Three questions to ask natural health practitioners about testing services

Do your research before consenting to live blood analysis, electrodermal testing and other related tests

Are you thinking about visiting a natural health practitioner for a diagnosis? Some practitioners may offer to diagnose a range of health conditions using tests like live blood analysis, bioresonance, electrodermal testing or hair analysis. Before you consent to this type of test, it's important to do your research about the test and the practitioner offering it. Here are three questions to get you started.

1. Who is conducting the test?

Ask about the qualifications and experience of the practitioner who is offering the test. You should be satisfied that they have the appropriate skills and knowledge for the service they offer.

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) maintains a register of all persons who hold registration under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme. Examples of professions that are listed in the register include medical practitioners, nurses, medical imaging technologists, Chinese medicine practitioners, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners. The register can be freely searched on AHPRA website to confirm the registration of a practitioner and see if there are any conditions on their registration.

Some types of natural health practitioners, like naturopaths and homeopaths, are not registered with AHPRA. The services delivered by these health practitioners are regulated by individual state and territory governments.

2. Is the test conducted in an accredited laboratory?

If a practitioner requests a sample for testing (e.g. a sample of your blood or hair), ask whether the sample will be tested in an accredited laboratory. Accredited laboratories have demonstrated that they have the ability to perform tests in a reliable, credible and accurate way. In Australia, the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) provides accreditation for laboratories and technical facilities.

3. What are the risks?

As with other medical procedures, there can be risks with testing services. Be sure to ask about any risks before you participate. You should also ask about how you will be supported afterwards if you experience any side effects or if you are uncertain what your test results mean.

Report side effects and misleading advertising

If you experience an adverse side effect after testing, you should seek assistance from a health professional and report the adverse event to the TGA. Find out more about reporting problems and side effects at Reporting problems

If you see an advertisement for a medicine or medical device that appears to make misleading claims, you can use our online complaints form to lodge a complaint with the TGA. For more information go to Advertising: Complaints and outcomes