Test ID: U-325 | Sample Type: Dried Urine (4 collections) | Technology: Advanced LCMS analysis with specialist laboratory interpretation included | Laboratory: ZRT Laboratory (CLIA-certified) | Test Result: in 3-5 working days | Suitable For: Adults and Children | Collect Sample At Home: No Clinic Visit Required
ZRT’s dried urine method uses four timed collections across the day, without requiring you to collect every urination in a large 24-hour container.
The Advanced Neurotransmitter Test Kit is one of the most comprehensive at-home neurotransmitter tests available, measuring 26 neurotransmitters, metabolites, amino acid precursors, and related markers using advanced LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) technology.
Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that allow billions of nerve cells throughout the brain and nervous system to communicate with one another. They influence virtually every aspect of physical and mental wellbeing, including mood, stress response, motivation, concentration, memory, sleep quality, energy levels, emotional resilience, behaviour, and cognitive performance.
When neurotransmitters become imbalanced, the effects can extend far beyond mental health. Many individuals struggling with persistent fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, poor sleep, low motivation, mood swings, irritability, ADHD symptoms, or chronic stress may unknowingly have underlying neurochemical imbalances contributing to their symptoms.
This advanced neurotransmitter profile provides a detailed assessment of key neurotransmitter pathways, helping you and your healthcare practitioner gain a clearer understanding of how your nervous system may be functioning and identify areas that may benefit from personalised nutritional, lifestyle, or wellness interventions.
What Does the Neurotransmitters Test Measure?
Neuro Advanced Profile Includes:
| Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) Test | Glutamate (Glu) Test |
| Glycine (Gly) Test | Dopamine (DA) Test |
| Epinephrine (Epi) Test | Norepinephrine (NE) Test |
| Histamine (HIST) Test | Serotonin (5-HT) Test |
| Phenethylamine (PEA) Test | DOPAC Test |
| Homovanillic Acid (HVA) Test | 5-HIAA Test |
| Normetanephrine (NMN) Test | Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA) Test |
| Tryptophan (Trp) Test | Kynurenine (Kyn) Test |
| Kynurenic Acid (KynAc) Test | 3-Hydroxykynurenine (3-OHKyn) Test |
| Xanthurenic Acid Test | Taurine Test |
| Glutamine Test | Histidine Test |
| N-Methylhistamine Test | Tyrosine Test |
| Tyramine Test | Creatinine (Crtn) Test |
Creatinine is included in the 26-marker total. It helps account for differences in urine concentration when interpreting the urinary results.
Test Sample Report: Click to see >> Advanced Neurotransmitter Test Report
Not Sure Which Test Is Right for You?
Email us at info@hormonelab.co.uk with your gender, age, symptoms, medications, and any current treatments. We will forward your enquiry to our doctors and respond within 24 hours with a suggestion.
Why Is Neurotransmitter Testing Important?
Many symptoms associated with neurotransmitter imbalances can appear similar on the surface but may have very different underlying causes.
Similar symptoms can occur in people with different biochemical patterns. Reviewing neurotransmitters alongside related metabolites and precursors helps your practitioner assess patterns of neurotransmitter metabolism. These urinary results should be considered alongside your symptoms, medical history, medicines and supplements; they do not establish the cause of symptoms or directly measure neurotransmitter levels in the brain.
Without testing, treatment strategies often rely on assumptions or trial-and-error approaches. Neurotransmitter testing provides objective data that may help identify patterns within the nervous system, allowing more informed decisions regarding diet, supplementation, lifestyle modifications, stress management, and other wellness strategies.
What Are Neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring chemical messengers responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells throughout the brain and body. They help regulate:
- Mood and emotional wellbeing
- Stress resilience
- Sleep quality
- Focus and concentration
- Memory and learning
- Motivation and reward pathways
- Energy production
- Behaviour and impulse control
- Cognitive performance
- Hormonal communication
- Nervous system regulation
Could This Test Help You Explore Your Symptoms?
This advanced neurotransmitter profile evaluates 26 markers involved in mood regulation, stress response, focus, motivation, sleep, and emotional wellbeing. By measuring neurotransmitters, their metabolites, and key amino acid precursors, the test provides a broader assessment of the pathways that may contribute to common neurological and emotional symptoms.
Feeling Anxious or Tense
Anxiety may present as excessive worry, nervousness, physical tension, racing thoughts, or feeling constantly on edge.
How this test may help: The profile assesses calming and stimulating neurotransmitter pathways, including GABA, Glutamate, Glycine, Serotonin, Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, NMN, and VMA, helping to evaluate biochemical factors involved in stress response and nervous system balance.
Low Mood
Low mood may include sadness, reduced enjoyment, emotional withdrawal, or feeling less positive than usual.
How this test may help: The profile measures Serotonin, Dopamine, Tryptophan, 5-HIAA, DOPAC, HVA, and PEA, providing information about neurotransmitter pathways associated with mood, reward, pleasure, and emotional wellbeing.
Brain Fog or Difficulty Concentrating
Symptoms may include poor focus, distractibility, reduced mental clarity, forgetfulness, or difficulty completing tasks.
How this test may help: The profile evaluates Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Tyrosine, Glutamate, Tryptophan, and Kynurenine pathway markers, which are involved in attention, concentration, cognitive performance, and information processing.
Persistent Tiredness or Low Motivation
Low energy, reduced drive, and lack of motivation can affect work, exercise, and daily activities.
How this test may help: The profile assesses Dopamine, PEA, Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, DOPAC, HVA, and Tyrosine, helping to evaluate neurotransmitter pathways involved in alertness, motivation, mental energy, and reward.
Mood Changes or Irritability
Frequent mood fluctuations, frustration, emotional sensitivity, or irritability may be associated with changes in neurotransmitter activity.
How this test may help: The profile examines Serotonin, Dopamine, GABA, Glutamate, Glycine, and related metabolites, providing insight into pathways involved in emotional regulation and mood stability.
Difficulty Falling Asleep, Staying Asleep or Waking Refreshed
Sleep quality depends on healthy communication between stimulating and calming neurological pathways.
How this test may help: The profile measures GABA, Glycine, Taurine, Serotonin, Glutamate, Histamine, and Tryptophan-related markers, which are involved in relaxation, sleep regulation, and nervous system balance.
Feeling Overwhelmed or Finding Stress Difficult to Manage
Some individuals feel unable to cope with everyday pressures or recover from stress.
How this test may help: The profile evaluates Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, NMN, VMA, GABA, Serotonin, and Glutamate, helping to assess neurotransmitter pathways involved in stress resilience and the body's response to challenge.
Restlessness or Impulsivity
Symptoms may include difficulty sitting still, acting impulsively, mental hyperactivity, or feeling unable to relax.
How this test may help: The profile measures Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, PEA, GABA, and Glutamate, providing information about pathways involved in attention, behavioural regulation, motivation, and nervous system stimulation.
Premenstrual Mood Changes or Irritability
Some women experience increased emotional sensitivity, irritability, low mood, or anxiety before menstruation.
How this test may help: The profile evaluates Serotonin, GABA, Dopamine, Tryptophan, and 5-HIAA, helping to assess neurotransmitter pathways that may influence mood and emotional wellbeing during the menstrual cycle.
The Relationship Between Neurotransmitters, Hormones and Stress
Hormones and neurotransmitters work closely together. Hormonal imbalances can influence neurotransmitter production and activity, while neurotransmitter imbalances can affect hormone signalling and stress responses.
This kit does not include hormone measurements.
Click to see our Neurotransmitters and Hormone Tests
Dried Urine Sample Collection Instructions
This test requires dried urine samples only. No saliva collection is needed.
Before You Begin
Read the instructions supplied with your kit. Record all current medications, supplements and hormone treatments on the Test Requisition Form.
Choosing Your Collection Day
- Men and children: Collect on any day of the month.
- Women who do not menstruate, including postmenopausal women: Collect on any day of the month.
- Women with regular periods: Choose a non-bleeding day. This urine-only test does not require collection on a specific day of your menstrual cycle.
- Women with irregular or infrequent periods: Collect on any non-bleeding day.
Avoid collecting during menstruation or whenever blood may be present in your urine. If you use hormone treatments, also follow the guidance below.
When to Collect
All groups should collect samples at the following four times:
| Sample | Collection Time |
|---|---|
| 1 | Your first urination immediately upon waking |
| 2 | Your second urination, approximately two hours after the first collection |
| 3 | Just before dinner |
| 4 | Just before bedtime |
Before your first collection, do not eat, drink anything other than water, or take vitamins or supplements. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice about medication timing; do not stop prescribed medication without their advice.
Limit fluid intake to no more than approximately 240 ml (8 oz) during the hour before each collection to avoid diluting your sample.
How to Collect Each Sample
- Remove a collection card from its bag. Write your name, collection date and time on the card before collecting.
- Open the cover and fold it away from the filter paper. Avoid touching the filter paper.
- Fully saturate the filter paper by urinating directly onto it, or collect urine in a clean cup and dip the paper up to the top black dashed line.
- Hang or tape the card somewhere secure to dry. Ensure the wet filter paper does not touch anything.
- Allow the sample to dry completely for at least six hours. Once completely dry, refold the card, place it in its bag and seal it. Do not leave samples outside the bag for longer than 24 hours.
- Repeat these steps for each collection time.
If You Use Hormone Treatments
Record all hormone treatments on your Test Requisition Form. Follow the hormone-use instructions supplied with your kit and your healthcare provider’s advice. Do not stop prescribed hormone treatment without their advice.
- Morning hormones: Take or apply your usual morning dose after the first urine collection. Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards, especially after applying topical hormones.
- Nighttime hormones: Collect your bedtime sample before taking or applying your nighttime dose.
- Vaginal hormones: The laboratory’s instructions advise avoiding vaginal hormone use during the collection day until after the final urine sample. Discuss timing with your healthcare provider if needed.
If You Miss a Collection
Collect the missed sample at the same time the following day. For example, collect a missed evening sample the following evening. Record the actual collection date and time on both the card and the Test Requisition Form, then follow the same drying and sealing instructions.
Returning Your Samples
Complete the Test Requisition Form in full. Place it, any additional paperwork and all sealed, completely dry samples into the test kit box. Pack and return the kit according to the return instructions provided.
Important: Urine samples that are wet, unsealed, excessively diluted or more than 30 days old will not be processed.
Collection Instructions: View dried urine collection instructions
Advanced LC-MS Technology
This test uses Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), one of the most advanced analytical technologies available for biological testing. Benefits include high analytical sensitivity, excellent specificity, reliable measurement of multiple markers, and detailed neurochemical assessment with professional interpretation.
Convenient At-Home Collection
Unlike traditional 24-hour urine collections, this test uses four simple dried urine collections throughout the day. Non-invasive, no large containers, samples remain stable after drying, and can be returned by post. Suitable for adults and children.
How the Test Works
- Order your kit — delivered directly to your door
- Collect four dried urine samples at specific times during the day using the provided collection strips
- Post your samples to the laboratory using the provided instructions
- Receive your results by email within 3–5 working days of the lab receiving your samples
What You Receive With Your Results
- Graphical neurotransmitter results with individual marker values and reference ranges
- Metabolite analysis and neurotransmitter pathway assessment
- Specialist PhD laboratory interpretation
- Guidance on possible next steps
- Laboratory analysis included; customers pay return postage to the laboratory
Important Information
- Laboratory analysis is included in the price
- Customers pay return postage to the laboratory
- Test kit valid for 12 months from purchase date
About ZRT Laboratory
All testing is performed by ZRT Laboratory — a globally recognised, CLIA-certified diagnostic laboratory founded in 1998 by Dr. David Zava, PhD. ZRT has performed over 11 million tests and is trusted by healthcare professionals in 96+ countries.
- Pioneers of at-home dried urine neurotransmitter and hormone testing
- Advanced LC-MS/MS technology for clinical-grade accuracy
- Qualified for the CDC Hormone Standardisation (HoSt) Program
- Rigorous internal and external quality assurance programmes
Hormone Lab UK (Testfield UK Ltd) is the official UK test provider for ZRT Laboratory. All samples are analysed by ZRT Laboratory, a CLIA-certified laboratory with over 25 years of experience in hormone, neurotransmitter, and wellness testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a neurotransmitter test?
A neurotransmitter test measures key chemical messengers involved in communication between nerve cells throughout the brain and nervous system. This advanced test evaluates 26 neurotransmitter-related markers using dried urine samples collected throughout the day.
Why should I test my neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitter imbalances may be associated with anxiety, low mood, brain fog, fatigue, poor concentration, sleep disturbances, ADHD-related symptoms, and reduced motivation. Testing provides objective information about your neurochemical profile and may help guide personalised wellness strategies.
Can neurotransmitter imbalances cause anxiety?
Research suggests that GABA, Glutamate, Serotonin, Norepinephrine, Histamine, and Dopamine all play important roles in regulating stress responses and emotional wellbeing. Imbalances in these pathways may be associated with anxiety-related symptoms in some individuals.
Is neurotransmitter testing useful for ADHD symptoms?
Neurotransmitters such as Dopamine, Norepinephrine, GABA, and Serotonin play important roles in attention, focus, motivation, and impulse control. While this test cannot diagnose ADHD, it may provide useful information regarding neurotransmitter patterns associated with attention and concentration challenges.
Can neurotransmitter imbalances affect sleep?
Yes. GABA, Glutamate, Serotonin, Histamine, Dopamine, and Norepinephrine are closely involved in sleep regulation and circadian rhythms. Imbalances may be associated with insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, or restless sleep.
Why are four samples collected during the day?
Four timed collections provide samples from different points in the day without requiring you to collect every urination in a large 24-hour container. Follow the collection timetable supplied with your kit.
Why does this test measure neurotransmitter metabolites?
Metabolites help assess how neurotransmitters are being produced, converted, and broken down. This additional information provides a more comprehensive understanding of neurotransmitter function than measuring parent neurotransmitters alone.
Is this test suitable for children?
The dried urine collection method is non-invasive and suitable for adults and children.
Can neurotransmitter testing diagnose medical conditions?
No. This test is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It provides information about neurotransmitter-related biomarkers that may help support discussions with healthcare practitioners regarding symptoms and overall wellbeing.
Does the price include the laboratory fee?
Yes. The full laboratory analysis fee is included. Customers pay return postage to the laboratory.
How long is the kit valid for?
The kit must be used within 12 months of the purchase date.
Other Neurotransmitter Test Panels
U-321 | LCMS Diurnal Hormones I
FC(x4), FCn(x4), MT6s(x4), Crtn(x4)
U-322 | LCMS Diurnal Hormones II
FC(x4), FCn(x4), NE(x4), Epi(x4), MT6s(x4), Crtn(x4)
U-342 | LCMS Neurotransmitters and Diurnal Hormones I
Trp, 5-HT, 5-HIAA, GABA, Gly, Tau, Glu, Gln, His, HIST, N-MeHist, PEA, Tyr, Tyra, DA, DOPAC, HVA, NE, NMN, Epi, VMA, Kyn, KynAc, 3OHKyn, Xanth, Crtn(x5), FC(x4), FCn(x4), MT6s(x4)
U-343 | LCMS Neurotransmitters and LCMS Diurnal Hormones II
Trp, 5-HT, 5-HIAA, GABA, Gly, Tau, Glu, Gln, His, HIST, N-MeHist, PEA, Tyr, Tyra, DA, DOPAC, HVA, NE(x5), NMN, Epi(x5), VMA, Kyn, KynAc, 3OHKyn, Xanth, Crtn(x5), FC(x4), FCn(x4), MT6s(x4)
SU-843 | Saliva 4-Point Cortisol + Dried Urine LCMS Neurotransmitters
C(x4), Trp, 5-HT, 5-HIAA, GABA, Gly, Tau, Glu, Gln, His, HIST, N-MeHist, PEA, Tyr, Tyra, DA, DOPAC, HVA, NE, NMN, Epi, VMA, Kyn, KynAc, 3OHKyn, Xanth, Crtn
SU-840 | Saliva LCMS Hormones 7 + Dried Urine LCMS Neurotransmitters
E2, E3, E1, Pg, T, DS, C, Trp, 5-HT, 5-HIAA, GABA, Gly, Tau, Glu, Gln, His, HIST, N-MeHist, PEA, Tyr, Tyra, DA, DOPAC, HVA, NE, NMN, Epi, VMA, Kyn, KynAc, 3OHKyn, Xanth, Crtn
SU-841 | Saliva LCMS Hormones 7 + Dried Urine LCMS Neurotransmitters and Diurnal Hormones I
E2, E3, E1, Pg, T, DS, C, Trp, 5-HT, 5-HIAA, GABA, Gly, Tau, Glu, Gln, His, HIST, N-MeHist, PEA, Tyr, Tyra, DA, DOPAC, HVA, NE, NMN, Epi, VMA, Kyn, KynAc, 3OHKyn, Xanth, Crtn(x5), FC(x4), FCn(x4), MT6s(x4)
SU-842 | Saliva LCMS Hormones 7 + Dried Urine LCMS Neurotransmitters and Diurnal Hormones II
E2, E3, E1, Pg, T, DS, C, Trp, 5-HT, 5-HIAA, GABA, Gly, Tau, Glu, Gln, His, HIST, N-MeHist, PEA, Tyr, Tyra, DA, DOPAC, HVA, NE(x5), NMN, Epi(x5), VMA, Kyn, KynAc, 3OHKyn, Xanth, Crtn(x5), FC(x4), FCn(x4), MT6s(x4)
SU-844 | Saliva LCMS Hormones 7 with 4-Point Cortisol + Dried Urine LCMS Neurotransmitters
E2, E3, E1, Pg, T, DS, C(x4), Trp, 5-HT, 5-HIAA, GABA, Gly, Tau, Glu, Gln, His, HIST, N-MeHist, PEA, Tyr, Tyra, DA, DOPAC, HVA, NE, NMN, Epi, VMA, Kyn, KynAc, 3OHKyn, Xanth, Crtn
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