Live Blood Analysis (LBA), also known as dark field microscopy or nutritional blood analysis, is a practice used by some alternative health practitioners to observe a fresh, un-treated drop of blood, usually from a fingertip, under a high-resolution dark field microscope. The live image of the blood cells is often displayed on a monitor for the patient to view in real-time. Proponents claim this technique can reveal various aspects of a person's health, such as nutritional deficiencies, immune system function, oxidative stress, and the presence of toxins or imbalances, allowing them to recommend personalized dietary changes or nutritional supplements.
The patterns, colors, and other characteristics of the iris (the colored part of the eye) can be examined to determine a patient's systemic health. Detailed iris charts are used that map different zones of the iris to specific organs and body systems; markings or color changes in an area can reflect a person's underlying health issues, genetic strengths and weaknesses, or susceptibility to certain diseases.