Test ID: U-325 | Sample Type: Dried Urine | Technology: Advanced LCMS analysis with specialist laboratory interpretation included.
The Basic Neurotransmitters Test is an at-home dried urine test that measures 22 neurotransmitters, metabolites, and amino acid precursors using advanced LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) technology — one of the most sensitive and accurate analytical methods available for neurochemical assessment.
Unlike single-sample urine tests, this profile uses four dried urine collections taken throughout the day, providing a more representative picture of your daily neurotransmitter activity. Results are interpreted by a specialist PhD laboratory scientist and delivered as a personalised graphical report within 3–5 working days.
Who Is This Test For?
This test is designed for anyone experiencing persistent symptoms that may be linked to neurochemical imbalances, including:
- Anxiety, panic attacks, or chronic stress
- Low mood or depression-related symptoms
- Brain fog or poor concentration
- ADHD symptoms — difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, impulsivity
- Memory difficulties or cognitive decline
- Chronic fatigue or low motivation
- Mood swings, irritability, or emotional instability
- Insomnia or poor sleep quality
- Stress intolerance or burnout
- OCD-related symptoms
- Low libido
- PMS or PMDD symptoms
It is also suitable for individuals seeking a deeper, objective understanding of their brain chemistry and nervous system function.
What Does the Test Measure?
This profile assesses 22 neurotransmitter-related markers across key neurochemical pathways:
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
- Glutamate (Glu)
- Glycine (Gly)
- Dopamine (DA)
- Epinephrine / Adrenaline (Epi)
- Norepinephrine / Noradrenaline (NE)
- Histamine (HIST)
- Serotonin (5-HT)
- Phenethylamine (PEA)
- DOPAC (dopamine metabolite)
- Homovanillic Acid (HVA)
- 5-HIAA (serotonin metabolite)
- Normetanephrine (NMN)
- Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA)
- Tryptophan (Trp)
- Kynurenine (Kyn)
- Kynurenic Acid (KynAc)
- 3-Hydroxykynurenine (3-OHKyn)
- Xanthurenic Acid
- Taurine
- Glutamine
- Histidine
Why Neurotransmitter Testing Matters
Neurotransmitters are the brain's chemical messengers — they regulate mood, motivation, concentration, memory, sleep, stress response, energy, and emotional resilience. When neurotransmitter levels or pathways become imbalanced, the effects can be wide-ranging and difficult to attribute without objective data.
Two people may experience identical symptoms — anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, poor sleep — yet have completely different underlying neurochemical patterns. One may have elevated excitatory activity (high glutamate), while another may have reduced inhibitory function (low GABA) or altered serotonin metabolism. Without testing, identifying the specific pattern driving symptoms relies on guesswork.
This test provides objective laboratory data to support more informed, personalised discussions with your healthcare practitioner around nutrition, supplementation, lifestyle, and stress management.
Why This Test Measures Metabolites — Not Just Neurotransmitters
Measuring neurotransmitter levels alone provides an incomplete picture. The way neurotransmitters are produced, converted, and broken down is equally important. This profile assesses both primary neurotransmitters and their key metabolites, revealing how efficiently your neurochemical pathways are functioning — not just whether levels are high or low.
The Neurotransmitter–Hormone–Stress Connection
Neurotransmitters, hormones, and the stress response are deeply interconnected. Hormonal fluctuations can alter serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and norepinephrine activity. Conversely, neurotransmitter imbalances can affect hormone signalling and stress resilience. Symptoms such as anxiety, mood changes, poor sleep, fatigue, and PMS often involve both systems simultaneously — which is why many practitioners choose to assess neurotransmitters and hormones together.
Factors That Can Disrupt Neurotransmitter Balance
- Chronic stress or burnout
- Poor sleep
- Nutritional deficiencies (B6, magnesium, zinc, iron)
- Gut health imbalances (the gut produces ~90% of serotonin)
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Chronic inflammation
- Heavy metal or environmental toxin exposure
- Sedentary lifestyle
Advanced LC-MS Technology
This test uses Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) — the gold standard for neurotransmitter measurement. LC-MS offers exceptional sensitivity and specificity, enabling accurate detection of neurotransmitters and metabolites at very low concentrations. This level of precision is not achievable with standard ELISA-based urine tests.
Convenient At-Home Collection
Rather than a cumbersome 24-hour urine collection, this test uses four simple dried urine strips collected at specific times throughout the day. The strips dry quickly, remain stable for postal return, and require no refrigeration. The process takes only a few minutes and can be completed entirely at home.
What's Included
- 22-marker neurotransmitter and metabolite profile
- Four dried urine collection strips
- Test requisition form and symptom checklist
- Full collection instructions
- Pre-paid return envelope
- Specialist PhD laboratory interpretation
- Personalised graphical results report
- Results by email within 3–5 working days
- Free UK delivery
- No clinic visit required
How It Works
Step 1 — Collect Your Samples at Home
Collect four dried urine samples at specific times during the day using the enclosed collection strips. Full instructions are included in the kit.
Step 2 — Post Your Samples
Allow the strips to dry, then return them to the laboratory using the pre-paid envelope provided.
Step 3 — Receive Your Results
Your personalised neurotransmitter report will be emailed within 3–5 working days of the laboratory receiving your samples.
Test Sample Report: View a sample neurotransmitter report
Collection Instructions: View dried urine collection instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a neurotransmitter test?
A neurotransmitter test measures the chemical messengers that enable communication between nerve cells in the brain and nervous system. These chemicals regulate mood, sleep, focus, memory, stress response, energy, and emotional wellbeing. This basic profile measures 22 neurotransmitter-related markers using dried urine samples collected throughout the day.
What symptoms might indicate a neurotransmitter imbalance?
Common symptoms associated with neurotransmitter imbalances include anxiety, low mood, brain fog, poor concentration, fatigue, sleep disturbances, mood swings, irritability, low motivation, ADHD-related symptoms, stress intolerance, and PMS or PMDD. Testing can help identify whether neurochemical patterns may be contributing to these symptoms.
Why does this test measure metabolites as well as neurotransmitters?
Metabolites reveal how neurotransmitters are being produced, converted, and broken down. This provides a more complete picture of neurochemical function than measuring neurotransmitter levels alone — helping to identify pathway inefficiencies that may not be visible from primary markers.
Why are four samples collected throughout the day?
Neurotransmitter activity fluctuates throughout the day. Collecting four samples at different time points provides a broader, more representative assessment of neurochemical activity compared to a single spot sample.
Can neurotransmitter imbalances cause anxiety?
Research suggests that neurotransmitters including 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.
Is this test useful for ADHD symptoms?
Dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA, and serotonin are closely involved in attention, focus, motivation, impulse control, and executive function. While this test cannot diagnose ADHD, it may provide useful information about neurotransmitter patterns associated with attention and concentration difficulties.
Can neurotransmitter imbalances affect sleep?
Yes. GABA, glutamate, serotonin, histamine, dopamine, and norepinephrine are all involved in sleep regulation and circadian rhythms. Imbalances may be associated with insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, restless sleep, or early waking.
Should neurotransmitters be tested alongside hormones?
Many practitioners recommend testing both together, as hormonal balance directly influences neurotransmitter production, metabolism, mood, sleep, and stress response. Assessing both systems provides a more complete picture of overall health.
Is the test suitable for children?
Yes. The dried urine collection method is non-invasive and suitable for both adults and children.
Do I need a GP referral or clinic appointment?
No. Everything needed for sample collection is included in the kit. You collect your samples at home and post them directly to the laboratory.
How long does it take to receive results?
Results are typically available within 3–5 working days after the laboratory receives your samples.
Can this test diagnose a medical condition?
No. This test is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. It provides objective information about neurotransmitter-related biomarkers to support informed discussions with your healthcare practitioner.
How accurate is LC-MS neurotransmitter testing?
LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) is one of the most advanced and accurate analytical technologies available for biological testing, offering high sensitivity and specificity for measuring neurotransmitters and their metabolites.
Why We Use ZRT Laboratory
Our tests are analysed by ZRT Laboratory, a globally recognised, CLIA-certified laboratory trusted by healthcare professionals in over 96 countries. Using advanced LC-MS/MS and ICP-MS technology, ZRT delivers accurate, research-backed results with personalised reference ranges, enabling Hormone Lab UK to provide trusted at-home hormone testing across the UK and Europe.
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