Ordering the Advanced Neurotransmitter Profile | ZRT Lab
The Advanced Neurotransmitter Profile from ZRT Lab helps identify imbalances in brain chemicals that may affect mood, focus, sleep, and energy. This test measures a wide range of neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and norepinephrine, which can be linked to symptoms like anxiety, depression, brain fog, and sleep problems. Interestingly, neurotransmitter levels can also influence how the body responds to stress and even impact hormone balance.
Ordering this test can help you:
- Pinpoint which neurotransmitters are out of balance, allowing for targeted support.
- Track changes in brain chemicals over time to see if treatments are working.
- Identify patterns that may be linked to mood swings, irritability, or memory issues.
- Uncover hidden factors behind chronic fatigue or trouble focusing.
- Support your healthcare provider in creating a more personalized plan for emotional and mental wellness.
Who Should Consider Neurotransmitter and Mood Testing
People who have been feeling unusually tired, struggling to concentrate, or experiencing frequent mood changes may benefit from this test. For example, someone who has tried different approaches for sleep problems or anxiety but still feels off may find answers by checking their neurotransmitter levels.
Ordering this test may also be helpful in these situations:
- Persistent sadness or low motivation that does not improve with lifestyle changes
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep, even after trying common sleep aids
- Unexplained irritability or emotional ups and downs
- Problems with memory or mental clarity that interfere with daily tasks
- Unexpected food cravings or changes in appetite that seem linked to mood
Testing for neurotransmitter imbalances can reveal specific chemical patterns that may be affecting your mood, focus, or sleep, making it easier to address these issues with targeted support. Delaying this test could mean missing the chance to make timely changes that may help improve symptoms sooner.
Preparing for Brain Chemical and Mood Marker Testing
Fasting is not required for this test, but it is best to collect your sample in the morning for the most consistent results. Always follow any instructions your doctor or healthcare provider gives you to make sure your sample is collected correctly and your results are as useful as possible.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Advanced Neurotransmitter Profile | ZRT Lab
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Marker Means | Low and High Levels of This Marker |
|---|---|---|---|
| GABA | 100-250 μg/g creatinine | GABA is a calming brain chemical that helps control anxiety, stress, and sleep. It works by slowing down nerve activity in the brain. | High levels mean the brain may be trying to calm excess stimulation, sometimes linked to fatigue or drowsiness.
Low levels mean there may be more anxiety, restlessness, or trouble sleeping. |
| Glutamate | 10-40 μg/g creatinine | Glutamate is an excitatory brain chemical that helps with learning and memory. It is important for brain signaling and focus. | High levels mean there may be too much stimulation in the brain, which can cause headaches or irritability.
Low levels mean there may be problems with focus, memory, or mental energy. |
| Glycine | 200-600 μg/g creatinine | Glycine is a calming neurotransmitter that helps with sleep and supports healthy mood. It also plays a role in muscle control. | High levels mean there may be extra calming effects, sometimes linked to sluggishness.
Low levels mean there may be more muscle tension, sleep problems, or mood swings. |
| Dopamine | 120-250 μg/g creatinine | Dopamine is linked to motivation, focus, and pleasure. It helps control movement and emotional responses. | High levels mean there may be more impulsivity, agitation, or risk-taking.
Low levels mean there may be low motivation, sadness, or trouble focusing. |
| Epinephrine | 1-10 μg/g creatinine | Epinephrine, also called adrenaline, is a stress hormone that helps the body respond to challenges. It affects heart rate, energy, and alertness. | High levels mean the body may be under stress, leading to anxiety or restlessness.
Low levels mean there may be fatigue or trouble reacting to stress. |
| Histamine | 15-50 μg/g creatinine | Histamine is involved in immune response and can affect mood and alertness. It also plays a role in allergic reactions. | High levels mean there may be more allergy symptoms, headaches, or irritability.
Low levels mean there may be low energy or trouble with alertness. |
| Norepinephrine | 20-55 μg/g creatinine | Norepinephrine is a brain chemical that helps with focus, alertness, and stress response. It is important for attention and energy. | High levels mean there may be anxiety, high blood pressure, or trouble relaxing.
Low levels mean there may be low energy, poor focus, or sadness. |
| Serotonin | 120-185 μg/g creatinine | Serotonin helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite. It is often called the “feel-good” brain chemical. | High levels mean there may be agitation, restlessness, or digestive issues.
Low levels mean there may be sadness, anxiety, or sleep problems. |
| Phenethylamine | 10-30 μg/g creatinine | Phenethylamine is linked to mood, attention, and energy. It is sometimes called the “love chemical” because it can boost feelings of happiness. | High levels mean there may be more excitement or restlessness.
Low levels mean there may be low mood or trouble with attention. |
| DOPAC | 250-600 μg/g creatinine | DOPAC is a breakdown product of dopamine. It helps show how the body is using and clearing dopamine. | High levels mean dopamine is being broken down quickly, which may be linked to stress.
Low levels mean there may be low dopamine activity or slow breakdown. |
| HVA | 1.5-4.5 mg/g creatinine | HVA is another marker of dopamine breakdown. It helps track dopamine activity in the brain. | High levels mean there may be increased dopamine turnover, sometimes linked to stress or agitation.
Low levels mean there may be low dopamine production or use. |
| 5-HIAA | 2.0-6.0 mg/g creatinine | 5-HIAA is a breakdown product of serotonin. It shows how much serotonin is being used and cleared by the body. | High levels mean serotonin is being broken down quickly, which may be linked to stress or certain medications.
Low levels mean there may be low serotonin activity or slow breakdown. |
| Normetanephrine | 50-200 μg/g creatinine | Normetanephrine is a breakdown product of norepinephrine. It helps show how the body is processing stress signals. | High levels mean there may be ongoing stress or high norepinephrine activity.
Low levels mean there may be low stress response or low norepinephrine use. |
| VMA | 1.5-5.0 mg/g creatinine | VMA is a marker for the breakdown of both epinephrine and norepinephrine. It helps track how the body handles stress hormones. | High levels mean there may be high stress hormone activity or ongoing stress.
Low levels mean there may be low production or use of stress hormones. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods or as new research becomes available.
Advanced Neurotransmitter Profile FAQ
Is there Advanced Neurotransmitter Profile testing near me?
This is a test kit you can use at home, and you can check the draw location link at the top of the page for local collection options. For people dealing with ongoing mood swings or trouble focusing, having a nearby collection site makes it easier to get tested quickly and start finding answers.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your treating physician should review your results, we also offer a one-on-one test results review with our clinical team to help you understand what your results mean and what steps you can take next.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see includes standard shipping to you and return shipping to the lab, but draw fees may apply. Ordering this test can help you find out which brain chemicals may be affecting your mood or energy, so you can start working on solutions sooner.
How often should I retest?
It is usually recommended to retest every 3 to 6 months, especially if you are making changes to your treatment or symptoms are changing. Regular testing helps track how your neurotransmitter levels respond to new therapies or lifestyle changes.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses advanced liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for precise measurement of neurotransmitters, with a specificity of 98% and sensitivity of 97%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Important Notes
- There are optional test add-ons available for this test. Contact us with questions.
- This test cannot be shipped to and collected in New York.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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