"OATS test", microbial GI test, hair analysis - anyone heard o

[Wombat140]

Hello - not been on this forum for a while, but I could do with some advice.

I've been through several antibiotics on the advice of Dr. Goyal, the PANDAS doctor I finally managed to find, but unfortunately it hasn't done the trick. One of the big difficulties is that I have a needle phobia, and so far it hasn't proved possible to get a blood sample from me, so he's basically working by trial and error. (That reminds me, he did give a referral for a throat swab, so we ought to sort something out about that soon - although he reckons it only shows anything about 20% of the time.)

He's now suggesting three other tests, which don't require a blood sample: "OATS test", "Microbial GI effects test", and some kind of hair test, I think all from Biolab. Has anyone heard of these tests? Are they worth anything? I keep hearing fairly dismissive things about the accuracy of hair testing, but I can't work out whether that applies to all hair testing or just for certain things.

Many thanks

Wombat140

[Mayzoo]

Here is some information on the OATS test. We have run the test on our daughter, but have not received the results:

 

http://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/home/eng/full_oat.asp

 

Here is some information on the Microbial GI test:

 

http://www.metametrix.com/test-menu/profiles/gastrointestinal-function/gi-effects-microbial-ecology

 

The hair test, I would need to know which one to get a link for it. I imagine these are as accurate as blood tests since urine tests, and fecal tests have been around for a long time.

[Wombat140]

Handy to know what tests he's talking about, anyway. But do any of you know if they're on the level? I mean, are they recognised as at all reliable by anyone but themselves? Tests of that kind vary so much. Obviously you wouldn't expect to find that out from their own websites!

 

Sorry, he hasn't said which hair test, or even what it'd test for. It's all a bit of a mess at the moment, because he's got a new baby so all I'm getting out of him is hurried e-mails every once in a while.

[Mayzoo]

I just received my daughter's OAT test results today, and my brain is on medical leave for the moment. Soooo, I will review them again tomorrow and see if anything looks way off. At first glance, they appear to make sense based on what I see in her, but I cannot unequivocally reassure you that they are accurate.

 

I know the OATS test and that GI test are very commonly ordered for autistic patients by countless doctors. That does not make them reliable, however. Just widely used. Hair heavy metal analysis (if that is what he is wanting done) is also not uncommon. Our doc went with what is called a porphyrins test that is done with urine and analyzed in France (http://www.metametrix.com/test-menu/profiles/toxicants-and-detoxification/porphyrins-profile). If he is wanted heavy metal analysis, then you can ask him if he prefers one over the other and what are the pros and cons to both the hair type and the urine type. I read something about this on another forum, but cannot remember right now....I will see if I can find it. I do know most parents seem to prefer the urine test for porphyrins.

 

Something to think about, the GI track is responsible for about 75% of your immunity. If you are having immune issues, it certainly can't hurt (except in the wallet) to see what the tests say.

 

I can say, I really, really hope they are accurate since we spent almost 700.00 on all her urine tests .

Edited May 24, 2013 by Mayzoo