Research & Specialist TRP

Tryptophan Metabolites.

Tryptophan pathway metabolite profiling from plasma or serum by LC-MS/MS for scientific research applications.

Quick Reference
Method
LC-MS/MS
Sample Types
Plasma / Serum
Analytes

7 metabolites

Turnaround

3–5 working days

Enquire About This Test

What does this test assess?

This research panel quantifies seven key metabolites of the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway, providing insight into immune activation, neuroinflammation, and serotonin metabolism for scientific research.

Clinical indications include:

  • Research on neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration
  • Investigation of immune activation via IDO/TDO enzyme activity
  • Studies on depression, schizophrenia, and cognitive function
  • Cancer immunology research (immune checkpoint-related)
  • Tryptophan metabolism in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions

Measured analytes

Analyte coverage

7 metabolites including tryptophan, kynurenine, 3-hydroxykynurenine, kynurenic acid, quinolinic acid, anthranilic acid, and picolinic acid.

Analytical technique

All seven metabolites are quantified simultaneously by isotope-dilution LC-MS/MS from plasma or serum, providing the sensitivity required to measure low-abundance metabolites in the kynurenine pathway.

Testing process

From enquiry to results — a straightforward process.

1
Get in touch
Contact us to discuss your testing requirements
2
Collect your sample
Blood sample collected by a healthcare professional via standard venepuncture
3
Post to our lab
Samples shipped to our laboratory following standard pre-analytical protocols
4
Receive results
Results delivered within 3–5 working days of sample receipt

Where this test is available

This test is available to healthcare professionals, wellness brands, clinics, and research institutions worldwide. We currently serve partners in:

  • Europe (EU & non-EU)
  • United Kingdom
  • Asia & Southeast Asia
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • United States

Whether you need testing services for your patients, white-label kits for your brand, or method transfer to your own laboratory — get in touch to discuss how we can work together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are tryptophan metabolites?

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid metabolised via two main pathways: the serotonin pathway (producing serotonin and melatonin) and the kynurenine pathway (producing neuroactive and immunomodulatory compounds). This test profiles metabolites across both pathways.

Why test tryptophan metabolites?

Imbalances in the kynurenine:serotonin ratio are associated with depression, neuroinflammation, and immune activation. The test provides insight into neurotransmitter synthesis and inflammatory status.

How is the sample collected?

Venous blood draw into plasma or serum tubes by a healthcare professional.

How long does it take to get results?

Results are typically delivered within 3 to 5 working days from the time your sample arrives at our laboratory. The analysis is performed by LC-MS/MS.

What conditions can tryptophan testing help investigate?

Depression and mood disorders, chronic fatigue, autoimmune conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, and neurodegenerative diseases where kynurenine pathway activation plays a role.

Which countries is this test available in?

Masdiag's tryptophan metabolites test is available worldwide through our partner network. We currently serve healthcare professionals, wellness brands, and clinics in Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Contact us to discuss testing services, white-label kits, or method transfer to your laboratory.

Interested in this method?

Whether you need testing services, method transfer, or white-label kit development — we'd love to hear from you.