Ordering the Nitric Oxide Plasma Test
Nitric oxide is a molecule that helps keep blood vessels relaxed, supports healthy blood flow, and plays a role in how the lungs and immune system work. Testing nitric oxide levels can help identify issues related to circulation, breathing, and muscle recovery, and may be useful for people with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or frequent headaches. Interestingly, nitric oxide levels can also be affected by certain foods and exercise routines, which means this test can provide insight into how lifestyle choices impact your body’s ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients.
Ordering this test can help you:
- Check for problems with blood flow that may affect heart and lung function
- Monitor nitric oxide levels if you use supplements or medications that claim to boost nitric oxide
- Track changes in nitric oxide after starting a new exercise or nutrition plan
- Identify possible causes of unexplained fatigue or low endurance
- Support your doctor in diagnosing conditions related to inflammation or immune response
Who Should Consider Nitric Oxide Screening
People who experience frequent muscle soreness after exercise, have trouble catching their breath during physical activity, or notice ongoing tiredness despite getting enough rest may benefit from this test. For example, someone training for a marathon who feels unusually winded or slow to recover could use this test to see if low nitric oxide is a factor.
Ordering this test may also be helpful in these situations:
- Someone with a family history of heart disease who wants to monitor their cardiovascular risk
- A person with asthma or allergies who has new or worsening breathing problems
- Anyone experiencing unexplained dizziness or headaches that don’t improve with usual care
- People who have started a new nitric oxide supplement and want to see if it’s making a difference
- Someone with chronic sinus congestion, since nitric oxide also affects the nasal passages
Testing for nitric oxide can help pinpoint if low or high levels are contributing to symptoms like poor circulation, slow muscle recovery, or breathing issues, and can guide your doctor in choosing the right next steps. Delaying this test could mean missing early signs of changes in blood flow or oxygen delivery that might be easier to address if caught sooner.
Preparing for Nitric Oxide Biomarker Analysis
Fasting is not required for this test, so you can eat and drink as usual before your sample is collected. Always follow any specific 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 Nitric Oxide Plasma Test
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Biomarker Means | Low and High Levels of Nitric Oxide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitric Oxide (Plasma) | 15 – 35 | Nitric oxide in plasma shows how well your body can relax blood vessels, deliver oxygen, and support immune function. This marker is important for circulation, exercise performance, and recovery. |
High levels mean your body may be responding to inflammation, infection, or oxidative stress.
Low levels mean your blood vessels may not be relaxing properly, which can affect blood flow, energy, and muscle recovery. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods or as new research becomes available.
Nitric Oxide Plasma Test FAQ
Is there Nitric Oxide Plasma Test testing near me?
This test is available as a kit that you can collect locally, and you can check the draw location link at the top of the page for the nearest site. For people with breathing issues or circulation problems, having a nearby collection site makes it easier to get tested without extra travel or delays.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your treating physician should always review your results, we also offer a one-on-one test results review with our clinical team to help you understand what your numbers mean and what steps you can take next.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see for this test includes standard shipping to you and back to the lab, though draw fees may apply at the collection site. Ordering this test can help you find out if nitric oxide levels are affecting your energy, breathing, or recovery, so you can address these issues sooner.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is usually recommended every 3 to 6 months, especially if you are making changes to your exercise, diet, or supplement routine. Regular testing helps track how your nitric oxide levels respond to these changes and supports better management of symptoms.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses a plasma-based colorimetric assay, which is highly specific for nitric oxide metabolites and has a specificity of 98% and sensitivity of 96%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
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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