Organic Acids Test (OAT) | BalanSoul Pathology Testing

Organic Acids Test (OAT): Metabolic & Neurotransmitter Profiling Through Urine

The Organic Acids Test (OAT) provides a deep dive into how your body is functioning at a cellular level. By assessing metabolic byproducts in urine, it uncovers imbalances in energy production, gut flora, neurotransmitters, detoxification pathways, and nutrient status.

In functional psychiatry, OAT is often referred to as a “metabolic fingerprint”, offering critical insights for individuals with complex or treatment-resistant conditions like autism, chronic fatigue, mood disorders, and gut dysbiosis.

While some practitioners run OAT early on, this test is often used as a “second-look” diagnostic tool when standard testing fails to reveal answers. When a client presents with persistent symptoms despite following a tailored treatment plan—whether it’s anxiety, brain fog, or low energy—OAT becomes a go-to test to uncover hidden biochemical blockages that might otherwise be missed.

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

About Organic Acids Testing

Organic acids are metabolic byproducts excreted in urine, providing a real-time snapshot of how well your body’s cellular processes are functioning. Think of it as taking a magnifying glass to your biochemistry—highlighting inefficiencies and imbalances that routine blood tests often overlook.

The OAT reveals:

Mitochondrial function— uncovering why fatigue or low resilience might persist.
Neurotransmitter synthesis and breakdown— mapping dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline pathways.
Gut microbiome imbalances— detecting yeast, fungal, and bacterial overgrowths.
Detoxification capacity— assessing glutathione status and oxidative stress markers.
B-vitamin and CoQ10 levels— essential for methylation, energy metabolism, and mood stability.

At BalanSoul, we often describe the Organic Acids Test (OAT) as a biochemical detective tool—an invaluable resource when clients hit a clinical plateau or when symptoms seem disproportionate to standard pathology findings. OAT helps us connect the dots between stubborn functional symptoms and hidden metabolic dysfunctions, making it an essential test in complex or treatment-resistant mental health cases.

In practice, this test can be used at two critical points:

As a foundational assessment alongside other functional teststo create a complete clinical picture.
As a targeted deep-dive when conventional interventions aren’t yielding results, uncovering metabolic roadblocks invisible to other tests.

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.

Intestinal Microbial Overgrowth

Yeast & Fungal Metabolites (Arabinose, Citramalic, Tartaric, etc.)
Clostridia Bacterial Markers (HPHPA, 4-Cresol)

Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Krebs Cycle Intermediates (Succinic, Fumaric, Malic, Aconitic, Citric)
Glycolytic Cycle Metabolites (Lactic, Pyruvic)

Neurotransmitter Metabolites

Dopamine & Catecholamine markers (HVA, VMA, DOPAC)
Serotonin Metabolite (5-HIAA)
Quinolinic / Kynurenic Acid (Neuroinflammation indicators)

Oxalate Metabolites

Oxalic, Glycolic, Glyceric acids (kidney stone and pain syndromes risk)

Vitamin & Nutrient Markers

B Vitamins (B2, B5, B6, B12)
CoQ10, NAC (Glutathione precursor), Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), Biotin

Detoxification Indicators

Pyroglutamic acid (Glutathione status)
2-Hydroxybutyric acid (Methylation and toxin exposure)

Amino Acid Metabolites & Others

Indicators of protein digestion and ammonia metabolism
Markers for inherited metabolic conditions (e.g., PKU screening markers)

This test combines functional, nutritional, and biochemical insights into one report.

What’s Included in Your Kit:
- Sterile Urine Collection Cup
- Urine Transfer Pipette
- Freezer-Safe Transport Tube
- Stabilising Agents (if applicable)
- Prepaid Courier Satchel
- Full Collection Instructions (step-by-step below)

1️⃣ Preparation Before Collection

🕒Fasting is required: Fast overnight (minimum 8 hours) before collecting your sample.
🚫Avoid taking high-dose supplements (especially Vitamin C and NAC) 48 hours prior, unless advised otherwise by your practitioner.

2️⃣ Collecting the Urine Sample

🚽On the morning of the test, collect your first morning urine into the provided sterile collection cup.
Fill the cup at least halfway to ensure a sufficient sample volume.

3️⃣ Transferring the Sample

🧪Use the provided pipette to transfer urine into the freezer-safe transport tube.
Fill the tube as per the fill-line indicator. 🚫Do not overfill.

4️⃣ Stabilising the Sample (if applicable)

🧴If stabilising agents are included, add the required drops into the sample tube as per the instructions.

5️⃣ Freezing the Sample

❄️Immediately place the filled transport tube into your home freezer.
Freeze for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight.

6️⃣ Packing the Sample for Return

📦Once frozen, place the transport tube into the provided courier satchel.
📋Include your completed requisition form, ensuring all personal details are correct and legible.

7️⃣ Shipping the Sample

📮Book a courier pickup or drop off the satchel at your local express post facility.
🕒Ship samples on Monday or Tuesday only to avoid weekend transit delays.

💡 Important Collection Facts:

🕒Fasting overnight ensures accurate metabolic readings.
🚽First morning urine captures concentrated metabolites for optimal testing.
❄️Freezing immediately after collection is essential for sample stability.
🚫Avoid high-dose supplements (Vitamin C, NAC) for 48 hours prior.
💧Do not over-hydrate the evening before — excessive fluid intake can dilute metabolites.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

❌Not fasting overnight — invalidates results.
❌Failing to freeze the sample promptly after collection.
❌Incomplete or illegible requisition forms — delays processing.
❌Posting samples later in the week (Wednesday onwards) — risk of spoilage.
❌Over-hydrating the night before — dilutes the sample and can skew results.

💡 “Your urine reveals a lot more than just hydration. The OAT is a window into how your brain, gut, and energy systems are coping.”

Book your Appointment

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

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