Essential Fatty Acids Profile | BalanSoul Pathology Testing

Essential Fatty Acid Testing: Omega-3 & Omega-6 Balance for Brain Health

Essential fatty acid testing assesses the delicate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fats—critical components of your brain, nerves, and cell membranes. With nearly 60% of the brain composed of fat, deficiencies or imbalances in these lipids can affect mood, memory, focus, and inflammation. This test identifies whether your diet is supporting or sabotaging your mental health.

Not sure where this fits? See our Pathology Testing Packages & Pathways to choose your starting point → /pathology-testing-packages.

About Essential Fatty Acid Testing

Did you know your brain is nearly 60% fat? These fats—especially Omega-3s—are essential for mood, memory, focus, and calming inflammation in the brain. But most people aren’t getting the right balance

This test shows whether your diet is feeding your brain or fuelling hidden inflammation that worsens anxiety, depression, brain fog, and mood swings.

Why This Test Matters for Mental Health

Low levels of EPA andDHA (Omega-3) are linked to memory loss, cognitive decline, and unstable mood.
Too much Omega-6 (pro-inflammatory fats)can drive chronic inflammation, a key player in depression and anxiety.
Many people have imbalances without knowing it—this test identifies them early, so you can fix them before symptoms escalate.

Omega-3 Index: The Key Marker in Essential Fatty Acid Testing

The Omega-3 Index is one of the most important markers measured in this test. It shows the percentage of Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) in your red blood cells, providing a long-term view of your brain’s fatty acid balance—far beyond what a standard blood test can reveal. An optimal Omega-3 Index is strongly linked to:
- Better mood stability
- Sharper cognition and memory
- Lower levels of brain inflammation

More Than Just Omega-3s

The panel also checks Omega-6, Omega-9, trans fats, and saturated fats.
This helps spot patterns of dietary imbalances or poor fat metabolism, which can affect energy, focus, and stress resilience.

💡 “Your brain’s structure, mood stability, and inflammation control all depend on getting your fats in balance. This test shows you exactly where you stand”

Your Testing Journey: From Ordering to Results

STEP 1

Your Test Kit Arrives

Your kit is mailed after payment and includes all forms and instructions.

STEP 2

Collect Your Sample

At home (urine, saliva, or blood spot) follow kit instructions. Or at a collection centre bring your kit and request form.

Test instructions will confirm which collection method applies

STEP 3

Return Your Sample

Use the reply-paid envelope or courier satchel provided. Some centres or couriers send directly for you.

All kits include return packaging and instructions nothing extra to arrange.

STEP 4

Results Ready

Once your sample reaches the lab, testing begins. We’ll contact you to book your results consultation.

Some test results may be available within a week, while others (especially complex profiles) may take up to 3 weeks.

Omega-3 Family

ALA (alpha-linolenic acid)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid)
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
Omega-3 Index
% Omega-3 in HUFA (highly unsaturated fatty acids)

Omega-6 Family

LA (linoleic acid)
GLA (gamma-linolenic acid)
AA (arachidonic acid)
DGLA (dihomo-γ-linolenic acid)
% Omega-6 in HUFA

Ratios & Risk Indicators

Omega-6 / Omega-3 ratio
AA / EPA ratio (inflammation index)
Delta-6 Desaturase activity
Trans fat index

🧠 These values help guide dosage of omega-3 supplements like fish oil, krill oil, or algae-based oils.

Venous blood collection: EDTA tube + chiller pack
Home kit:

Single-use lancets
Blood spot card
Alcohol swab, gauze, Band-Aid
Requisition form + prepaid envelope
Return shipping box

1️⃣ Prepare the Kit & Area

Unpack your kit and ensure all contents are present:
📋Blood Spot Collection Card (attached to cardboard insert)
🩸 2 x Single-use Lancets
🧽 Alcohol wipe, sterile gauze, band-aid
📝 Requisition Form
👜 Biohazard bag and ✉️ Prepaid return mailing envelope

2️⃣ Pre-Collection Instructions

🥤Ensure you are well hydrated:
Drink at least 8 cups of water in the 24 hours before collection and 2–4 glasses right before.
🧼Wash your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water and dry completely.
🧽Clean your selected finger (not the little finger) with the alcohol wipe and let it air dry.
⚠️Avoid collection if taking blood thinning medications or having clotting disorders without consulting your practitioner.

3️⃣ Collecting the Blood Sample

🩸Twist off the cap of the lancet and press firmly on the side of the fingertip to activate.
🩹Wipe away the first drop of blood with gauze.
Apply 6–9 large drops of bloodonto the collection card, filling the marked circle.
Ensure the blood saturates through to the back of the card.

4️⃣ Drying the Sample

❄️Leave the blood spot card to air dry in a safe place away from direct sunlight or moisture for at least 3 hours.
🚫Do not fold or close the card cover until it is completely dry.

5️⃣ Packing the Sample

👜Once dry, place the blood spot card into the provided biohazard bag.
✏️Complete all fields on the Requisition Form clearly and accurately.
Remove excess air before sealing the biohazard bag.

6️⃣ Registering Your Kit

📲Complete the online registration via QR code or link.
🔢Enter your kit ID code (16-digit barcode) and complete the 15-minute questionnaire.
🗒️Note down your barcode for reference.

7️⃣ Shipping the Sample

✉️Place the biohazard bag and requisition form into the prepaid mailing envelope.
🕒Post your sample on a Monday or Tuesday only to avoid weekend delays.
📮Drop off at your local post office or post box before 2pm on the day of collection.

💡 Important Collection Facts:

🥤Hydration improves blood flow and collection success.
🚫Avoid layering drops on previously dried spots — one drop per area.
🧼Smearing or touching the card will invalidate the sample.
✉️Post the sample within 24 hours of collection.
❄️RN Labs is closed mid-December to early January — avoid posting during this period.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

❌Touching the collection card with fingers (contaminates the sample).
❌Adding multiple blood drops on top of each other (invalidates the spot).
❌Mailing the card without using the biohazard bag.
❌Forgetting to register your kit online.
❌Collecting from the little finger (do not use).

💡 “Your brain is made of fat. Testing your essential fatty acids helps us protect it”

Book your Appointment

Use the calendar below to select your preferred appointment date and time. Available dates are highlighted in blue.

15-MINUTE FREE DISCOVERY CALL Confused about testing? Talk to me first.

I’m the practitioner behind BalanSoul. In 15 minutes we’ll map your best next step what to test (and what not to), likely costs/timing, and how it links to your mental health goals.

Free, no obligation, no strings – no surprises.