not measurable on blood work. This test allows us to work around that.

Echocardiogram

This is an ultrasound of your heart and is done to evaluate for any structural heart disease, such as left ventricular hypertrophy. Patients who have used certain performance enhancing drugs may be at higher risk of developing structural heart disease.

HOMA-IR

This is a number that helps provide more information on insulin resistance. We calculate this number based on your fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin levels. This may be a good test for patients who have diabetes or at risk of developing diabetes.

Liver Ultrasound

This is a routine test that looks for evidence of fatty liver disease in patients who have risk factors. In addition, this may be a relevant test for patients who have used oral anabolic steroids, due to the risk of developing liver lesions called hepatic adenomas.