Alfred J. Plechner, DVM

Dr. Plechner's Protocol

For a thorough understanding of Dr. Plechner’s protocol, developed during his forty years in clinical practice, please read his most recent book, Pets at Risk: From Allergies to Cancer, Remedies for an Unsuspected Epidemic. It is an essential foundation for understanding Dr. Plechner’s findings and an important educational tool for pet owners and for veterinarians. This book can be ordered through his publisher, NewSage Press, or purchased at your favorite bookstore.

If you are also interested in the human implications of Dr. Plechner’s clinical findings and protocol, you will want to read his compendium of articles, Endocrine-Immune Mechanisms in Animals and Human Health Implications. This publication can only be ordered through his publisher, NewSage Press.

To read some of Dr. Plechner’s articles on his web site, go to Research Articles. One article, Unrecognized Endocrine-Immune Defects in Multiple Diseases (88k PDF), is available to download and print out for distribution. You can also read and download his Protocol (316k PDF) suggestions for humans, and blood test considerations and evaluations.

If you are working with a medical professional who wants to learn more about Dr. Plechner’s protocol for humans, he will be happy to speak with him or her. If you are working with a veterinarian who is treating your animal, see Contact information.

The Endocrine-Immune (EI-1) Blood Test

During his forty years of clinical practice Dr. Plechner developed a specific blood test that reveals if there are endocrine-immune imbalances. The “Endocrine Immune-1” blood test, also called the “EI-1,” involves a simple blood draw, which is spun down to a serum for testing. The EI-1 checks for total estrogen (this includes estradiol, estrone, and estriol), as well as cortisol, thyroid hormones T3 and T4, and IgA, IgG, and IgM. These blood values will indicate the endocrine-immune imbalances that Dr. Plechner discusses in his book, Pets at Risk, and in his compendium of articles, Endocrine-Immune Mechanisms in Animals and Human Health Implications. In brief, Dr. Plechner explains his protocol and findings in his article, "Treating Unrecognized Cortisol-Based Imbalances," published in the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Journal.

Blood Sample Requirements for Pets

The most reliable lab for running the EI-1 blood test is National Veterinary Diagnostic Services (NVDS), an independently owned laboratory in Southern California. The owner, Jason McDonald, has been specially trained to accurately run the EI-1 blood test. Unfortunately, at this time, other major laboratories have not adopted testing services for the EI-1.

For the EI-1, NVDS requires 2 (two) ML of serum. The lab or veterinarian’s office handling the blood draw should consider the following when handling the blood samples:

•Fill the red top serum separator tube and spin the sample down. Ideally, the blood should be spun down in a glass tube. Avoid plastic tubes if possible.

•Refrigerate the serum sample immediately, and ship it to NVDS lab, overnight, kept cool with an ice pack. (See shipping instructions below.) Blood that has warmed to room temperature at any point in the process may yield false high hormone and antibody levels. It is okay to ship the sample in a plastic tube.

It usually takes about a week for test results. Be sure to include the NVDS form, and indicate on it where you would like the test results faxed.

Shipping Blood Samples

When shipping blood samples to NVDS, it is important to ensure blood sample integrity. All blood samples should be shipped to NVDS, overnight, Monday through Thursday. Blood samples shipped over the weekend are usually unacceptable for testing at NVDS because the blood sample does not stay cool.

When packaging blood samples for shipping, make sure samples are packaged with an ice pack and secured. It is imperative that the blood sample be kept cool for accurate testing.

Ship the sample along with the NVDS Test Request Form, which you can download and print out here. If you do not have the capabilities to download this form, email info@national-vet.com and they will fax you a form. Ship blood samples to:

National Veterinary Diagnostic Services (NVDS)
29620 Ashdale Way
Quail Valley, CA 92587-9511

Phone# 951-543-4678

Web: www.national-vet.com
Email: info@national-vet.com

Human Blood Tests

Oftentimes when pet owners begin to understand the endocrine-immune imbalances in their animal companions, they question how this information may relate to their own health issues and possible endocrine-immune imbalances. Dr. Plechner has written about this in his publication, Endocrine-Immune Mechanisms in Animals and Human Health Implications. At this time, it is difficult to find medical professionals who are using Dr. Plechner’s protocol when treating humans, however, there are a handful nationally. If you are looking for a physician or health practitioner open to Dr. Plechner’s protocol, you can email info@drplechner.com. If we know of anyone in your area, we will pass along their contact info. If you already know of someone, please share the information with us.

If you are interested in simply getting your own blood tested for possible endocrine-immune imbalances, this can be done through National Diagnostic Services (NDS), which is a subdivision of National Veterinary Diagnostic Services, under the auspices of a private research project. The following letter provided by NDS, Doctor’s Letter NDS Test, can be downloaded and printed for your medical professional’s information.

The EI-1 for humans involves testing for the same values as those checked in animals. Payment must be made at the same time the test is run. Note: Medical insurance currently may not cover the cost of the EI-1 blood test through NDS. Make checks payable to NDS. Download this PDF to send with your sample. NDS Test Request. Test results take about two weeks.

Follow the same instructions detailed above for handling samples and overnight shipping. Ship blood samples for both animal and human tests to the address above. To read more about human values, visit Published Works.

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