FAQ about Live Cell Microscopy

So you’re interested in live blood cell analysis? If it’s the first time you’ve heard this term, you may have some questions.

Q: Is this a form of blood work?

Live cell microscopy is not a form of medical blood work done in a lab. Instead, it is an assessment tool that is used to magnify a single drop of blood at 1000x and indicate nutritional status and other health indicators.

Q: How are you trained and what qualifications do you have to do this?

In Canada, live cell microscopy is not a regulated practice, and therefore I am not a live blood cell analysis ‘practitioner.’ Rather, I am a registered Natural Nutrition Clinical Practitioner with the CAANP and have done a certificate training through the Edison Institute of Nutrition & Health House in order to learn how to apply this cutting edge assessment tool to my nutrition practice. As a microscopist, I have completed a certificate course learning what the blood cells can indicate about human health, as well as a capillary puncture training.

Q: Giving blood makes me nervous! Can you explain the process to help me mentally prepare?

It’s natural to have some anxiety about any prick. The good news is, if you’ve ever had blood drawn or donated blood, this is no where near the same intensity. After cleaning off your fingertip with an alcohol wipe, a lancet device will be released on your middle or ring fingertip to bring a drop of blood to the surface. I will have your hand secure at all times, and be appropriately protected with gloves, disinfectants, and a sharps bin. Once your cells are under the microscope, I will show you the picture on my monitor and talk through it with you, explaining what is going on. When you come to see me, I will talk over the process with you in depth before doing anything. If you have any questions at any point in time, you’re always welcome to ask. Additionally, if you are not comfortable with this assessment, you are not obligated to have it done in our time together. Please let me know before our first appointment if you would like to omit this assessment.

Q: What do you use to draw blood? Does it hurt?

We do not go deep into your dermis at all, just enough to puncture the top layers and draw a drop of blood. It’s much like a prick that diabetics perform daily on their fingers to check insulin levels. It can sting a little bit. I will provide a safe, relaxed and comfortable environment and make sure you are informed before any pricks happen!

Q: Will you be able to diagnose things?

As I am not a medical doctor, I will never diagnose anything. As a Natural Nutrition Clinical Practitioner, I will however use what I see to address any nutritional deficiencies. I may make recommendations on how to adjust your diet or lifestyle to improve your terrain and prevent disease. My work is preventative.

Q: What’s your philosophy?

According to the extensive research of Gunther Enderlein, there are teeny tiny life forms called protits that have a life cycle in your body. They can reveal information about the state of one’s health and immunity by giving insight to the person’s ‘body ecology.’ Although diseases themselves can not actually be seen under a microscope, patterns can. The shape, colour and state of your cells can indicate potential areas that could use some extra nurture! I use this assessment to help get to the root, because I believe there are micro reasons for macro symptoms.