Ulta Lab Tests

Neurotransmitters and Neurologic Health Panel

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Acetylcholine Receptor

Also known as: ANA, ANA Screen IFA with Reflex to Titer and Pattern IFA, ANA with Reflux

ANA Screen, IFA

The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is ordered to help screen for autoimmune disorders and is most often used as one of the tests to diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Also known as: CBC, CBC includes Differential and Platelets, CBC/PLT w/DIFF, Complete Blood Count (includes Differential and Platelets)

NOTE: Ulta Lab Tests provides CBC test results from Quest Diagnostics as they are reported. Often, different biomarker results are made available at different time intervals. When reporting the results, Ulta Lab Tests denotes those biomarkers not yet reported as 'pending' for every biomarker the test might report. Only biomarkers Quest Diagnostics observes are incorporated and represented in the final CBC test results provided by Ulta Lab Tests.

Absolute Band Neutrophils (Only Reported If Detected)

Immature forms of neutrophils are called neutrophilic band cells. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed. Large numbers of immature forms of neutrophils, called neutrophilic band cells, are produced by the bone marrow when the demand is high.

Absolute Basophils

Basophils normally constitute 1% or less of the total white blood cell count but may increase or decrease in certain diseases and are thought to be involved in allergic reactions.

Absolute Blasts (Only Reported If Detected)

Blasts are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Eosinophils

Eosinophils (eos) respond to infections caused by parasites and play a role in allergic reactions (hypersensitivities)

Absolute Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

Absolute Metamyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Metamyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Monocytes

Monocytes (mono), similar to neutrophils, move to an area of infection and engulf and destroy bacteria. They are associated more often with chronic rather than acute infections. They are also involved in tissue repair and other functions involving the immune system.

Absolute Myelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Myelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Neutrophils

Neutrophils (neu) normally make up the largest number of circulating WBCs. They move into an area of damaged or infected tissue, where they engulf and destroy bacteria or sometimes fungi. Young neutrophils, recently released into circulation, are called bands.

Absolute Nucleated Rbc (Only Reported If Detected)

Nucleated Red Blood Cells (nRBC) ) the presence of NRBCs in the adult blood is usually associated with malignant neoplasms, bone marrow diseases, and other serious disorders.

Absolute Promyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Promyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Band Neutrophils (Only Reported If Detected)

Immature forms of neutrophils are called neutrophilic band cells. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed. Large numbers of immature forms of neutrophils, called neutrophilic band cells, are produced by the bone marrow when the demand is high.

Basophils

Basophils normally constitute 1% or less of the total white blood cell count but may increase or decrease in certain diseases and are thought to be involved in allergic reactions.

Blasts (Only Reported If Detected)

Blasts are immature forms of white blood cells.

Eosinophils

Eosinophils are specialized white blood cells produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream, where they normally make up only 0–6 % of circulating leukocytes. Their cytoplasm is packed with reddish‑orange granules that contain potent enzymes (e.g., major basic protein, eosinophil cationic protein) and inflammatory mediators. When the immune system detects large, multicellular invaders—such as helminth (worm) parasites—eosinophils migrate out of the blood and surround the pathogen, releasing these granule contents to damage the parasite’s outer surface and aid its destruction. Beyond parasite defense, eosinophils act as key orchestras of the allergic response. They accumulate in tissues exposed to allergens (airways in asthma, skin in eczema, GI tract in eosinophilic esophagitis) and secrete cytokines and lipid mediators that amplify inflammation, recruit additional immune cells, and contribute to symptoms like swelling, mucus production, and itching. Because of this pro‑inflammatory role, persistently elevated eosinophil counts—termed eosinophilia—can signal allergic disorders, drug hypersensitivity, or certain autoimmune and malignant conditions. Conversely, counts drop toward zero after glucocorticoid therapy or in acute stress states, reflecting the cells’ sensitivity to hormonal and immune regulation.

Hematocrit

Hematocrit is a blood test that measures the percentage of the volume of whole blood that is made up of red blood cells. This measurement depends on the number of red blood cells and the size of red blood cells.

Hemoglobin

Serum hemoglobin is a blood test that measures the level of free hemoglobin in the liquid part of the blood (the serum). Free hemoglobin is the hemoglobin outside of the red blood cells. Most of the hemoglobin is found inside the red blood cells, not in the serum.

Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

MCH

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is a calculation of the average amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin inside a red blood cell.

MCHC

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a calculation of the average percentage of hemoglobin inside a red cell.

MCV

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a measurement of the average size of RBCs.

Metamyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Metamyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Monocytes

Monocytes (mono), similar to neutrophils, move to an area of infection and engulf and destroy bacteria. They are associated more often with chronic rather than acute infections. They are also involved in tissue repair and other functions involving the immune system.

MPV

Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) - When it indicates average size of platelets are small; older platelets are generally smaller than younger ones and a low MPV may mean that a condition is affecting the production of platelets by the bone marrow. When it indicates a high number of larger, younger platelets in the blood; this may be due to the bone marrow producing and releasing platelets rapidly into circulation.

Myelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Myelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Neutrophils

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed.

Nucleated Rbc (Only Reported If Detected)

Nucleated Red Blood Cells (nRBC) ) the presence of NRBCs in the adult blood is usually associated with malignant neoplasms, bone marrow diseases, and other serious disorders.

Platelet Count

A platelet count is a test to measure how many platelets you have in your blood. Platelets help the blood clot. They are smaller than red or white blood cells.

Promyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Promyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

RDW

Red cell distribution width (RDW), which may be included in a CBC, is a calculation of the variation in the size of RBCs.

Reactive Lymphocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

Red Blood Cell Count

An RBC count is a blood test that tells how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. How much oxygen your body tissues get depends on how many RBCs you have and how well they work.

White Blood Cell Count

A WBC count is a test to measure the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. WBCs help fight infections. They are also called leukocytes. There are five major types of white blood cells: basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes (T cells and B cells), monocytes and neutrophils

Also known as: Chem 12, Chemistry Panel, Chemistry Screen, CMP, Complete Metabolic Panel, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel CMP, SMA 12, SMA 20

Albumin

Albumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood.

Albumin/Globulin Ratio

The ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G ratio) is calculated from measured albumin and calculated globulin (total protein - albumin). Normally, there is a little more albumin than globulins, giving a normal A/G ratio of slightly over 1. Because disease states affect the relative amounts of albumin and globulin, the A/G ratio may provide a clue as to the cause of the change in protein levels. A low A/G ratio may reflect overproduction of globulins, such as seen in multiple myeloma or autoimmune diseases, or underproduction of albumin, such as may occur with cirrhosis, or selective loss of albumin from the circulation, as may occur with kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome). A high A/G ratio suggests underproduction of immunoglobulins as may be seen in some genetic deficiencies and in some leukemias. More specific tests, such as liver enzyme tests and serum protein electrophoresis, must be performed to make an accurate diagnosis. With a low total protein that is due to plasma expansion (dilution of the blood), the A/G ratio will typically be normal because both albumin and globulin will be diluted to the same extent.

Alkaline Phosphatase

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a protein found in all body tissues. Tissues with higher amounts of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, and bone.

Alt

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver. Injury to the liver results in release of the substance into the blood.

AST

AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in high amounts in liver, heart, and muscle cells. It is also found in lesser amounts in other tissues.

Bilirubin, Total

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. A small amount of older red blood cells are replaced by new blood cells every day. Bilirubin is left after these older blood cells are removed. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Bun/Creatinine Ratio

A ratio between a person’s BUN and blood creatinine to help determine what is causing these concentrations to be higher than normal. The ratio of BUN to creatinine is usually between 10:1 and 20:1. An increased ratio may be due to a condition that causes a decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys, such as congestive heart failure or dehydration. It may also be seen with increased protein, from gastrointestinal bleeding, or increased protein in the diet. The ratio may be decreased with liver disease (due to decrease in the formation of urea) and malnutrition.

Calcium

You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. Calcium has many important jobs. The body stores more than 99 percent of its calcium in the bones and teeth to help make and keep them strong. The rest is throughout the body in blood, muscle and the fluid between cells. Your body needs calcium to help muscles and blood vessels contract and expand, to secrete hormones and enzymes and to send messages through the nervous system.

Carbon Dioxide

CO2 is carbon dioxide. Measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood, called the serum. In the body, most of the CO2 is in the form of a substance called bicarbonate (HCO3-). Therefore, the CO2 blood test is really a measure of your blood bicarbonate level.

Chloride

Chloride is a type of electrolyte. It works with other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and carbon dioxide (CO2). These substances help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance. This is a measure of the amount of chloride in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood.

Creatinine

The creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys work.

Egfr African American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

Egfr Non-Afr. American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

GFR-AFRICAN AMERICAN

GFR-NON AFRICAN AMERICAN

Globulin

Globulins is the collective term for most blood proteins other than albumin. Identifying the types of globulins can help diagnose certain disorders. Globulins are roughly divided into three groups: alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Gamma globulines include various types of antibodies such as immunoglobulins (Ig) M, G, and A.

Glucose

A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. The hormones insulin and glucagon help control blood glucose levels.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that the body needs to work normally. It helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. A diet rich in potassium helps to offset some of sodium's harmful effects on blood pressure.

Protein, Total

The total protein is the total amount of two classes of proteins, albumin and globulin that are found in the fluid portion of your blood. Proteins are important parts of all cells and tissues. Your albumin helps prevent fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and your globulins are an important part of your immune system.

Sodium

Sodium is a substance that the body needs to work properly it is vital to normal body processes, including nerve and muscle function

Urea Nitrogen (Bun)

BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down. BUN measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood.

Also known as: Dopamine Urine

Dopamine, 24 Hr Urine

Total Volume

Also known as: Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase65 Antibody

Glutamic Acid

GLUTAMIC ACID

Also known as: Homocysteine, Homocysteine Cardiovascular

HOMOCYSTEINE,

Also known as: C-Reactive Protein, Cardio CRP, Cardio hs-CRP, CRP, High Sensitivity CRP, High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein, High-sensitivity CRP, Highly Sensitive CRP, hsCRP, Ultra-sensitive CRP

Hs Crp

A high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test may be used by itself, in combination with other cardiac risk markers, or in combination with a lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) test that evaluates vascular inflammation. The hs-CRP test accurately detects low concentrations of C-reactive protein to help predict a healthy person's risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). High-sensitivity CRP is promoted by some as a test for determining a person's risk level for CVD, heart attacks, and strokes. The current thinking is that hs-CRP can play a role in the evaluation process before a person develops one of these health problems.

Also known as: 5-HT, Serum, 5-Hydroxy Tryptamine, Serum, Serotonin Serum

Serotonin, Serum

*Important Information on Lab Test Processing Times: Ulta Lab Tests is committed to informing you about the processing times for your lab tests processed through a national lab. Please note that the estimated processing time for each test, indicated in business days, is based on data from the past 30 days across the 13 laboratories for each test. These estimates are intended to serve as a guide and are not guarantees. Factors such as laboratory workload, weather conditions, holidays, and the need for additional testing or maintenance can influence actual processing times. We aim to offer estimates to help you plan accordingly. Please understand that these times may vary, and processing times are not guaranteed. Thank you for choosing Ulta Lab Tests for your laboratory needs.

The Neurotransmitters and Neurologic Health Panel panel contains 9 tests with 63 biomarkers .

Neurotransmitters & Neurologic Health Panel
Comprehensive insights into neuro-immune balance, metabolic status, and inflammatory activity

Why consider this panel?

When the nervous system is out of sync, symptoms can range from brain fog, mood swings, muscle weakness, and tremors to chronic fatigue, tingling, or unexplained pain. Because neurological, immune, metabolic, and inflammatory pathways continually interact, a single-issue test often misses the bigger picture. This panel assembles nine high-value biomarkers that work together to reveal:

  • Neurotransmitter production and breakdown (dopamine, serotonin)

  • Autoimmune activity against nerve and muscle targets (AChR & GAD-65 antibodies, ANA)

  • Systemic inflammation and vascular risk that can aggravate neurologic disease (hs-CRP, homocysteine)

  • Overall blood health and core organ function that influence brain chemistry (CBC, CMP)

Whether you’re investigating neuropathy, myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis–like symptoms, mood disorders, or simply seeking a baseline before starting neuro-active medication, this panel offers a fast, data-rich starting point your healthcare provider can act on immediately.

What each test tells you

 

Test What it measures Why it matters neurologically
Acetylcholine Receptor (Modulating) Antibody Autoantibodies that block or degrade neuromuscular ACh receptors Detects autoimmune attack seen in myasthenia gravis, a cause of fluctuating muscle weakness and fatigue
ANA Screen, IFA (with reflex titer & pattern) Broad screen for nuclear autoantibodies Flags systemic autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, Sjögren’s) that can mimic or contribute to neurologic symptoms
CBC with Differential & Platelets Red & white blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets, differential count Identifies anemia, infections, or hematologic disorders that impair oxygen delivery to the brain or trigger neuropathies
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Electrolytes, kidney & liver enzymes, glucose, proteins Uncovers metabolic imbalances, hepatic or renal dysfunction, and electrolyte shifts that alter neurotransmission
Dopamine, Urine (24-hour or random) Catecholamine excretion Gauges dopaminergic activity linked to motivation, movement disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s), and certain psychiatric states
Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase-65 (GAD-65) Antibody Autoantibodies against the enzyme that converts glutamate → GABA Screens for autoimmune neurologic syndromes (stiff-person, cerebellar ataxia) and type 1 diabetes risk
Homocysteine Sulfur-containing amino acid Elevated levels damage blood vessels and neurons, increasing stroke, dementia, and mood-disorder risk
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) Low-level systemic inflammation marker Chronic inflammation is linked to cognitive decline, depression, and progression of neurodegenerative disease
Serotonin, Serum Circulating 5-HT levels Supports evaluation of mood imbalance, GI-neuro links, and carcinoid syndromes; complements urinary dopamine data

Common symptoms & conditions prompting testing

  • Persistent or episodic muscle weakness, tremor, or fasciculations

  • Unexplained fatigue, dizziness, or cognitive “fog”

  • Mood instability, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance

  • Seizures, ataxia, or movement disorders

  • Migraines, chronic pain, small-fiber neuropathy

  • Personal or family history of autoimmune disease or stroke

  • Monitoring response to treatments that target neurotransmitters or immune modulation

Conditions & Clinical Scenarios Where the Neurotransmitters & Neurologic Health Panel Adds Value

 

Category Representative Conditions How the panel helps
Autoimmune neuromuscular & central-nervous-system disorders Myasthenia gravis, stiff-person syndrome, limbic encephalitis, cerebellar ataxia, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), mixed-connective-tissue disease Acetylcholine-receptor and GAD-65 antibodies identify neuromuscular junction or CNS autoimmunity; ANA with reflex pattern screens broad systemic autoimmunity that often manifests neurologically.
Movement & basal-ganglia disorders Parkinson disease, parkinsonism, dystonia, restless legs syndrome, essential tremor Urinary dopamine pinpoints dopaminergic deficiency or excess; CMP/CBC spot metabolic or drug-induced contributors; hs-CRP gauges inflammation linked to faster progression.
Neuropsychiatric & mood conditions Major depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, ADHD, substance-use disorders, SSRI monitoring Serum serotonin and urinary dopamine detect neurotransmitter imbalances or medication side effects; homocysteine and CMP uncover metabolic factors that worsen mood or cognition.
Cerebrovascular & neurodegenerative risk Ischemic stroke, vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s, mild cognitive impairment Elevated homocysteine and hs-CRP indicate endothelial injury and chronic inflammation; CMP tracks liver/kidney function that influences drug clearance and toxin buildup.
Seizure & episodic neurologic syndromes Autoimmune or metabolic epilepsy, unexplained seizures, transient ataxia GAD-65 and ANA patterns highlight autoimmune epilepsy; CMP and CBC rule out electrolyte or glucose-triggered events.
Peripheral neuropathies & chronic pain Small-fiber neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, chronic migraine Homocysteine, hs-CRP, ANA, and CBC reveal vascular, inflammatory, or autoimmune mechanisms; serotonin levels correlate with migraine frequency and pain modulation.
Metabolic / systemic conditions with neurologic overlap B-vitamin deficiency, hepatic or uremic encephalopathy, thyroid or adrenal disorders CMP and homocysteine expose metabolic derangements; CBC detects anemia that exacerbates fatigue and cognitive fog.

When to consider ordering

  • Unexplained muscle weakness, ptosis, or exercise-induced fatigue

  • Refractory mood or attention disorders despite standard therapy

  • Rapidly progressive tremor, rigidity, or gait instability

  • New-onset seizures in adults without clear etiology

  • Chronic headaches/migraines unresponsive to conventional regimens

  • Suspected autoimmune overlap (joint pain, rashes) with neurologic symptoms

  • Family history of early stroke, dementia, or neurodegenerative disease

A single draw delivers a multidimensional view—neurotransmitter status, autoimmunity, inflammation, vascular risk, and basic hematology/chemistry—streamlining work-ups and guiding targeted treatment.

What to expect

  • Sample collection: One blood draw (for serum tests) plus a simple urine specimen.

  • Turn-around time: Most results ready in 1–3 business days (antibody titers may take slightly longer).

  • Actionable report: Your secure Ulta Lab Tests dashboard flags out-of-range values and offers printable charts your provider can review at a glance.

How this panel guides care

  • Pinpoint the driver – differentiates neurotransmitter imbalance, autoimmune attack, nutrient deficiency, or systemic inflammation.

  • Optimize treatment – supports decisions on immunotherapy, B-vitamin repletion, anti-inflammatory strategies, or dopaminergic/serotonergic medications.

  • Track progress – repeat testing demonstrates biochemical response alongside clinical improvement.

Key benefits of ordering with Ulta Lab Tests

  • No doctor’s visit required to place the order—save time and cost.

  • Transparent pricing with up-front discounts and no surprise fees.

  • Nationwide patient-service centers for convenient same-day collection.

  • CLIA-certified labs and physician-reviewed reports for clinical accuracy.

  • HIPAA-secure online portal—track results over time and download PDFs anytime.

Take charge of your neurologic wellness today.
The Neurotransmitters & Neurologic Health Panel equips you—and your healthcare team—with the multidimensional data needed to pinpoint root causes, personalize treatment, and monitor progress all in one streamlined order.

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