Amino acids serve many functions including as building blocks for proteins, neurotransmitters, precursors to hormones, and enzyme co-factors. More than 70 disorders of amino acid metabolism have been described. The clinical manifestations of these disorders are diverse.
Overnight Fasting Required (or at least 4 hours after last meal).
Non fasting samples only acceptable for pediatric patients
2.0 mL Plasma from a Green Top Tube - Na Heparin in a Plastic Vial
2.0 mL Plasma from a Lavender Top Tube - EDTA in a Plastic Vial
or
2.0 mL Plasma from a Green Top Tube - Li Heparin in a Plastic Vial
7 days Refrigerated
30 days Frozen
Plasma should be separated from cells as soon as possible after collection or within 30 minutes of draw
Freeze plasma immediately after separating at below -20° C.
Patient age is required for correct reference range.
0.25 mL Plasma
Refer to Interpretive Results
Amino acids serve many functions including as building blocks for proteins, neurotransmitters, precursors to hormones, and enzyme co-factors. More than 70 disorders of amino acid metabolism have been described. The clinical manifestations of these disorders are diverse.
Medical Justification: Elevated blood levels of and/or increased excretion of amino acids are seen in association with inborn errors of metabolism and renal tubular disorders. Screening for qualitative patterns of amino acid excretion may be helpful in diagnosis
4 to 7 days
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