Organic Acids Test Melbourne
The OAT test — an at-home urine test measuring over 70 metabolic markers reflecting how your body is producing energy, processing nutrients, managing stress, and maintaining gut balance
70+ Markers
Assessed per test
At-Home
Urine collection
10-14 Days
Results turnaround
Australia-Wide
Kit delivered to your door
No referral required. Test kit delivered anywhere in Australia. Available via telehealth.
What Is the Organic Acids Test (OAT)?
The Organic Acids Test is a urine-based metabolic assessment that measures the byproducts of cellular metabolism, digestion, detoxification, and neurotransmitter processing. These byproducts, called organic acids, accumulate in urine and provide a direct window into how well the body’s core biochemical systems are functioning at the cellular level.
Unlike blood tests that measure what is circulating in the bloodstream at a single point in time, the OAT captures the output of metabolic processes over several hours of urine collection. This makes it one of the most informative functional tests available for investigating complex, multi-system presentations including chronic fatigue, cognitive and mental health symptoms, gut dysfunction, and unexplained nutritional depletion.
What the OAT Test Measures
Mitochondrial Function
- Krebs cycle intermediates measuring how efficiently cells produce energy from food
- CoQ10 markers indicating cellular energy production capacity
- Carnitine sufficiency, essential for transporting fatty acids into mitochondria for energy
- B vitamin adequacy at the cellular level, including B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6
- Oxidative stress and antioxidant status markers
Neurotransmitter Metabolism
- Serotonin metabolites indicating serotonin production and breakdown
- Dopamine and norepinephrine precursor markers
- GABA markers reflecting inhibitory neurotransmitter activity
- Quinolinic acid, an excitatory neurotoxin elevated in neuroinflammation and depression
- Kynurenic acid, reflecting the tryptophan-to-serotonin conversion pathway
Gut Dysbiosis Markers
- Bacterial dysbiosis markers including arabinose, indicating yeast overgrowth
- Clostridia markers reflecting specific pathogenic bacterial species
- D-arabinitol, a specific Candida marker
- HPHPA, a Clostridia metabolite associated with neurological and mood symptoms
Nutritional Status
- Vitamin C, biotin, and folate sufficiency markers
- Methylation pathway function, reflecting B12 and folate adequacy
- Pyridoxic acid reflecting B6 status
- Pantothenic acid reflecting B5 status
Detoxification Capacity
- Phase 1 and phase 2 liver detoxification pathway efficiency
- Pyroglutamate and sulphate markers reflecting glutathione and sulphur amino acid status
- Methylmalonic acid reflecting B12 sufficiency for detoxification
When Domenic Recommends the OAT
The OAT is the primary test used at Vital Health for presentations involving chronic fatigue, cognitive and mental health symptoms, and complex multi-system dysfunction. It is frequently run alongside the GI Microbiome Map and the AdrenoCortex Salivary Panel to build a complete picture of interconnected drivers.
Chronic Fatigue and Energy
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and ME with suspected mitochondrial involvement
- Post-viral fatigue following COVID-19, Epstein-Barr virus, or Ross River fever
- Persistent exhaustion unresponsive to rest, with normal standard blood tests
- Fatigue accompanied by muscle weakness, poor exercise tolerance, or prolonged recovery
Cognitive and Mental Health
- Brain fog, poor concentration, and memory impairment
- Anxiety, low mood, and depression where physiological drivers have not been investigated
- Mood instability and emotional dysregulation
- ADHD presentations in adults where nutritional and gut drivers are suspected
- Autism spectrum disorder support alongside conventional care
Gut and Digestive
- Candida and fungal overgrowth when stool testing has not confirmed the pattern
- Suspected Clostridia overgrowth with neurological or mood symptoms
- Persistent gut symptoms where GI microbiome mapping has not fully explained the picture
- Food sensitivity and chemical sensitivity presentations
Detoxification and Environmental
- Suspected toxic load from environmental, chemical, or mould exposures
- Persistent symptoms following significant medication use
- Weight loss resistance where impaired detoxification capacity is suspected
How the OAT Test Works
Step 1
Order and Receive
The test kit is delivered to your door within 3 to 5 days of ordering through Vital Health. The kit includes a urine collection cup, specimen vial, detailed collection instructions, and a prepaid return satchel.
Step 2
Collect at Home
A first morning urine sample is collected before eating or drinking. The sample is transferred to the vial, sealed, and returned via Australia Post. The process takes less than 5 minutes.
STEP 3
Results Consultation
Results are available 10 to 14 days after the lab receives your sample. Domenic reviews results in a 60 to 90 minute consultation and provides a written protocol based on your findings.
How to Prepare for the OAT Test
Collect the first urine sample of the morning before eating, drinking, or taking any supplements or medications
Avoid foods high in organic acids the day before testing including apples, grapes, pears, cranberries, and tartaric acid-containing foods such as wine and grape juice
Discontinue probiotic supplements 5 days before collection
Avoid vitamin C supplements for 48 hours before collection as they can interfere with some markers
Continue prescription medications as normal unless advised otherwise by Domenic
Do not collect during or immediately after an acute illness or infection
Detailed preparation instructions are included in the kit and confirmed at your initial consultation or discovery call.
Frequently Asked Questions
The OAT, or Organic Acids Test, is an at-home urine test measuring over 70 metabolic markers produced by cellular processes, digestion, and neurotransmitter metabolism. It shows how efficiently the body is producing energy at the mitochondrial level, the state of gut dysbiosis including yeast and bacterial overgrowths, neurotransmitter production and breakdown, nutritional adequacy at the cellular level, and detoxification capacity. It is one of the most comprehensive single-test assessments available for complex chronic health presentations.
The OAT test cost varies depending on whether it is ordered as a standalone test or as part of a program. Contact the clinic directly or book a free discovery call for current pricing. The test is ordered through Vital Health and Natural Medicine and requires clinical oversight for accurate interpretation.
The OAT is not a Medicare Benefits Schedule item and is not covered by standard Medicare in Australia. Some private health extras policies with naturopathic coverage may contribute toward consultation costs. The test kit cost is separate from consultation fees. Domenic can discuss cost options during your free discovery call.
Yes. The Organic Acids Test is a clinically validated functional medicine assessment used by naturopathic and integrative medicine practitioners internationally. It is produced by accredited laboratories using established analytical methods. At Vital Health, results are interpreted by Domenic Pisanelli, a registered naturopath with over 25 years of clinical experience in functional testing. The test is not a diagnostic tool for disease but a functional assessment of metabolic processes.
The OAT test is available to clients anywhere in Australia. The kit is delivered to your door regardless of location. All consultations are available via telehealth so you do not need to be in Melbourne to access the test. Book a free discovery call with Domenic to discuss whether the OAT is the right test for your situation and to arrange kit delivery.
Order Your Organic Acids Test
Book a free 20-minute discovery call with Domenic to discuss whether the OAT is the right test for your situation. The kit will be delivered to your door anywhere in Australia within 3 to 5 days of ordering.