Welcome to Autism Diagnostics Lab! Our MDM™ Gut & Brain Health Test determines if a person has abnormal gut bacteria or yeast by measuring the harmful chemicals they produce. The MDM test also acts as a diagnostic screening test for autism, as 90% of children with autism test positive, vs 0% of typically-developing children. Discover if you have a bacterial or yeast infection that is affecting your gut or brain health!
Dr. James B. Adams
President of Autism Diagnostics Lab
TACA
Arizona PBS
The MDM™ Gut & Brain Health Test is a non-invasive urine test that measures selected microbially-derived metabolites (MDMs). These compounds are produced by bacteria and yeast in the gastrointestinal tract and can provide information about microbial activity and gut-brain health.
Unlike tests that focus primarily on identifying which microorganisms are present in the gut, the MDM™ System measures selected products of microbial activity. This metabolomic approach provides a different perspective by examining compounds produced by pathogenic microorganisms and detected in urine.
The MDM™ Gut & Brain Health Test is available for adults and children ages 2 and older. Autism Diagnostics Lab uses separate adult and pediatric reference ranges. This allows results to be interpreted using age-appropriate laboratory values.
Research has identified differences in several microbially-derived metabolites between children with autism and typically developing children.
In a multi-site study published in Molecular Psychiatry, researchers analyzed urinary microbially-derived metabolites in 52 children with autism and 47 typically developing children ages 2–11.
Using one or more elevated MDMs as the classification criterion, the researchers reported 90% sensitivity and 100% specificity within the study population. These findings support further investigation of the MDM System™ as a non-invasive approach to autism diagnostic screening.
Importantly, an autism screening test is not the same as a comprehensive clinical diagnosis. Laboratory results should be considered together with developmental history, clinical observations, other assessments, and the judgment of qualified healthcare professionals.
The human gastrointestinal tract contains a complex community of microorganisms. As these microorganisms interact with nutrients and their environment, they produce many different metabolites. Some of these compounds can be absorbed into the body and eventually detected in urine.
Measuring selected microbial metabolites provides quantitative information about microbial activity. As a result, metabolomic testing can complement other approaches to understanding the gut microbiome and its relationship with human health.
Researchers are increasingly studying the gut-brain axis and the potential relationships among microbial activity, gastrointestinal health, metabolism, and neurological function. The MDM System™ applies this area of research through laboratory measurement of selected metabolites associated with bacteria and yeast.
The MDM™ test requires only a urine sample, so no blood draw is necessary. First, the test kit is ordered and delivered with sample-collection instructions. Next, the urine sample is collected and returned to Autism Diagnostics Lab for analysis. Watch the sample collection instructions →
Advanced laboratory methods are then used to measure selected microbially-derived metabolites. Finally, the results are presented in a detailed laboratory report that identifies the measured metabolites and their concentrations. View a sample report →
The report can be shared with a healthcare professional and considered alongside other relevant health or developmental information.
The MDM™ Gut & Brain Health Test is available for adults and children ages 2 and older who want additional information about microbial metabolites and gut-brain health.
Families, healthcare professionals, autism clinics, and researchers may use MDM™ laboratory information for different purposes. In each case, the goal is to provide objective, quantitative information about selected microbial metabolites that can be considered within the appropriate health, clinical, or research context.
Order the MDM™ kit online — we ship sample collection materials to your home.
Easy-to-use, non-invasive urine sample collection kit
Advanced metabolomic profiling using our proprietary MDM system
Actionable insights delivered to caregivers and clinicians
Free Live Event
A live webinar with Q&A hosted by Autism Diagnostics Lab, featuring Dr. Anjum Usman Singh, MD.
Could gut microbiome imbalances be influencing serotonin, dopamine, and brain function in children with autism? Dr. Usman Singh will explore the emerging science connecting gut bacteria to neurotransmitter pathways — and practical concepts parents can discuss with their child's healthcare provider.
Register for the WebinarFree to attend — a Zoom link will be sent after registration.
The Gut–Brain Connection — emerging research shows gut microbiome imbalances may influence neurotransmitter pathways linked to autism spectrum symptoms.
seeking clarity and answers for
their children
looking for specialized
lab support
integrating biomedical
testing into care
in the autism and
microbiome space
Our President, Dr. James Adams, joined Lisa Ackerman on Episode 12 of Moving Autism Forward — the podcast from The Autism Community in Action (TACA) — for a conversation on the gut–brain connection in autism and our new urine-based MDM™ test for microbial metabolites.
Autism Diagnostics Lab is CLIA-certified, HIPAA-compliant laboratory providing metabolomics testing designed for clinicians, families, and researchers — delivered with clarity, speed, and compassion.
