Why this test matters
Subtle deficiencies can drive fatigue, poor recovery, immune fragility, and metabolic slowdown even when basic blood work looks “normal.” By identifying which nutrients are functionally low inside your cells, we can target diet, supplements, and infusions with precision and then re-test to confirm progress.
How it works
Unlike standard serum levels, this is a functional lymphocyte assay. Your metabolically active peripheral lymphocytes are cultured in a patented, chemically defined medium and stimulated to measure DNA synthesis and growth. Manipulating individual nutrients in the medium reveals intracellular sufficiency or deficiency. This approach also yields two global indices: Spectrox for total antioxidant function and Immunidex for T-cell immune response.
Because lymphocytes live for roughly four to six months, results reflect long-term nutrient status rather than a single day’s intake. The report clearly states the test measures intracellular micronutrient function over a 4–6 month window and that measurements are made inside your white blood cells where metabolism happens.
What is measured
The panel covers key categories with named analytes, for example:
- Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, D, K, biotin, folate, pantothenate.
- Minerals: calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, chromium.
- Amino acids: asparagine, glutamine, serine.
- Antioxidants: alpha-lipoic acid, CoQ10, cysteine, glutathione, selenium, vitamin E.
- Carbohydrate metabolism: fructose sensitivity, glucose–insulin interaction.
- Fatty acid: oleic acid.
Metabolites: choline, inositol, carnitine. The report also includes Spectrox and Immunidex summary scores.
What you’ll receive
- A color, patient-friendly report showing deficient, borderline, and adequate nutrients
- Actionable guidance points and global scores for antioxidant and immune function
A clear baseline to guide targeted nutrition, supplement plans, and IV protocols.
Preparation and logistics
- Specimen: whole blood, drawn into two ACD yellow-top tubes. Fasting is not required. Samples must arrive at the lab within 24 hours.
- Turnaround: typically about 10–14 business days from receipt of the sample.
Scheduling: we time blood draws early in the week and day so kits meet shipping windows.
Who benefits
- Persistent fatigue, low energy, brain fog, or poor recovery
- Recurrent infections or sluggish immune response
- Hair, skin, or nail concerns tied to micronutrients
- Metabolic goals such as weight management, glucose control, or performance
- Pre-conception and prenatal planning
Chronic GI issues affecting absorption
How Peak by MD Integrates Your Results
Your clinician maps any deficiencies to a targeted plan that may include food upgrades, therapeutic repletion dosing, and when appropriate, IV or injectable nutrients. Results also help refine peptide, hormone, and mitochondrial support strategies, then we re-test to confirm the correction and durability of change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It is a functional intracellular assessment that reflects longer-term nutrient availability and utilization, not just what is circulating in serum on the day of the draw.
Spectrox summarizes total antioxidant function. Immunidex is an overall T-cell proliferation score indicating cellular immune performance. Both are included in the report.
No fasting is required for this test.
