Your questions,
answered.

OligoScan is a non-invasive spectrophotometry test that measures mineral and heavy metal concentrations in your tissue through the skin of your palm — no blood draw, no needles, no discomfort. The device uses safe light wavelengths to analyze optical density and calculate levels of 20+ minerals and heavy metals instantly. It is a wellness screening tool, not a clinical diagnostic instrument, and results are reviewed with your practitioner on the spot.

Blood tests capture a snapshot of what's circulating in your bloodstream at a single moment. OligoScan measures concentrations stored in your tissues — which reflects longer-term mineral accumulation and heavy metal burden that standard panels often miss entirely. The two tools are complementary: OligoScan fills the gap between how you feel and what your labs show. Many clients bring their OligoScan results to their doctor or functional medicine practitioner as an additional data layer.

Styku uses infrared sensors to create a precise 3D model of your body in about 40 seconds. From that model it calculates body fat percentage, lean muscle mass, visceral fat estimate, posture alignment, and body shape metrics — all without any radiation or physical contact. Results are displayed visually on screen immediately. It's a powerful companion to OligoScan because what's happening inside (minerals) and outside (body composition) often tells the same story.

OligoScan has been validated in peer-reviewed literature as a reliable tool for tissue mineral screening and has been in clinical and wellness use in Europe for over a decade. Results correlate meaningfully with symptom patterns and functional health markers. That said, OligoScan is a screening and wellness tool — it reflects trends and patterns, not clinical diagnoses. We're always transparent about this: it's a powerful piece of information, not a replacement for medical testing when that's warranted.

Your full session takes about 30 minutes. You'll start with the OligoScan — your practitioner places a small sensor on four points of your non-dominant palm. It takes about 2 minutes and you won't feel anything. If you booked the combo, the Styku scan follows: you stand on a rotating platform in fitted clothing for 40 seconds while sensors map your body. Then you sit down together and go through your results on screen — your practitioner explains what each number means and outlines your personalized protocol before you leave.

Very little. For OligoScan accuracy, avoid heavy exercise for 24 hours before your scan and stay well hydrated. Don't apply lotion or cream to your hands the morning of your appointment. For the Styku 3D scan, what you wear matters — the scanner maps your body surface, so fitted clothing gives the most accurate results. Wear or bring: compression leggings or fitted shorts and a fitted top or sports bra. Avoid baggy t-shirts, loose pants, jeans, or bulky layers — they create folds the scanner reads as body shape and will skew your measurements. If you forget, we keep spare fitted shorts on hand. No fasting or special diet required for either scan.

Completely safe for all ages — including children, pregnant women, and seniors. OligoScan uses low-level light spectrophotometry with no radiation. Styku uses passive infrared sensors with no radiation, no contact, and no emissions. There are no known side effects from either scan. Many clients do both scans multiple times per year as part of their ongoing wellness routine.

OligoScan only: $160 — includes the full scan, on-screen results review, and OligoScan Interpreter access. OligoScan + Styku combo: $220 — both scans combined for the complete inside-and-out picture; the best value for new clients. 90-day recheck: $120 — for returning clients who want to measure progress after implementing their protocol. Thrive Membership: $24/month — unlocks the Supplement, Meal Plan, and Herb Protocol Builders; cancel anytime.

Your practitioner walks you through every data point during your appointment — what each mineral does, what your levels suggest, and what you can do about it. You'll leave with a written protocol. After your session, the Elements Library and Herb Library on this site give you deep reference material on every element measured. Thrive Members also get access to the Protocol Builders, which generate personalized supplement, meal, and herb plans based on your actual numbers.

Most clients notice meaningful changes within 4–8 weeks of consistently following their mineral and supplement protocol. Factors like the severity of your imbalances, your diet, sleep, and stress levels all play a role. That's why we offer the 90-day recheck at $120 — it's enough time to have implemented real changes, and the second scan gives you measurable proof of progress or helps you course-correct if needed.

Many clients share their OligoScan report with their functional medicine doctor, naturopath, nutritionist, or integrative health practitioner and find it starts a productive conversation. Conventional MDs vary in their familiarity with tissue mineral testing, which is why we position OligoScan as complementary data — not a replacement for any medical workup you're already doing.

The Thrive Membership ($24/month, cancel anytime) is optional — your scan appointment is complete on its own. But members get access to three personalized tools: the Supplement Protocol Builder, the 7-Day Mineral Meal Plan Generator, and the Herb Protocol Builder. Members also unlock the OligoScan Interpreter tool for unlimited re-analysis of their results. It's designed for people who want to go deeper than a single session.

We're at 1451 Rockville Pike, Suite 250, Rockville, MD 20852 — right on Rockville Pike, easily accessible from Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Potomac, and Northern Virginia. Ample parking is available on-site. We're also a short walk from the Twinbrook Metro station on the Red Line. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9am to 5pm. Call us at (301) 590-5914 with any questions.

Absolutely. Many clients come in with a partner or family member and book back-to-back appointments. You can book multiple slots through the scheduling link. If you're booking as a gift or for someone else, just note that in the appointment comments. Gift certificates are also available — call the office to arrange.

OligoScan and Styku both require in-person sessions — the technology measures your palm tissue or body directly. We do not currently offer mail-in or remote testing. If you're travelling from outside the DC metro area, many clients book a session while visiting family or for work. Our location near major highways and the Red Line makes it easy to combine with other DC-area plans.

OligoScan and Styku are wellness and screening services, not covered by standard medical insurance. We accept all major credit cards and debit cards.