Biological Testing

Hair mineral analysis can detect heavy metals and trace minerals that blood testing may miss. Hair testing should be combined with blood and organic acid data rather than used alone for treatment decisions. Standard blood tests are described as insufficiently sensitive for low lithium stores. Elevated urinary quinolinic acid is presented as evidence of active neuroinflammation affecting the central nervous system. The article recommends blood tests including lipid panel, omega-3 index, vitamin D, inflammatory markers, minerals, and infection titers. A severe depression or suicidality workup can use mostly standard labs rather than exotic tests. Quinolinic acid on an organic acids panel is described as the best available test for neuroinflammation.