Basic Neurotransmitters Test (LCMS) | Specialist Interpretation Included

The Basic Neurotransmitters Test Kit provides a comprehensive assessment of key neurotransmitters involved in brain function, mood regulation, stress response, sleep, focus, and overall nervous system health. Using advanced LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) technology, the test measures measuring 22 essential neurotransmitters, metabolites, amino acid precursors, and related markers.

Unlike traditional single-sample urine tests, ZRT Laboratory is the only laboratory to offer a validated 24-hour equivalent assessment using four simple dried urine collections taken throughout the day. This unique collection method provides a more representative picture of your daily neurotransmitter activity, helping healthcare practitioners better understand your neurochemical balance.

Neurotransmitters are the body's chemical messengers, enabling billions of nerve cells throughout the brain and nervous system to communicate efficiently. They influence many aspects of physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, including mood, motivation, concentration, memory, cognitive performance, sleep quality, energy production, emotional resilience, and the body's response to stress.

When neurotransmitter levels become imbalanced, the effects may extend well beyond emotional wellbeing. Many people experiencing persistent symptoms such as anxiety, brain fog, poor concentration, fatigue, low motivation, sleep disturbances, irritability, mood changes, or chronic stress may have underlying neurochemical imbalances contributing to these symptoms.

The Basic Neurotransmitters Profile provides valuable objective insights into key neurotransmitter pathways, helping you and your healthcare practitioner gain a clearer understanding of how your nervous system may be functioning. The results can support more personalised discussions around nutrition, lifestyle, stress management, and targeted wellness strategies based on your individual neurochemical profile.

What Does the Basic Neurotransmitters Test Measure?

Neuro Basic Profile Includes:

Why Is Neurotransmitter Testing Important?

Many symptoms associated with neurotransmitter imbalances can appear remarkably similar, even though their underlying causes may be very different. Without objective testing, it can be difficult to determine which neurochemical pathways may be contributing to ongoing health concerns.

For example, two individuals may experience anxiety, fatigue, poor concentration, brain fog, and sleep disturbances. However, one person's symptoms may be associated with increased excitatory neurotransmitter activity, such as elevated glutamate, while another may have reduced inhibitory neurotransmitter function involving GABA, altered serotonin metabolism, or imbalances in dopamine-related pathways. Although the symptoms may appear alike, the underlying neurochemical patterns can differ significantly.

Without laboratory testing, treatment decisions often rely on assumptions or a trial-and-error approach, which may delay identifying the factors contributing to persistent symptoms.

Neurotransmitter testing provides objective laboratory data that helps identify patterns within the nervous system. These insights can support more informed discussions with your healthcare practitioner regarding nutrition, targeted supplementation, lifestyle modifications, stress management, sleep optimisation, and other personalised wellness strategies.

Rather than focusing solely on symptom management, neurotransmitter testing can help uncover potential neurochemical imbalances that may be contributing to changes in mood, cognitive function, energy levels, stress resilience, and overall nervous system health, providing a more informed foundation for personalised care.

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

Healthy neurotransmitter activity is essential for maintaining optimal brain and nervous system function.

Symptoms That May Be Associated With Neurotransmitter Imbalances

Many people experiencing ongoing symptoms struggle to identify the root cause of their health concerns.

Neurotransmitter imbalances may be associated with symptoms such as:

• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Low mood
• Depression-related symptoms
• Brain fog
• Poor concentration
• ADHD symptoms
• Hyperactivity
• Memory difficulties
• Chronic fatigue
• Low motivation
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Emotional instability
• Insomnia
• Poor sleep quality
• Stress intolerance
• Impulsive behaviour
• OCD-related symptoms
• Low libido
• PMS and PMDD symptoms

While neurotransmitter testing is not intended to diagnose medical conditions, it can provide valuable information about neurochemical patterns that may contribute to these symptoms.

Conditions Commonly Associated With Neurotransmitter Imbalances

Research has shown that neurotransmitter dysfunction may play a role in a variety of health concerns, including:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• ADHD
• Chronic stress
• Burnout
• Sleep disorders
• Cognitive dysfunction
• Mood disorders
• Fatigue-related conditions
• Hormonal imbalances
• Neurological conditions
• Emotional wellbeing challenges

Understanding neurotransmitter patterns may help support a more personalised and targeted approach to wellness.

Why This Test Is Different

Many neurotransmitter tests measure only the primary neurotransmitters, providing a limited snapshot of brain chemistry at a single point in time.

However, neurotransmitter function is far more complex than measuring individual neurotransmitter levels alone. The way neurotransmitters are produced, converted, metabolised, and broken down plays a vital role in maintaining healthy brain function and nervous system balance.

The Basic Neurotransmitters Test evaluates not only key neurotransmitters but also their important metabolites, providing a more complete understanding of neurotransmitter pathways and overall neurochemical function. Assessing these relationships can offer valuable insights that may not be apparent when measuring neurotransmitters alone.

By examining both neurotransmitters and their metabolic activity, healthcare practitioners can gain a clearer understanding of potential neurochemical patterns that may be associated with symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, brain fog, fatigue, poor concentration, sleep disturbances, and chronic stress.

This more comprehensive approach supports personalised discussions around nutrition, targeted supplementation, lifestyle modifications, stress management, and other evidence-informed wellness strategies, helping to identify potential factors that may be influencing overall brain and nervous system health.

Who Might Benefit From Neurotransmitter Testing?

This test may be useful for individuals experiencing:

• Anxiety or chronic stress
• Low mood
• Poor sleep
• Fatigue
• Brain fog
• ADHD symptoms
• Cognitive concerns
• Mood instability
• PMS or PMDD symptoms
• Low motivation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Emotional wellbeing concerns

It may also be valuable for those seeking a deeper understanding of their neurochemical health and nervous system function.

The Relationship Between Neurotransmitters, Hormones and Stress

Neurotransmitters, hormones, and the body's stress response are closely interconnected. Together, they help regulate mood, energy, sleep, cognitive function, metabolism, and emotional wellbeing. When one system becomes imbalanced, it can influence the function of the others.

Hormonal fluctuations may affect the production, release, and activity of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and norepinephrine. Likewise, neurotransmitter imbalances can influence hormone signalling, stress resilience, and the body's response to physical and emotional stress.

As a result, symptoms such as the following often involve a combination of hormonal and neurochemical factors rather than a single underlying cause:

• Anxiety and chronic stress
• Mood changes and emotional instability
• Poor sleep or insomnia
• Fatigue and low energy
• Brain fog and reduced concentration
• Low motivation
• PMS and PMDD symptoms

Because these biological systems work together, many healthcare practitioners choose to assess neurotransmitters alongside hormone testing to gain a more complete understanding of an individual's overall health. Evaluating both can provide valuable insights into the complex interactions between brain chemistry, hormonal balance, and stress physiology, helping to support more personalised nutrition, lifestyle, and wellness recommendations.

Click to see Our Neurotransmitters and Hormone Tests

Environmental Factors That Can Influence Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitter balance can be affected by many factors, including:

• Chronic stress
• Poor sleep
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Gut health imbalances
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Environmental toxins
• Heavy metal exposure
• Chronic inflammation
• Lifestyle habits

Testing may help identify patterns that support more personalised health recommendations.

Click to see our Neurotransmitters and Heavy Metals Test

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
• Detailed neurochemical assessment
• Advanced laboratory analysis
• Professional interpretation

Convenient At-Home Collection

Unlike traditional 24-hour urine collections, this test uses four simple dried urine collections throughout the day.

Benefits include:

• Non-invasive sample collection
• No large urine containers
• Easy home collection
• Samples remain stable after drying
• Convenient postal return
• Suitable for adults and children

The collection process takes only a few minutes and can be completed from the comfort of your home.

Personalised Laboratory Report

Your comprehensive report includes:

• Graphical neurotransmitter results
• Individual marker values
• Reference ranges
• Metabolite analysis
• Specialist laboratory interpretation
• Personalised comments from experienced laboratory scientists

These insights may help support discussions with your healthcare practitioner regarding appropriate nutritional, lifestyle, or wellness strategies.

How the Test Works

Step 1 — Collect Samples at Home
Collect four dried urine samples at specific times during the day using the provided collection strips.

Step 2 — Send Samples to the Laboratory
Allow the samples to dry and return them to the laboratory using the provided instructions.

Step 3 — Receive Your Results
Your results will be emailed within 3–5 working days after the laboratory receives your samples.

Your report includes:

• Graphical neurotransmitter results
• Easy-to-read numerical values
• Specialist PhD laboratory comments
• Guidance on possible next steps

What Is Included in the Test Kit?

• Test requisition form
• Symptom checklist
• Collection instructions
• Dried urine collection strips
• Return envelope
• Shipping instructions

Important Information

• Laboratory fee included
• No hidden laboratory costs
• Customers are responsible for return shipping
• Test kit valid for 12 months from purchase date
• Free UK delivery included

Take the Guesswork Out of Understanding Your Symptoms

Persistent symptoms can be frustrating, especially when the underlying cause is unclear. While many factors can influence how you feel, objective laboratory testing can provide valuable insights into your brain chemistry and help identify potential neurochemical patterns that may be contributing to your symptoms.

The Basic Neurotransmitters Test provides a detailed assessment of key neurotransmitters and their metabolites, offering a clearer understanding of how your nervous system may be functioning. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, brain fog, poor concentration, fatigue, low motivation, mood changes, or sleep disturbances, your results can support more informed discussions with your healthcare practitioner.

Using highly sensitive LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) technology together with expert laboratory interpretation, this test delivers accurate, reliable, and clinically meaningful information to help support personalised nutrition, lifestyle, stress management, and wellness strategies.

By moving beyond symptom-based assumptions and providing objective neurochemical data, the Basic Neurotransmitters Test empowers you to make more informed decisions about your health and wellbeing.

About Your ZRT Laboratory

Founded in 1998 by researcher Dr David Zava, ZRT Laboratory is a CLIA-certified laboratory and internationally recognised leader in hormone, neurotransmitter, wellness, and functional health testing. With more than 11 million tests performed and healthcare providers using its services in over 96 countries, ZRT is trusted worldwide for its scientific expertise and commitment to quality.

ZRT pioneered saliva and dried urine hormone testing and is the only specialty hormone laboratory to have qualified for the CDC Hormone Standardisation Program (HoSt) for Testosterone and Estradiol reference methods. The laboratory also participates in rigorous internal and external quality assurance programmes, including the Salivary Proficiency Inter-laboratory Testing (SPIT) programme, helping ensure exceptional accuracy and reliability.

Using advanced technologies including LC-MS/MS, ZRT provides comprehensive, easy-to-understand reports with expert laboratory interpretation to support informed health and wellness decisions.

By combining cutting-edge laboratory science with convenient home sample collection, ZRT Laboratory provides one of the world's most comprehensive and clinically reliable approaches to neurotransmitter testing.

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 (FAQs)

What is a neurotransmitter test?

A neurotransmitter test measures key chemical messengers involved in communication between nerve cells throughout the brain and nervous system. These neurotransmitters help regulate mood, sleep, focus, memory, stress response, energy levels, and emotional wellbeing. This basic test evaluates 22 neurotransmitter-related markers using dried urine samples collected throughout the day.

What does the neurotransmitter test measure?

This comprehensive profile measures neurotransmitters, metabolites, amino acid precursors, and related markers including Dopamine, Serotonin, GABA, Glutamate, Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, Histamine, Phenethylamine (PEA), Glycine, Taurine, DOPAC, HVA, 5-HIAA, VMA, and additional markers involved in neurotransmitter production and metabolism.

Why should I test my neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitter imbalances may be associated with symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, brain fog, fatigue, poor concentration, sleep disturbances, stress-related symptoms, ADHD-related symptoms, mood swings, 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 neurotransmitters such as GABA, Glutamate, Serotonin, Norepinephrine, Histamine, and Dopamine play important roles in regulating stress responses and emotional wellbeing. Imbalances in these pathways may be associated with anxiety-related symptoms in some individuals.

Can neurotransmitter imbalances contribute to depression symptoms?

Neurotransmitters including Serotonin, Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and Phenethylamine (PEA) are involved in mood regulation and emotional wellbeing. Testing may help identify patterns that could contribute to low mood and other emotional health concerns.

Can this test help identify causes of brain fog and poor concentration?

Brain fog, reduced focus, memory difficulties, and concentration problems may be associated with multiple factors including neurotransmitter imbalances, stress, poor sleep, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and lifestyle factors. This test provides information that may help uncover potential neurochemical contributors.

Is neurotransmitter testing useful for ADHD symptoms?

Neurotransmitters such as Dopamine, Norepinephrine, GABA, and Serotonin play important roles in attention, focus, motivation, impulse control, and executive function. 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. Neurotransmitters such as 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, restless sleep, or waking during the night.

Can neurotransmitter testing help with chronic fatigue?

Neurotransmitters influence energy production, motivation, mental clarity, and stress resilience. Imbalances between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters may contribute to fatigue-related symptoms and reduced mental performance.

How accurate is LC-MS neurotransmitter testing?

This test uses Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), one of the most advanced laboratory technologies available for biological testing. LC-MS offers high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy when measuring neurotransmitters and related metabolites.

Why does this test measure neurotransmitter metabolites?

Measuring neurotransmitters alone does not always provide a complete picture. Metabolites help assess how neurotransmitters are being produced, converted, and broken down within the body. This additional information may help provide a more comprehensive understanding of neurotransmitter function.

How are samples collected?

Samples are collected using dried urine collection strips at four specific times throughout the day. The strips are allowed to dry before being returned to the laboratory for analysis.

Why are four samples collected during the day?

Neurotransmitter activity can fluctuate throughout the day. Collecting multiple samples provides a broader assessment of neurochemical activity compared to a single spot sample.

Is the test suitable for children?

Yes. The dried urine collection method is non-invasive and suitable for adults and children.

Do I need to visit a clinic?

No. The test is designed for convenient at-home collection. Everything required for sample collection is included within the test kit.

How long does it take to receive results?

Results are typically available within 3–5 working days after the laboratory receives your samples.

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.

Should neurotransmitters be tested alongside hormones?

Many practitioners find that testing hormones and neurotransmitters together provides a more complete picture of health because hormonal balance can influence neurotransmitter production, metabolism, mood, sleep, stress response, and cognitive function.

Can environmental factors affect neurotransmitters?

Yes. Chronic stress, poor sleep, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, gut health, inflammation, environmental toxins, and heavy metal exposure may all influence neurotransmitter production and activity.

What makes this neurotransmitter test different?

This basic profile measures 22 neurotransmitter-related markers, including neurotransmitters, metabolites, and precursors using LC-MS technology. By evaluating both neurotransmitters and their downstream metabolites, it provides a more comprehensive assessment of neurochemical function than many standard neurotransmitter tests. 

Test Sample Report: Click to see >> Advanced Neurotransmitter Test Report

Collections Instructions: Click to see >>  Saliva and Dried Urine Sample Collection Instructions

Test ID: U-325  |  Sample Type: Dried Urine  |  Technology: Advanced LCMS analysis with specialist laboratory interpretation included. 

Saliva + Dried Urine Neurotransmitters Test Kit Includes:

U-325 | LCMS Neurotransmitters
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

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
Saliva: C(x4)
Dried Urine: 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
Saliva: E2, E3, E1, Pg, T, DS, C
Dried Urine: 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
Saliva: E2, E3, E1, Pg, T, DS, C
Dried Urine: 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
Saliva: E2, E3, E1, Pg, T, DS, C
Dried Urine: 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
Saliva: E2, E3, E1, Pg, T, DS, C(x4)
Dried Urine: 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