Comprehensive Neurotransmitter Profile (FMV/Random)

What this laboratory test evaluates

Analysis of urinary neurotransmitters and their metabolites is non-invasive; testing may provide therapeutic opportunities that improve clinical success and patient health outcomes.

Neurotransmitters are secreted from pre-synaptic neurons into the synapse between nerve cells to stimulate receptors on post-synaptic neurons. The neurotransmitters are all produced from essential aromatic amino acids. Neurotransmitter metabolism may be mediated by a variety of enzymes expressed differently throughout the body. Circulating levels of neurotransmitters and metabolites may have distinctive sources.

A lack of nutritional cofactors (vitamins, minerals) required for normal enzyme function may decrease enzyme function and neurotransmitter levels. Neurotransmitter receptors and metabolic enzymes may be subject to mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that may affect receptor or enzyme function. Normal neurotransmitter receptor function is also necessary for normal neurotransmitter activity. Neurotransmitter levels may be influenced by many factors, such as diet, lifestyle, age, sex, body mass index, hormone imbalance, environmental exposures, infection, chronic inflammation, and nicotine use.

Neurotransmitter analysis provides an overall assessment of a patient's ability to synthesize and metabolize neurotransmitters, which must occur in both the peripheral nervous system and behind the blood brain barrier (BBB). Alterations in urinary neurotransmitter status may result from a variety of conditions including metabolic disorders, mood/behavioral disorders, environmental exposures or (rarely) the presence of certain tumors. Evaluation of neurotransmitters may provide increased clarity about a patient's health and functional status.

Information gained through neurotransmitter testing may provide therapeutic opportunities that improve clinical success and patient health outcomes. Associations between urinary neurotransmitter levels and health conditions have been documented in scientific literature and may provide valuable insight as part of a comprehensive health assessment.

Additional test information

Urinary neurotransmitter levels provide an overall assessment of the body's ability to make and break down neurotransmitters and are representative of whole body levels. Neurotransmitters are secreted all through the body, in neurons of both the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as the gastrointestinal microbiome. The enzymes, cofactors and precursors in neurotransmitter metabolism in general are the same in the periphery and in the central nervous system. Therefore abnormal levels of neurotransmitters in urine may provide important clinical information, and may be associated with many symptoms including cognitive and mood concerns, diminished drive, fatigue and sleep difficulties, cravings, addictions and pain, and abnormal abundance and diversity within the gastrointestinal microbiome.

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Urine
• Fasting: No
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should arrive 5 to 7 days after the lab receives samples.

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.

Related Sunridge care

Learn how Sunridge approaches Neurologic Conditions and ask whether this test is appropriate for your clinical question.