PROTEA BIOPHARMA has produced the first point of care test for measuring abnormal metabolites in patients with
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis:
THE NEUROTOXIC METABOLITE TEST
The Neurotoxic Metabolite Test is a patented, simple urine test based on the most recent research achievements of Protea Biopharma. This new assay will be available to healthcare professionals only, as a point-of-care test for research use.
What does the test measure, what does it mean?
The Neurotoxic Metabolite Test aims at detecting the presence of specific metabolites in the urine. These metabolites are related to the production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Although H2S is naturally present in the body, and plays some normal physiological functions, an excess production can be very detrimental. Overproduction of H2S may result from metabolic dysfunctions, but also from the overgrowth of certain bacteria in the gut (alteration of the normal intestinal flora = gut dysbiosis). Preliminary results indicate that a strong proportion of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) patients present such dysbiosis, and test positive with the NMT test; but positivity may be associated with other conditions, related to intestinal dysfunction
Is this kit recognized as a diagnostic kit?
Not at this time, the process of getting accreditation (CE mark) has begun but this will take several months. Meanwhile, the NMT is available as a “research use only” test as the kit is not officially approved, we have to state that it is not intended to diagnose or prevent any disease.
Can medications/supplementations affect the result?
All of the studies to find out the effects of medications on the test result have not yet been completed. Since gut microflora is a major factor determining H2S production, it is very likely that antibiotic use, or concentrated probiotic consumption (but not the basic probiotics found in some dairy products), will have an effect on the test result. We have not yet studied the effect of pregnancy on the test result, but it is unlikely to affect the outcome of the test.
For more information on CFS/ME
To order NMT for your clinic
An overview of the test procedure is provided below:
1. Collect a urine sample.
2. Open the tube containing the test reagent.
3. Using the pipet provided with the kit, add a small volume of urine to the test reagent.
4. Mix by gently shaking the tube and wait for three minutes.
5. Observe color changes
For negative samples, there is no change in color (first two tubes). Third and fourth tubes correspond to moderate positives. Last two tubes are strong positives.
