The Comprehensive Walsh Panel includes various tests and smaller panels that can be ordered individually or as a whole, depending on budget and the need for retesting. There are five biotypes that Walsh-trained physicians evaluate based on lab results and patient history: undermethylation, overmethylation, pyroluria, copper overload, and toxic overload.

The Copper Overload Panel is a useful test for evaluating imbalances that can cause symptoms such as ADHD, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and postpartum depression. It is important to address copper overload before addressing other imbalances, as the combination of copper overload with boosted methylation can temporarily worsen symptoms.

The pyrrole urine test is included in the initial Comprehensive Biotype Panel, but may not be necessary as the first test. It is used to determine the presence of pyroluria, which is a lifelong condition that can be improved with proper supplementation. The severity of zinc deficiency or copper overload is used to determine initial treatment for pyroluria. If there is a copper imbalance, the Pyrrole test can help determine the cause and indicate if there is likely to be a chronic vitamin B6 deficiency.

Other tests that may have recently been performed by the patient's primary care physician or psychiatrist include the vitamin D test, complete blood count (CBC), and metabolic panel. The CBC can help evaluate symptoms of undermethylation, overmethylation, and fatigue or chronic infection. These tests may not need to be redrawn if they have been conducted within the past 30-45 days when ordering a full panel Second Opinion Physician consultation.

To assess undermethylation and overmethylation, the whole blood histamine and homocysteine tests are used. These tests are available together as the Second Opinion Physician Methylation Panel and are evaluated together before considering supplements for methylation issues. An additional Methylation Panel by Doctors Data may be used when patients are taking antidepressants, but is only necessary when whole blood histamine results are unclear due to the use of antihistamine medications.

The MTHFR and COMT genetic tests may be helpful in deciding whether to supplement with methylated vitamins, but they are not used for evaluating methylation status according to the Walsh Approach. For more information on the role of MTHFR in determining the need for folic acid supplements, please see this article.

The Biotype Report is a summary of test results and client history that is reviewed by Dr Epstein. He makes professional recommendations and provides a list of supplements tailored to the patient's weight, existing medications, and past medical history. The report includes instructions on how to schedule the supplements, when to start taking them, and the recommended dosage. It also includes information on the patient's specific biotype according to the teachings of Dr William Walsh. This report is available for patients who have ordered labs through the Second Opinion Physician website. For tests performed by outside labs or clinics, there is an additional fee due to the extra time required to gather this information. Patients who provide their own Walsh Panel labs for evaluation can also order this Consultation which includes the Biotype Report.

*If currently stabilized on anti-depressant, anxiolytics or anti-psychotics, etc.,  are advised to continue taking the medications for six months, after starting the Walsh Protocol. At that time it is advised to work with the prescribing physician to supervise the reduction or discontinuation of such medications.