Test ID: SU-842 | Sample Type: Dried Urine + Saliva | Technology: Advanced LCMS analysis with specialist laboratory interpretation included | Laboratory: ZRT Laboratory (CLIA-certified) | Test Result: 3–5 working days after the laboratory receives your samples | Suitable For: Adults and Children | Collect Sample At Home: No Clinic Visit Required
What Does SU-842 Measure?
Seven Saliva Hormone Measurements
| Hormone | Hormone |
|---|---|
| Estradiol (E2) | Estriol (E3) |
| Estrone (E1) | Progesterone (Pg) |
| Testosterone (T) | DHEA-S (DS) |
| Cortisol — morning saliva |
Advanced Urinary Neurotransmitter-Related Profile
The core urinary profile contains 26 entries, including creatinine:
| Marker | Marker |
|---|---|
| Tryptophan (Trp) | Serotonin (5-HT) |
| 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) | GABA |
| Glycine (Gly) | Taurine (Tau) |
| Glutamate (Glu) | Glutamine (Gln) |
| Histidine (His) | Histamine (HIST) |
| N-Methylhistamine (N-MeHist) | Phenylethylamine (PEA) |
| Tyrosine (Tyr) | Tyramine (Tyra) |
| Dopamine (DA) | Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) |
| Homovanillic acid (HVA) | Norepinephrine / noradrenaline (NE) |
| Normetanephrine (NMN) | Epinephrine / adrenaline (Epi) |
| Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) | Kynurenine (Kyn) |
| Kynurenic acid (KynAc) | 3-Hydroxykynurenine (3OHKyn) |
| Xanthurenate (Xanth) | Creatinine (Crtn) |
Daily Urinary Hormone and Catecholamine Measurements
| Measurement | What it adds |
|---|---|
| Free cortisol ×4 | A daily urinary cortisol profile |
| Free cortisone ×4 | Additional information about daily glucocorticoid patterns |
| 6-Sulfatoxymelatonin (MT6s) ×4 | A daily profile of melatonin’s main urinary metabolite |
| Norepinephrine ×5 in total | A core-profile result plus four additional timed measurements |
| Epinephrine ×5 in total | A core-profile result plus four additional timed measurements |
| Creatinine ×5 in total | Urine-concentration information used in interpreting the results |
The 50 urinary measurements comprise the 26 core entries, 12 timed cortisol/cortisone/MT6s measurements and four additional measurements each of norepinephrine, epinephrine and creatinine. Adding seven saliva measurements gives 57 measurements overall.
You collect four urine samples, not five. The reported totals include core-profile and timed results. Daily cortisol and cortisone profiles are measured in urine; saliva provides one morning cortisol measurement.
Who Is This Test For?
This profile may be relevant if you experience:
- Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or waking refreshed
- Persistent tiredness, low energy or low motivation
- Feeling anxious, tense, overwhelmed or unable to switch off
- Low mood, irritability or mood changes
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Low libido or changes in sexual wellbeing
- Premenstrual mood changes or other PMS symptoms
- Irregular periods or changes in your menstrual cycle
- Hot flushes, night sweats or vaginal dryness
- Reduced strength, stamina or exercise recovery
It is particularly useful to discuss with your practitioner when several of these concerns occur together and you want a broader laboratory assessment.
How Your Results Can Help Guide Your Next Steps
Poor Sleep or Waking Unrefreshed
Four timed urine measurements of cortisol, cortisone and MT6s—the main urinary breakdown product of melatonin—provide information about your daily stress and sleep hormone patterns. The neurotransmitter panel adds measurements related to pathways involved in sleep and wakefulness.
Your practitioner can review these findings alongside your sleep diary to discuss sleep timing, morning daylight, evening lighting, caffeine, exercise timing and whether further sleep assessment is appropriate.
Persistent Tiredness, Low Energy or Low Motivation
The profile measures testosterone, DHEA-S and cortisol, alongside urinary dopamine and related substances involved in motivation and alertness.
Your results provide additional information for reviewing nutrition, activity levels, sleep and recovery. They can also help your practitioner decide whether to investigate other contributors, such as iron deficiency or thyroid function, using additional tests.
Feeling Anxious, Tense or Unable to Switch Off
Cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline participate in the stress response. GABA and glutamate participate in calming and stimulating nerve signalling. This profile measures urinary markers from these pathways alongside your daily cortisol pattern.
Reviewed with your symptoms and routine, the findings can support a discussion about caffeine and alcohol intake, relaxation practices, exercise intensity, recovery time and appropriate support for persistent anxiety.
Low Mood, Irritability or Difficulty Concentrating
Sex hormones and neurotransmitter pathways participate in mood, attention and motivation. Measuring serotonin and dopamine alongside their building blocks and breakdown products provides information about how your body processes these substances.
Your practitioner can use the report as additional context when reviewing sleep, diet, medicines, hormonal changes and your symptom history. This helps inform decisions about further assessment and suitable care.
Low Libido or Reduced Physical Stamina
Testosterone, oestrogens and DHEA-S measurements add hormone information relevant to sexual wellbeing and physical function.
Your results can support a review of hormonal changes, medication, training, food intake and recovery. Depending on your symptoms, your practitioner can discuss further investigations, exercise adjustments or treatment options.
PMS, Menstrual Changes or Menopause Symptoms
The saliva panel measures three oestrogens and progesterone alongside testosterone and DHEA-S. These results add information to an assessment of menstrual changes, premenstrual symptoms, hot flushes, night sweats or vaginal dryness.
Reviewed with your cycle timing, symptom diary and treatment history, the report can guide a discussion about symptom management, further assessment and hormonal or non-hormonal treatment where appropriate.
Why Combine Hormones and Neurotransmitter-Related Markers?
Hormones and nervous-system signalling both participate in mood, energy, sleep and sexual wellbeing. Measuring selected markers together provides more laboratory information when symptoms overlap.
The panel also measures related compounds together: dopamine with DOPAC and HVA, serotonin with 5-HIAA, and histamine with N-methylhistamine. This provides a broader biochemical picture than measuring each parent substance alone.
The urinary measurements describe substances excreted by your body. Their value is as additional information alongside your clinical assessment, rather than a direct measurement of neurotransmitter levels in your brain.
How At-Home Collection Works
- Order your kit. Receive your saliva collection tube, urine collection materials, forms, instructions and return envelope.
- Prepare for collection. Follow the SU-842 instructions for sample timing, menstrual-cycle timing where applicable, medicines and hormone treatments. Complete your symptom checklist and treatment history.
- Collect your samples. Collect one morning saliva sample and four timed dried urine samples. Record the actual collection dates and times, and allow the urine strips to dry as instructed.
- Return your samples. Package and send them to the laboratory using the supplied instructions. The return envelope is not prepaid.
- Receive your report. Results are normally emailed within 3–5 working days after the laboratory receives your samples.
Read the saliva and dried urine collection instructions. Use the SU-842 schedule supplied with your kit.
What You Receive With Your Results
Your combined report includes:
- Numerical results and laboratory reference ranges
- Graphical daily profiles for the timed measurements
- Specialist PhD laboratory interpretation
- Laboratory information to share with your healthcare professional
Specialist interpretation explains the laboratory findings. A consultation with your own healthcare professional helps turn those findings into a personalised plan.
Bring your report, symptom diary, collection times and medication or supplement list to your appointment. Together, you can prioritise further investigations, agree practical changes and track progress through your symptoms and daily wellbeing.
Why Choose ZRT Lab?
- Convenient collection at home
- Analysis by CLIA-certified ZRT Laboratory
- Advanced LC-MS technology
- Specialist laboratory interpretation included
- One combined report covering hormone and neurotransmitter-related measurements
- Laboratory analysis fees included in the test price
Customers arrange and pay for returning their samples to the laboratory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a hormone test, a neurotransmitter test or a sleep profile?
It combines all three: selected saliva hormones, urinary neurotransmitter-related markers and timed urinary cortisol, cortisone, melatonin-metabolite and catecholamine measurements.
Does it measure melatonin?
It measures 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (MT6s), the main urinary breakdown product of melatonin, at four collection times. This provides information about melatonin metabolism across your collection day.
Does “57 measurements” mean 57 different substances?
No. Some substances are measured repeatedly to provide daily profiles. The total includes seven saliva and 50 urinary measurements.
How many samples do I collect?
One morning saliva sample and four timed dried urine samples. Five reported measurements of certain urinary markers do not require a fifth urine collection.
Can I use this test while taking medication or hormone treatment?
Record all medicines, supplements and hormone treatments on your requisition form. Follow the supplied preparation instructions and agree any treatment changes with your prescriber.
Is the profile suitable for children?
It can be used for children when a healthcare professional recommends the profile and supports interpretation of the results.
What if I have kidney disease?
Urinary neurotransmitter testing assumes normal kidney function. People with impaired kidney function should discuss a suitable alternative with their healthcare professional before ordering.
Are laboratory fees and return postage included?
Laboratory analysis and specialist laboratory interpretation are included. A return envelope is supplied, but return postage is paid by the customer.
Not Sure Which Test Is Right for You?
Email info@hormonelab.co.uk with your age, sex, symptoms, medicines and current treatments. We will forward your enquiry to our doctors and aim to respond within 24 hours with a test suggestion.
You can also compare our neurotransmitter test profiles to explore the available options.
Saliva and Dried Urine Collection Instructions
Collect your samples at home using the materials provided in your SU-844 kit. This panel requires four saliva samples and four dried urine samples. Saliva and urine samples can be collected on separate days.
Before You Begin
Read the full instructions supplied with your kit. Record all current medications, supplements and hormone treatments on your Test Requisition Form.
- Three days before collection: Avoid anti-ageing or anti-wrinkle facial creams and biotin (vitamin B7), including hair and nail supplements.
- The day before and the day of testing: ZRT recommends avoiding bananas, pineapple, nuts, nut butters, alcohol, nicotine, protein powders and protein shakes.
- Before saliva collection: Do not eat, drink anything other than water, or brush your teeth before the first sample or during the two hours before subsequent samples.
Choosing Your Collection Day
Men, children and women who do not menstruate: Collect on any day of the month. If you use hormone treatments, also follow the guidance below.
Women with regular periods: For saliva hormone testing, choose your collection day according to your usual cycle length. Day 1 is the first day of menstrual flow, rather than spotting.
| Usual Cycle Length | Saliva Collection Day |
|---|---|
| 23–26 days | Day 17, 18 or 19 |
| 27–30 days | Day 21, 22 or 23 |
| 31–34 days | Day 25, 26 or 27 |
| Shorter or longer cycles | 5–7 days before your next expected period |
Women with irregular or infrequent periods: Collect on any non-bleeding day.
For dried urine collection: Avoid menstruation or any time blood could enter your urine sample. Urine collection does not require a specific menstrual-cycle day.
Saliva Collection Timing
Begin your morning saliva collection within 30 minutes of waking, using the large 10 ml tube. Use a small 5 ml tube for each later collection.
| Sample | Saliva Collection Time |
|---|---|
| 1 | Upon waking; begin within 30 minutes |
| 2 | Before lunch |
| 3 | Before dinner |
| 4 | Before bed |
How to Collect Saliva
- Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel.
- Rinse your mouth with water, then wait five minutes.
- Allow saliva to pool in your mouth and transfer it into the tube. Fill the tube at least halfway, excluding bubbles. Collection usually takes 15–30 minutes.
- Screw the cap on securely.
- Write your name, collection date and time on the tube label, then return the tube to its bag.
- Repeat at the remaining collection times required for your panel.
If you make a collection mistake, rinse the tube with hot water without soap, shake out the remaining water and allow it to air-dry before restarting at the appropriate time.
Freeze saliva samples if they will not be shipped within 24 hours.
Dried Urine Collection Timing
Collect four urine samples:
| 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 the first urine collection, do not eat, drink anything other than water, or take vitamins or supplements. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice about medication timing.
Limit fluid intake to no more than approximately 240 ml (8 oz) during the hour before each urine collection to avoid diluting your sample.
How to Collect Dried Urine
- Remove a collection card from its bag and write your name, collection date and time on it.
- Open the cover and fold it away from the filter paper. Avoid touching the filter paper.
- Fully saturate the 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, ensuring the wet paper does not touch anything.
- Allow it to dry completely for at least six hours. Once 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 for each collection time.
Missed a urine collection? Collect that sample at the same time the following day. Record the actual date and time on the card and Test Requisition Form.
If You Use Hormone Treatments
Record all hormone treatments on your form. Do not stop prescribed treatment without your healthcare provider’s advice.
- Topical or oral hormones: Follow the kit’s timing instructions. The previous evening’s dose should generally be at least 12 hours before morning collection; oral progesterone may be taken at bedtime.
- Prevent contamination: Use gloves or an applicator for topical hormones for at least two days before collection. Avoid applying hormones to your face, lips or neck. Change sheets, pillowcases and towels the night before collection and avoid surfaces that may contain hormone residue.
- Patches, vaginal rings, pellets or injections: Follow the laboratory’s guidance to collect halfway between doses.
- Troches or sublingual hormones: The laboratory does not recommend saliva testing with these therapies. Discuss blood spot testing with your healthcare provider.
- 7-Keto DHEA: The laboratory advises avoiding it for three days before collection. This does not apply to regular DHEA.
- Steroid medicines: Ask your healthcare provider about appropriate collection timing.
- On the urine collection day: Take your morning hormone dose after the first urine sample and wash your hands thoroughly. Collect the bedtime sample before nighttime hormones. The laboratory advises avoiding vaginal hormone use until after the final urine sample; discuss any timing adjustment with your healthcare provider.
Returning Your Samples
Complete the Test Requisition Form in full. Place all labelled samples, the completed form and any additional paperwork into the test kit box. Ensure urine cards are completely dry and sealed, then return the kit according to the supplied return instructions.
A return envelope is provided. It is not prepaid; customers are responsible for return postage to the laboratory.
Important: Urine samples that are wet, unsealed, excessively diluted or more than 30 days old will not be processed, replaced or refunded.
