Pyrrole Test | BalanSoul Pathology Testing

Pyrrole Testing: Urinary HPL & Nutrient Imbalance Analysis

For many clients, emotional overwhelm, anxiety, and stress intolerance aren’t just psychological patterns — they often have a hidden biochemical root.
Pyrrole Testing allows us to uncover these underlying imbalances and provide targeted nutritional care that supports your brain’s resilience from the inside out.

At BalanSoul, Pyrrole Testing is a mandatory, non-negotiable assessment for all mental health clients.

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

About the Pyrrole Testing

This test measures urinary Hydroxyhemopyrrolin-2-one (HPL) — a biomarker also known as Kryptopyrrole or the Mauve Factor. Elevated HPL levels indicate a biochemical condition commonly referred to as Pyrrole Disorder (Pyroluria), which is associated with severe nutrient depletion, particularly of zinc and vitamin B6, and a heightened state of oxidative stress.

While mainstream psychiatry often overlooks this marker, clinicians trained in Orthomolecular and Functional Psychiatry have found Pyrrole Testing to be an essential guide in understanding the hidden nutrient imbalances driving anxiety, mood swings, stress intolerance, and emotional dysregulation.

Historically popularised by Dr. Carl Pfeiffer, one of the pioneers of orthomolecular psychiatry, Pyrrole Testing remains a cornerstone of biochemical assessment.

Dr. William Walsh’s clinical database further highlights Pyrrole Disorder as one of the five primary biotypes contributing to treatment-resistant mental health disorders.

🧪 Why This Test is Non-Negotiable at BalanSoul:

Identifies hidden zinc and B6 deficienciescritical for neurotransmitter synthesis.
Reveals oxidative stress patternsthat silently erode emotional resilience.
Guides targeted nutrient therapythat often brings profound symptom relief.
Correlates with high stress sensitivity, emotional lability, and treatment resistance.
Forms a foundational piece of the Walsh-Pfeiffer Biotype Modelused to personalise every treatment plan.

Without identifying and addressing Pyrrole Disorder, we risk overlooking a key driver of mental health dysfunction — which is why Pyrrole Testing is a mandatory part of your care journey at BalanSoul.

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.

Urinary HPL (kryptopyrrole)— the primary marker

Levels above ~15–20 µg/dL (or labspecific cutoffs) considered elevated

Optional blood tests (comarkers):

Plasma Zinc & Serum Copper(with Cu:Zn ratio), Ceruloplasmin
Whole Blood Histamine, Homocysteine, Vitamin B6

these reveal common imbalances associated with pyrrole disorder and guide treatment

Pre-labelled urine collection tube with stabiliser
Detailed collection instructions
Lightprotective amber vial and freezersafe packaging
Prepaid courier bag for nextday delivery to the lab

1️⃣ Prepare the Kit & Area

📋Ensure you have all kit components:

Pre-labelled urine collection tube with stabiliser
Amber light-protective vial
Freezer-safe packaging materials
Prepaid courier bag
Detailed collection instructions
Requisition form

2️⃣ Pre-Collection Instructions

🥤Hydrate well the evening before, but avoid excessive water intake which could dilute the sample.
🕒Collect your first morning urine after an overnight fast.
❄️Ensure your collection area is clean and away from direct sunlight (HPL is light-sensitive).
⚠️If symptomatic (stress, mood swings, acute episodes), collect during these high-symptom periods for optimal accuracy.

3️⃣ Collecting the Urine Sample

🚽Collect the first morning urine sample directly into the provided urine collection cup.
Carefully pour the sample into the pre-labelled collection tube with stabiliser.
Ensure the tube is filled to the marked level. 🚫Do not overfill.

4️⃣ Handling & Stabilising the Sample

🧪If stabilising drops are required, add them as per instructions.
🔒Seal the collection tube tightly and gently invert to mix with the stabiliser.
❄️Immediately place the tube into the provided amber light-protective vial.

5️⃣ Freezing the Sample

❄️Freeze the sealed sample immediately for a minimum of 4 hours, ideally overnight.
Ensure it is stored upright and away from food items.

6️⃣ Packing for Return

📦Place the frozen sample into the provided freezer-safe packaging with an ice brick (if supplied).
📝Complete the requisition form, ensuring all fields are accurate.
Place the requisition form and packaged sample into the prepaid courier satchel.

7️⃣ ✉️ Shipping the Sample

Post your sample on a Monday or Tuesday onlyto avoid weekend delays.
📮Drop off at an express post facility or arrange courier pickup.
Ensure shipment occurs within 24 hours of collectionto maintain sample integrity.

💡 Important Collection Facts:

Pyrrole samples are extremely sensitive to light, temperature, and dilution.
Improper handling may yield false-negatives — follow freezing and light-protection steps carefully.
Always collect during high-symptom days if possible.
Do not submit samples that have thawed or been exposed to sunlight.
Children aged 5+ may use this test if a urine sample can be provided.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

❌Failing to freeze the sample immediately after collection.
❌Exposing the sample to direct sunlight (light degrades HPL levels).
❌Incomplete requisition forms.
❌Overfilling or underfilling the collection tube.
❌Posting samples later in the week — avoid Wednesday to Friday dispatch.

💡 “Pyrrole testing reveals hidden oxidative and nutrient imbalances—it’s a key piece to resolving anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and energy crashes.”

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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