By Dr. Karen DeVore
Healthcare should be proactive, not just reactive. You shouldn’t have to wait until something is “wrong” to start paying attention to your body. This is the foundation of our integrative approach—focusing on prevention, understanding the root cause of symptoms and delivering care that’s personalized to you.
Although often a great first step, conventional lab work often doesn’t tell the full story. Maybe you’ve been told your results are “normal,” but you still don’t feel like yourself. Fatigue, brain fog, bloating, mood swings or trouble sleeping—these aren’t just in your head. They’re signals from your body that deserve to be explored, not dismissed.
That’s why we offer a deeper level of testing at the Tortoise Clinic. Our specialty diagnostics are designed to find answers, target care more effectively, and give you the insights you need to feel empowered on your wellness journey.
Precision Testing for Personalized Care
Specialty testing goes beyond the basics. It helps us detect hidden imbalances, identify early warning signs, and tailor a treatment plan specifically for you. This isn’t about chasing symptoms—it’s about uncovering what’s really going on beneath the surface so we can support your health in a meaningful, lasting way.
Here are a few of the impactful tests we use to support your whole-body wellness:
- Galleri® Multi-Cancer Early Detection Test
This groundbreaking blood test screens for over 50 types of aggressive cancer—many of which don’t have routine screening options. It detects tiny fragments of tumor DNA in your blood before symptoms ever appear. It’s a great option for those with a family history of cancer, unexplained symptoms, or anyone who wants to take a proactive approach. - Genova GI Effects® Comprehensive Stool Analysis
Your gut tells a bigger story than you might think. This test looks at digestion, inflammation, your microbiome (the bacteria living in your gut), and even signs of infection. Because your gut health is connected to your immune system, mood, energy levels, and more, this test can be a game-changer if you’re struggling with things like bloating, fatigue, skin issues, or autoimmune concerns. - Hormone Testing (Serum & DUTCH)
We offer both traditional blood work and the more advanced DUTCH test, to give us a fuller picture of your hormone patterns. DUTCH helps us see how your body makes, uses, and clears hormones like cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone. It’s especially useful for symptoms like low energy, irregular cycles, sleep issues, and mood swings.
- Food Sensitivity Testing
Unlike allergy tests, which check for immediate reactions, this test looks at delayed immune responses that can cause chronic inflammation. That includes symptoms like brain fog, joint pain, headaches, or breakouts—often tied to foods you’d never suspect. Knowing your sensitivities helps us craft a dietary strategy that truly supports your body. - Methylation & Genetic Wellness Testing
This test looks at the genes that affect detox, hormone balance, mood, and how your body uses nutrients. A common example is the MTHFR gene, which plays a role in how you process folate and B vitamins. With this info, we can fine-tune your supplements and lifestyle to work with your genetics, not against them. - Functional Lab Panels
We also look at standard labs—like vitamins, minerals, cholesterol and inflammatory markers—through a functional lens. That means we’re not just checking if you’re in a “normal” range; we’re asking, is this optimal for you? These panels help us assess your metabolic health, nutrient levels, and inflammation in more meaningful ways.
Empowering Your Wellness Journey
Specialty testing isn’t about collecting more data—it’s about getting the right insights. By understanding your body’s unique rhythms and needs, we can create a plan that’s truly tailored to you. Whether you’re managing symptoms or staying ahead of potential issues, we’re here to guide you with clarity and care.
At the Tortoise Clinic, we believe wellness is built over time—not rushed. Our approach helps you slow down, look deeper and make informed decisions without pressure or guesswork.
Because real healing isn’t a quick fix—it’s progress, not perfection. It’s clarity over confusion. Prevention over reaction. And above all, wellness is a marathon, not a sprint.
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