Testing Options at Nurture Children’s Health
A simple, supported way to access practitioner-led functional testing for your child – without needing an Initial Consultation.
Functional testing can be a helpful next step when symptoms are ongoing, unclear, or not responding as expected. Each testing pathway below has been carefully selected based on the most common childhood presentations seen in the clinic.
All testing includes professional interpretation of results.
Testing is not a replacement for comprehensive medical care and is not suitable for urgent or acute concerns.
How Testing Works
1. Select the testing pathway that best matches your child’s presentation
2. Your test kit is delivered directly to your home
3. You complete the test and return it to the laboratory
4. Results are reviewed once available
5. You receive a structured written interpretation explaining the findings and appropriate next considerations
No appointment is required unless you choose to continue with ongoing support. If results indicate that further assessment is required, you may be advised to book an appointment with a healthcare practitioner of your choice.
Gut & Digestion
May be helpful for children with:
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Reflux, bloating, or abdominal pain
- Recurrent tummy upsets
- Skin concerns with suspected gut involvement
- Behaviour or mood changes alongside digestive symptoms
- Ongoing symptoms without clear cause
This comprehensive stool test explores:
- Gut microbiome balance
- Harmful bacteria (option to include H. pylori)
- Parasites and yeast
- Inflammation markers
- Digestion and absorption markers
- Intestinal permeability indicators
CP+P Gut Test + Written Interpretation
Sample type: Stool sample (collected at home)
Age suitability: Suitable for children aged 12 months+
This is often the first testing pathway recommended for complex or persistent symptoms.
Nutrient & Mineral Balance
May be helpful for children with:
- Picky or restrictive eating
- Fatigue or low energy
- Frequent illness
- Growth concerns
- Skin, hair, or nail changes Signs of possible nutrient imbalance
Hair analysis provides insight into:
- Mineral levels and balance over time
- Key mineral ratios
- Patterns that may influence energy, immune function, and stress response
Hair Mineral Analysis + Written Interpretation
Sample type: Hair sample (cut from the back of the head)
Age suitability: Suitable for children of all ages (who have hair!)
Results are interpreted in the context of diet and symptoms. Hair analysis does not diagnose deficiencies in isolation.
Behaviour & Brain Health
May be helpful for children with:
- Emotional outbursts or mood swings
- Anxiety or heightened worry
- Sensory sensitivities
- Focus and concentration concerns
- Persistent behavioural changes
- Suspected gut-brain or metabolic involvement
Explores:
- Metabolic pathways
- Neurotransmitter-related markers
- Nutrient requirements (including B vitamins and antioxidants)
- Gut microbial byproducts
- Oxidative stress and energy production
Organic Acids Test (OAT) + Written Interpretation
Sample type: Urine sample (collected at home)
Age suitability: All ages
Allergy & Immune
May be helpful for children with:
- Seasonal hay fever
- Persistent nasal congestion
- Itchy eyes
- Eczema with suspected environmental triggers
- Recurrent immune reactivity
Environmental Allergy Panel (IgE – Inhalants)
Assesses IgE-mediated reactions to common environmental allergens such as:
- Pollens
- Dust mites
- Moulds
- Animal dander
Environmental Allergy Panel (IgE – Inhalants) + Written Interpretation
Sample type: Blood test (collected at pathology centre)
Age suitability: Suitable for children aged 2+
Results help determine whether environmental allergies are contributing to respiratory or skin symptoms.
Food Intolerance Testing (IgG)
May be considered for children with:
- Delayed or non-specific reactions to foods
- Ongoing digestive symptoms without a clear trigger
- Skin or behavioural patterns suspected to be food related
- Complex or unclear presentations
Food Intolerance Testing (IgG) + Written Interpretation
Sample type: Blood test (collected at pathology centre)
Age suitability: Suitable for children aged 2+
This test assesses IgG-mediated immune responses to selected foods.
Results are interpreted cautiously and always alongside symptom patterns and dietary history. Food sensitivity testing does not diagnose food allergies and should not be used in isolation to remove multiple foods without guidance.
What’s Included With All Testing
Every testing package includes:
- Test kit and laboratory analysis
- Professional written interpretation
- Clear explanation of findings in plain language
- Guidance on whether further assessment or support may be helpful
Testing packages do not include supplement prescriptions or personalised treatment plans. Ongoing care is available if desired.
When Testing May Not Be The First Step
Testing may not be appropriate if:
- Symptoms are acute or severe
- Immediate treatment guidance is required
- Presentations are highly complex
- A comprehensive clinical history has not yet been reviewed
In these cases, an Initial Consultation may be more appropriate and specific testing can be recommended from there.
Not Sure Where To Start?
If you’re unsure whether testing is the right next step, a Health Audit may provide helpful clarity.
Health Audits offer structured written guidance based on your child’s symptoms and history (without testing or appointments).
All testing services are delivered asynchronously and are not suitable for urgent medical concerns.