Neural-Injury Assessment Test™
Complete Panel
Objective Biological Data Related to the Brain and Nervous System
The Neural-Injury Assessment Test™ Complete Panel combines blood-based protein biomarkers and genetic markers to provide objective biological data related to the biological processes of the brain and nervous system. By measuring biological changes associated with brain injury, along with select genetic risk factors, this panel supports patient evaluation and informed clinical decision-making.
Provider Order Required
Blood Sample
Turnaround time:
7-10 business days
Commonly Reported Symptoms
Reported in Neuroinjury, Neuroinflammation, Neurotoxicity, and Neurodegeneration
Brain Fog
Difficulty Concentrating
Dizziness
Nausea
Neck Pain
Headaches/Migraines
Personality and Mood Changes
Light/Sound Sensitivity
Anxiety/Depression
Difficulty Finding Words
Fatigue
Sleep Disturbances
Irritability
Reduced Mental Clarity
Sensitivity to Smells
Memory Issues
Vision Changes
Balance/Coordination Issues
Slower Processing
Increased Emotional Reactions
What the Test Measures
4 Protein Biomarkers
GFAP (Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein)
GFAP is a protein released from astrocytes, specialized support cells that help maintain the structural support and normal function of the brain and nervous system and respond to cellular injury, inflammation, and repair processes.
Associated Processes:
Astrocyte Activation: Activation of support cells that respond to injury and inflammation.
Cellular Injury and Repair: Biological changes associated with injury and the recovery process.
Reactive Gliosis: The brain's natural repair response following cellular injury that may involve protective scar tissue formation.
UCH-L1 (Ubiquitin C-terminal Hydrolase L1)
UCH-L1 is a protein found primarily within neurons, the specialized cells responsible for transmitting information throughout the brain and nervous system. It plays an important role in maintaining normal neuronal function by regulating protein turnover, supporting cellular health, and helping remove and recycle damaged proteins within nerve cells.
Associated Processes:
Neuronal Function: Normal cellular activities that support the health, maintenance, and function of nerve cells.
Protein Recycling and Cellular Maintenance: The removal and recycling of damaged or unnecessary proteins to help maintain healthy neuronal function.
Cellular Stress Responses: Biological changes that may occur when neurons experience injury or cellular stress.
Neuronal Integrity: The maintenance of healthy nerve cells and the structures necessary for normal brain and nervous system function.
S100β (S100 Calcium-Binding Protein B)
S100β is a protein produced primarily by astrocytes, specialized support cells that help maintain the normal function of the brain and nervous system. It is involved in cellular communication, regulation of calcium within cells, and the brain's response to injury, inflammation, and repair processes.
Associated Processes:
Astrocyte Activation: Activation of support cells that respond to injury, inflammation, and cellular stress.
Blood-Brain Barrier Function: Biological processes involved in maintaining the protective barrier that helps regulate what enters and leaves the brain.
Cellular Injury and Repair: Biological changes associated with cellular injury and the body's natural repair processes.
Neuroinflammatory Responses: The brain's immune and inflammatory response to injury, stress, or neurological changes.
NF-H (Neurofilament Heavy Chain)
NF-H is a structural protein found primarily within axons, the long fibers that allow nerve cells to communicate throughout the brain and nervous system. It helps maintain the strength, structure, and stability of these communication pathways and supports the transport of essential materials within nerve cells.
Associated Processes:
Axonal Integrity:
The maintenance of healthy nerve fibers that support communication between nerve cells.
Neuronal Structural Support:
The biological framework that helps maintain the strength, stability, and organization of nerve cells and their connections.
Axonal Transport Support:
The structural organization of axons that helps facilitate the movement of proteins, nutrients, and other materials within nerve cells.
Diffuse Axonal Injury:
Microscopic injury to nerve fibers that may occur following trauma and may not always be visible on traditional imaging.
2 Genetic Markers
APOE (Apolipoprotein E)
APOE is a gene that encodes apolipoprotein E, a protein involved in lipid transport and metabolism within the brain and nervous system. APOE plays an important role in neuronal membrane maintenance, cellular repair, and the response to injury. The APOE ε4 (E4) allele is a recognized genetic risk factor associated with altered neuronal repair, neuroinflammatory responses, and long-term neurological risk.
Associated Processes:
Lipid Transport and Metabolism: The transport and redistribution of cholesterol and other lipids necessary for neuronal function, membrane maintenance, and cellular repair.
Neuronal Repair: Biological processes involved in the maintenance and repair of nerve cells following injury or cellular stress.
Neuroinflammatory Responses: Inflammatory processes within the brain that may influence recovery and long-term neurological outcomes.
Neuronal Membrane Maintenance: Cellular processes that support the structure, stability, and function of nerve cell membranes.
Long-Term Neurological Risk: Genetic factors that may influence recovery following neurological injury and are associated with an increased lifetime risk of Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.
MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase)
MTHFR is a gene involved in folate metabolism and methylation pathways that support DNA synthesis, cellular repair, and homocysteine metabolism. Certain MTHFR variants, including rs1801131 (A1298C) and rs1801133 (C677T), may influence enzyme activity and affect processes important for neurological, vascular, and cellular health.
Associated Processes:
Folate Metabolism: The conversion of folate into its active form, which is necessary for normal cellular function and neurological health.
Homocysteine Metabolism: Biological processes that regulate homocysteine levels, which may influence vascular and neurovascular health.
DNA Synthesis and Repair: Cellular processes involved in the production, maintenance, and repair of genetic material.
Methylation Pathways: Biochemical processes that support cellular function, neurotransmitter production, and gene regulation.
Neurovascular Health: Biological processes involved in maintaining healthy blood vessels and circulation within the brain and nervous system.
Long-Term Neurological Risk: Genetic factors that may influence recovery following brain injury and may be associated with an increased risk of certain neurodegenerative and vascular conditions.
Why Choose This Test
Objective Biological Measurement
Measures biological signals associated with brain injury and neurological changes, independent of symptom reports, and may detect changes not visible on traditional imaging in certain cases.
Genetic Context
Includes APOE and MTHFR genetic markers that provide additional context regarding inherited genetic variants associated with long-term recovery, resilience, and neurological risk factors.
Clinical Baseline
Supports establishing a clinical biomarker baseline, making it easier to track trends over time and evaluate changes associated with neurological injury and recovery.
Scientific Resources
The biomarkers and genetic markers evaluated by the Neural-Injury Assessment Test™ Complete Panel have been studied in neuroinjury, neuroinflammation, neurotoxicity, and neurodegeneration research. The following resources provide additional scientific resources.
Important Information
A licensed healthcare provider order is required.
Blood sample collection may be performed in-office, at an outpatient collection center, or through mobile phlebotomy services.
Analysis is performed in a CLIA-certified laboratory (#06D2174124).
Important Information
Analysis is performed in a CAP-accredited laboratory (#8647015).
Results should be interpreted alongside clinical history, symptoms, imaging findings, and neurocognitive assessments.
This test is not intended to function as a standalone diagnostic tool.
