Organic Acid Test

The organic acid test assesses a wide range of cellular and physiological processes including intestinal dysbiosis, energy production, nutrient cofactor requirements and neurotransmitter metabolism.

What Is The Organic Acid Test?

The organic acid test, or OAT test, is a nutritional test providing insights into the body's cellular metabolic processes. Urinary organic acids derived from the metabolic conversion of dietary proteins, fats and carbohydrates, in addition to compounds of bacterial origin, provide a unique chemical profile of a patient’s cellular health. The testing procedure measures the overflow or build-up of intermediate organic acid products in the urine, determining where ‘aberrations’ are occurring in metabolic pathways. These biomarkers give an overview of several major systems in the body and an analysis of nutritional deficiencies in the body.

The Organic Acid test is the preferred test used in clinical practice as many functional medicine practitioners believe the metabolic panel provides remarkable data about a patient from a simple urine collection.

chart showing the molecular formula of all the organic acids

Marked accumulation of specific organic acids detected in urine often signals a metabolic inhibition or block.

The metabolic block may be due to a nutrient deficiency, an inherited enzyme deficit, toxic build-up or drug effect. By evaluating organic acid levels and pinpointing the metabolic dysfunctions occurring at the cellular level, a comprehensive, customised treatment strategy can be tailor made for each individual patient.

CONDITIONS WHICH MAY BENEFIT FROM ORGANIC ACID TESTING

Allergies
Anaemia
Autism
Blood sugar irregularities
Cardiovascular disease
Chemical sensitivities
Depression / Anxiety
Dermatitis
Fatigue

Hyperactivity
Insomnia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Malabsorption and maldigestion
Mental or developmental delay
Mood disorders
Muscle pain
Autoimmune disorders
Inflammation

OAT TEST PRICING

Book an online consultation or a face to face appointment at our Brisbane or Graceville clinics with one of our naturopaths and let us help you understand if the accumulation of organic acids is an underlying cause of your health issues. Any functional health tests that we order will either be mailed to you for completion at home or if a blood test is required, we refer to major pathology laboratories that can be accessed anywhere in Australia.

A test pricing guide is available here.

Check Pricing Page

FAQs About The Organic Acid Test

What is an organic acid test?

An organic acid test (OAT Test) is a functional pathology test that assesses a wide range of metabolic processes by measuring compounds excreted in urine. These compounds, known as organic acids, are by-products of cellular activity. Testing their levels provides insight into how well the body is functioning in areas such as energy production, detoxification, gut health, nutrient absorption, and neurotransmitter metabolism.

What does an organic acid test show?

The test evaluates more than 70 different markers related to digestion, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, vitamin and mineral status, amino acid metabolism, neurotransmitter balance, and the presence of yeast or bacterial overgrowth. It can help identify functional imbalances that may not be detected through standard blood tests.

Is the organic acid test accurate?

Yes - the OAT test is accurate however, it's important to note that it's generally used in combination with other diagnostic tools to help build a broader picture of a patient's health. Having your results interpreted by a qualified health practitioner is also important to help establish the weight that should be given to OAT test markers alongside other functional test results.

How much does an organic acid test cost?

The cost of an organic acid test can vary depending on the laboratory and whether it is bundled with other functional tests. At Perpetual Wellbeing, we can provide current pricing and guidance on whether the test is appropriate for your health concerns. Please contact our clinic for up-to-date fees and package options.

Is organic acid testing worth it?

For individuals experiencing chronic, unexplained or multi-system symptoms, an organic acid test can be extremely worthwhile. It helps provide a detailed overview of metabolic health and helps uncover underlying issues that may not be visible through conventional testing. When used as part of a personalised health strategy, it can support targeted and effective treatment plans.

What We Can Help With

The team at Perpetual Wellbeing support the health and wellbeing of the whole family. We promote a more scientifically-based approach to natural healthcare, to help detect the root cause of health issues and treat patients for long-term good health.