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Sure, we appreciate the increased insurance coverage and all that. They began changing things, and not for the better. It was as if they said, “Now that you’re mine and you have nowhere else to go…” Genova behaved itself for the duration of that year, appearing to listen a lot (to us docs, who were not shy with our comments) and changing little (another relief, because Metametrix’s tests were fantastic just as they were, with little need for alteration).Īlmost as soon as the door had closed behind Metametrix’s exiting owners, however, Genova took over like a tyrant. The labs underwent about a year-long transitional period beginning in summer 2012, in which the retiring owners of Metametrix agreed to stay on for 1 year to ensure a smooth transition and harmonious blend between the marrying labs. However, our gut intuition told us otherwise, and it turns out we were right. As Princess Leia from Star Wars would gravely say, “I have a bad feeling about this.” But, trying to think happy thoughts, we went with the flow, praying that the merger would take the best of both labs and produce a wonderful hybrid. Practically every good Functional Medicine doctor began a journey on eggshells. Unfortunately, the lab using the inferior technologies (Genova Diagnostics) bought out the other lab (Metametrix Clinical Labs), due to Metametrix’s owners/directors aspiring to retire. One utilized the DNA-based PCR method, which is highly superior, while the other utilized the standard culture method, which misses a lot.
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Both labs offered a similar panel, but their methods differed greatly. The most pivotal test offered between the two labs is the comprehensive stool analysis. The overlap, however, was not perfect duplication – for example, both labs claimed to offer amino acids testing, but one analyzed urinary output, while the other took a direct blood measurement. They each offered some unique test profiles, but there was also a lot of overlap between the two. Dispose of any remaining stool in the toilet and throw away the collection tray and glove.Once upon a time, there were two major functional/specialty diagnostic laboratories.Place both tubes inside the biohazard bag.Put the swab inside the tube and close until you hear it click.Do not overload, only a small discoloration is needed. Lightly touch the round end of the swab to your stool sample.Open one of the tubes by twisting and pulling.
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There is no liquid in the clear-top tube.
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Ship samples within 24 hours of the final collection.Collection can be done at any time during the day.Do not collect samples while experiencing active bleeding from hemorrhoids or menstruation.Consult your healthcare provider about stopping medications and supplements prior to collection.Key Details Do not overfill tubes Ship within 24 hours
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