Dopamine is widely distributed throughout the central nervous system and is involved in the control of movement.

Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter involved in motivation, focus, movement, and emotional balance. On the Neurotransmitter XL panel, it’s measured alongside related catecholamines and cofactors to provide a complete view of the body’s stress and reward chemistry. Synthesized from tyrosine and dependent on nutrients like vitamin B6, iron, BH4, and magnesium, dopamine plays a vital role in both brain and autonomic function. The test evaluates dopamine production, breakdown (via COMT and MAO enzymes), and metabolic context, including methylation capacity (SAM/SAH ratio) and mitochondrial energy markers. Interpreted in combination with noradrenaline, serotonin, GABA, glutamate, and tryptophan metabolites, dopamine results help clarify whether mood and energy issues stem from neurotransmitter depletion, stress-related overactivity, or cofactor deficiencies. This biomarker provides essential insight into how the body regulates drive, alertness, and emotional resilience.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that activates the brain’s reward center during pleasurable activities.

Optimal dopamine function is involved in many aspects of health, including memory, movement, motivation, mood, attention, sleep, arousal, learning, and lactation.

What is dopamine and what are its functions?

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (= chemical messenger) that is produced in large concentrations during pleasurable activities such as when eating sugar or junk food, having sex, or participating in fun and enjoyable down-time activities like spending time in nature or engaging in a favorite hobby. Dopamine is released during these times as a reward for engaging in the activities necessary for survival and reproduction such as eating, drinking, and competing.

In a Catecholamines, Fractionated, Random Urine test, dopamine is one of the catecholamines measured. Catecholamines are a group of hormones and neurotransmitters that include substances like epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and dopamine. These chemicals play essential roles in the body's nervous system and its response to stress.

What is Dorea?

Dorea is a genus of bacteria that resides in the human gut as part of the normal intestinal microbiome. It is a Gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium from the Lachnospiraceae family, a group known for producing short-chain fatty acids and fermenting dietary fiber.

Although Dorea is considered a commensal organism (not inherently harmful), its presence and abundance in the gut can offer clues about your digestive efficiency, gas production, inflammation levels, and overall microbial balance.

Dorea is a genus within the Lachnospiraceae family that is in the Firmicutes phylum. Dorea species are known to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide as end-products of glucose fermentation and may be associated with bloating.

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid with 22 carbons and five double bonds (22:5n3). It is formed from its precursor, EPA, by way of the elongase enzyme which adds two carbons. It can be supplemented or obtained in the diet from foods such as marine oily fish.

Not only is DPA found in most fish and marine foods but it is also present in lean red meat from ruminant animals.

The DPA (Docosapentaenoic Acid) test in red blood cells (RBC) offers a comprehensive assessment of DPA levels, a key omega-3 fatty acid. DPA, found in fish oils and marine life, plays a critical role in cardiovascular health, brain function, and inflammation regulation. Measuring DPA levels in RBCs provides a more accurate and long-term indicator of omega-3 status than serum tests, reflecting the body's actual omega-3 fatty acid utilization over time. This is particularly vital for individuals at risk of heart disease, cognitive disorders, or inflammatory conditions.

The DPPX antibody test checks for autoantibodies against DPPX (DPP6), a neuronal cell-surface protein that helps regulate brain and nerve excitability. When present, these antibodies are linked to autoimmune DPPX encephalitis, a potentially treatable cause of symptoms like memory/behavior changes, agitation, tremor/myoclonus, sleep disturbance, seizures, and often prominent gastrointestinal symptoms (weight loss, diarrhea).

Celiac disease is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder with multi-systemic manifestations, both gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal. In genetically susceptible individuals, ingestion of gluten can cause inflammation and damage to the small intestine mucosa. Celiac disease has an incidence of 1:100 in the United States.

Celiac disease is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder with multi-systemic manifestations, both gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal. In genetically susceptible individuals, ingestion of gluten can cause inflammation and damage to the small intestine mucosa. Celiac disease has an incidence of 1:100 in the United States.

Dr. Barnes' Basal Temperature Test (BBTT) is a method used to assess thyroid function. It involves measuring the body's basal temperature upon waking. The test is based on the idea that low thyroid function can result in a lower body temperature. According to Dr. Broda Otto Barnes, who developed and promoted the test, a normal reading upon waking is around 97.8 °F (36.6 °C). If the basal temperature consistently deviates from this range, it might indicate an underactive thyroid.

The BBTT is performed by placing a thermometer in the armpit for 10 minutes immediately upon waking. While this test can provide indications of thyroid issues, it's not a definitive diagnostic tool and should be used alongside other assessments. If the test suggests thyroid dysfunction, consult a medical professional for further evaluation and treatment options.

The dRVVT Confirm (dilute Russell's Viper Venom Test Confirm) measures the presence of lupus anticoagulants (LA), autoantibodies linked to clotting disorders and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). It compares screening and confirmatory test phases, with a normal ratio (0.8–1.2) indicating no significant LA interference. Elevated ratios (>1.2) suggest LA presence and possible increased clotting risk, while low ratios (<0.8) are rare and usually not clinically relevant. This test is vital for diagnosing APS and evaluating unexplained blood clots or recurrent pregnancy loss, providing key insights for managing autoimmune or clotting conditions.

Dilute Russell's viper venom time (dRVVT) is a laboratory test often used for detection of lupus anticoagulant (LA). Russell's viper venom [RVV] isolated from the snake Daboia russelii contains a potent activator of factor X which in the presence of phospholipid, prothrombin and calcium ions clots fibrinogen to fibrin. In individuals with a lupus anticoagulant the antibody binds to the phospholipid inhibiting the action of the RVV and prolonging the clotting time. 

The dRVVT Screen Ratio is a key component of lupus anticoagulant (LA) testing. It is calculated from the dilute Russell's viper venom time (dRVVT) screen test, which uses a low-phospholipid reagent to increase sensitivity to lupus anticoagulant. A normal dRVVT screen ratio is typically less than 1.20, while an elevated ratio (≥1.20) may suggest the presence of LA. However, elevated results can also arise from coagulation factor deficiencies, anticoagulant medications, or other inhibitors.

The screen ratio is determined by dividing the patient’s plasma clotting time by the clotting time of normal pooled plasma. When the ratio is elevated, additional tests, such as mixing studies and confirmatory assays, are often performed to distinguish lupus anticoagulant from other causes of prolonged clotting times.

Evaluating patients with signs and symptoms consistent with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

The anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) tests are used to help diagnose and monitor lupus, also called systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own cells and tissues.