Medical Testing and Injections at Body TLC
Our Medical tests and Injections, gives you back control of your health by skipping long NHS waiting times and offering testing at an affordable price. What's more it only requires a simple drop of blood or a quick injection.
Body TLC offers the following tests:
Coeliac, Candida, Vitamin D, Thyroid Testing as well as B12 Injections.
Coeliac Disease Testing
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What is Coeliac Disease?
Coeliac Disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestine and interferes with the absorption of essential nutrients from food. People who have CD cannot tolerate gluten - a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten may also be found in everyday products such as medicines, vitamins and lip balms. CD affects approximately 1 in 100 people and can occur at any age. Under-diagnosis, however, is a major factor. According to Coeliac UK, only 10-15% of sufferers are clinically diagnosed.
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What are the consequences of Coeliac Disease?
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The consumption of gluten by people with CD triggers a severe auto-immune response which damage the villi in the lining of the small intestine. Villi enables nutrients to be absorbed into the blood stream and therefore damage caused by Coeliac Disease, left un-diagnosed, can lead to a person becoming malnourished.
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Despite the fact that Coeliac Disease is incurable, damaged to the villi can be reversed should patients follow a gluten free diet.
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What are the symptoms of Coeliac Disease?
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Weight Loss
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Tiredness
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Vomiting
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Headaches
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Abdominal Discomfort
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Anemia
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Mouth Ulcers
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Diarrhea
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Breathlessness
If left un-diagnosed, patients with CD are more susceptible to life threatening conditions such as internal hemorrhages and osteoporosis. ​
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How is the Coeliac Disease Test Performed?
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At your appointment, a blood sample will be taken from a prick in the tip of your finger by a therapist, this sample will then be sent to the CNS Laboratory who will test for antibodies commonly associated with CD. The Coeliac screen test (tTG) is an ELISA based methods for the detection of circulating IgA and IgG antibodies raised against tissue Transglutaminase (tTG): tTG IgA students have shown that IgA antibodies to tTG (an enzyme present in the connective tissue of the gut) are strongly associated with the presence of CD. tTg IgA antibodies are highly sensitive (95%-100%) and specifically 90-97% for CD. Result from CNS Laboratory will be available within 10 working days. ​The ELISA Method is the most effective non-invasive diagnosing method of CD currently available.
Patients with CD can exhibit IgA-deficiency. In such cases, the tTG IgA test will produce a negative result. A tTG IgG test is then recommended to prevent false negative results being obtained
- (NICE clinical guideline 86).
Candida Testing
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What is Candida?
Candida is a yeast that in health does not cause a problem however if your body becomes run down Candida may become established and cause you to feel unwell. Candida is normally present in the skin, gut and mucous membranes such as the vagina, mouth and rectum. When a person becomes dysbiosis, Candida can morph to become a pathogenic invasive fungus and cause Candidiasis. Candida overgrowth is encouraged by the following factors: Antibiotics, Oral Contraceptives, Steroid Drugs, Multiple Pregnancies, Smoking and Sugar Consumption.
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What are the symptoms of Candida Overgrowth?
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Fatigue
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Weakness
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Muscle & joint aches
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Headaches
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Feeling of being "hung over"
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Gastrointestinal disturbances - diarrhea, constipation, nausea, bloating after eating
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Psychological disturbances - depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings
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Cognitive dysfunction - poor memory, lack of concentration
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Recurrent vaginitis
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Menstrual Disturbances and Infertility
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Allergies
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Skin irritations/rashes/acne
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Recurrent throat/ear infections
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Hypoglycemia
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How is the Candida Test Performed?
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Following a consultation, a small sample of blood will be taken by your therapist from the tip of your finger, this sample will then be sent to CNS laboratory to be tested for elevated levels of both IgM and IgG antibodies. The combined test is an effective diagnostic and treatment monitoring tool as IgM results indicate an early stage of infection and IgG results indicate an actively ongoing infection. The results from CNS laboratory will be returned to us in clinic within 10 working days.
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What happens after the Candida Test is Performed?
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Should your results indicate Candida overgrowth is present, we recommend contacting your GP for dietary advice, as Candida overgrowth can cause predisposition to food intolerance and a course of anti fungal therapy may be necessary. Body TLC would recommend undergoing a food intolerance test which we offer in clinic in order to avoid long NHS waiting times.
Vitamin D Testing
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What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin which is more appropriately categorized as proporone which is a collective term for a group of secosterorids. Vitamin D is metabolized by hepatic 25-hydroxylase into 25 hydroyvitamin D and by renal 1a hydroxylase into the active form 1.25 dihyroxyvitmaind D. Vitamin D is repsonsible for the modulation of calcium absorption which is required for normal bone mineralisation, muscle contraction, nerve conduction and general cellular function. More specifically 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D is a strong steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in calcium homeostasis, bone metabolism, cell regrowth and replication. Low circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D is the most reliable marker of a Vitamin D deficiency.
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What are the consequences of a Vitamin D deficiency?
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Vitamin D deficiency increases susceptibility to a number of moe serious conditions and diseases such as:
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Viruses
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CVD
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Osteoporosis
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Rickets
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Osepomalcia
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Multiple Sclerosis
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Strokes
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Parkinsons Disease
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Diabetes
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Depression
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Cancers for example: Colon, Breast and Prostate
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What are the causes of a Vitamin D deficiency?
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Deficient Production
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Decreased input due to season fluctuation in sunlight
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Interference of penetration of Solar UV Radiation into the skin which will reduce production of Vitamin D3
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Dietary intake is low
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Decrease in the capacity of human skin to produce Vitamin D in the elderly
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Impaired absorption due to kidney or digestive diseases.
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What foods contain Vitamin D?
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Naturally foods do not provide adequate levels of Vitamin D, therefore sun exposure is the only dependent source, foods with the highest levels of Vitamin D are:
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Flesh of Fish such as Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel
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Beef Liver
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Cheese
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Egg Yolks
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Mushrooms
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Fortified Cereals
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Yogurts
Vitamin D found in these foods in primarily in the form of cholecalciferol and its meabolite 25(OH)D3.​
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How is the Vitamin D test performed?
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A pin prick blood test will be performed by your therapist within the clinic. Body TLC work in cooperation with CNS to use Elisa Based technology to determine levels of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and other Metabolites in serum or plasma. Your blood sample will be diluted with biotin 25-OHD and incubated for 2 hours at room temperature before washing. Avidin enzyme is then added which binds with selective Biotin which is then developed into colour using TMB. The development of colour produced is proportionate to the concentration of 25-OH D. Results are available 15 working days from the date of your blood sample appointment at a FREE follow up appointment or via Royal Mail.
How is the Vitamin D Deficiency Treated?
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Vitamin D Deficiency is treated with supplements and adequate exposure to sunlight.
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CNS participates in the DEQAS external quality assessment scheme for Vitamin D testing.
The Vitamin D test has not been verified for use with clients under the age of 18. In some cases, under 18s may have different blood protein levels which may affect the results of most Vitamin D tests currently available.
Autoimmune Thyroid Testing
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What is a Thyroid?
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The Thyroid is a small gland that lies at the front of the neck. The primary function of the thyroid is the production of horomones Thyroxine (T4), Triiodothyronine (T3) and Calcitonin which act on almost all tissues and organs within the body. T4 and T3 play a crucial role in brain maturation during foetal development. T4 is also critical to regulate your metabolism. Calcitonin stimulates the movement of calcium in the bone.
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When causes Autoimmune Thyroid Disease?
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Autoimmune thyroid disease occurs when the immune systems destroys the cells of the thyroid.
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What are the symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
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Weight Gain
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Depression
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Mania
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Sensitivity to Cold
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Fatigue
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Panic Attacks
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High Cholesterol
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Reactive Hypoglycemia
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Constipation
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Migraines
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Muscle Weakness
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Cramps
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Memory Loss
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Infertility
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Hair Loss
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What are the symptoms of Hyperthyroidism?
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Weight Loss
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Increased Appetite
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Palpitations
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High Blood Pressure
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Sweating
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Hand Tremors
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Enlargement of the Thyroid Gland
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Muscle Weakness
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Eye Problems including swelling of the tissue surrounding the eye
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How is the Auto Immune Thyroid Test Completed?
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A blood sample will be taken from a pin prick finger test by your therapist in clinic at Body TLC, this sample will then be sent to CNS Laboratory where it will be tested for auto antibodies to human thyroid Peroxidase. Thyroid Peroxidase in an enzyme involved in the multiple steps of thyroid hormone synthesis. The Presence of anti TPO auto antibodies unequivocally confirms autoimmune thyroiditis. Results are available within 10 working days at either a FREE follow up appointment or via Royal Mail.
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How is the Thyroiditis Treated?
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If levels of TPO are above the normal range you will need to consult your healthcare professional. Hypothyroidism can be treated with hormone replacement drugs whilst hyperthyroidism is treated with radioactive iodine treatment, drugs or surgery. Once treated most people can lead a normal life.
B12
Injections
Perfectly Convenient Way to get your B12 as you need it
ONLY
£28
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B12 Injections
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What is B12?
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Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps to keep your nerves and blood cells healthy. Our bodies don’t make Vitamin B12, it is obtained from foods such as meat, fish, milk and eggs.
Who needs B12 Injections?
Due to the source of B12, you may have a deficiency if you are vegan, don’t eat enough B12 rich food, or if you have other health conditions which mean you are unable to absorb it properly, such as pernicious anaemia.
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The Vitamin B12 injection is an effective way to treat a deficiency. There is only one type of vitamin B12 injection available in the UK, known as hydroxocobalamin. Vitamin B12 tablets, also known as cyanocobalamin, can be bought over the counter from pharmacies or health stores, but are not as effective as the injection.
Who should get the injection?:
If you do not already receive the B12 injection, you must be tested for a deficiency before we can treat you. This is to make sure that you are suitable for the injection.
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How can I get the Vitamin B12 test?:
If you have symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency you can have a test from your GP or privately have a test for Vitamin B12, Folate and Intrinsic Factor Antibodies (IFAs).
You can order test kits from online drug stores. You will be asked to sign to confirm you have had the test and are deficient before treatment.
I have already started Vitamin B12 therapy – can I get my injection here?
Yes if you wish to switch to us privately, we do not offer NHS funding
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How often will I need the injection?:
The injection can be given every 6 months if due to a dietary deficiency, or 2-3 months if the cause of your low B12 levels is pernicious anaemia.
There is no need to be re-tested.
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Symptoms of a Vitamin B12 deficiency?
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Symptoms of deficiency can vary from person to person, but can include extreme tiredness and lack of energy, breathlessness and feeling faint, headaches, pale skin, heart palpitations and sometimes a loss of appetite and weight loss.
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What do I do if I think I need Vitamin B12 injection?
If you are showing symptoms you can see your GP for a test or arrange it privately.
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How do I make an appointment?
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When you have your results, if you need an injection, you can call us on 01522 394618 one of the team will be able to make an appointment for you. Please make sure you have these results to hand upon your visit to our clinic. If you have had the test through your GP you can request a copy of your results from the GP reception.
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What are the side effects of the B12 injection?
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The B12 injection is generally very safe. However, some people may experience some pain, swelling or redness at the injection site, and in much rarer cases headaches, itching or nausea. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen please contact your GP or 111.
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Is there such a thing as too much B12?
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With vitamin B-12, a deficiency is more likely than a toxicity. Adverse effects from too much vitamin B-12 are rare because your body excretes excessive amounts through urine. If you take any kind of supplements and have abnormal symptoms, discuss your concerns with a doctor.