Amino Acid Analysis Blood Test, LC/MS

This Amino Acid Analysis Blood Test, LC/MS, includes the following:

• 1-Methylhistidine | 3-Methylhistidine 
• Alanine | Alpha-Amino Adipic Acid | Alpha-Amino Butyric Acid |Arginine | Asparagine | Aspartic Acid
• Beta-Alanine | Beta-Amino Isobutyric Acid
• Citrulline | Cystathionine 
• Ethanolamine 
• Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid | Glutamic Acid (Glutamate) | Glutamine | Glycine 
• Histidine | Homocysteine | Hydroxyproline
• Isoleucine 
• Leucine | Lysine 
• Methionine 
• Ornithine 
• Phenylalanine | Proline 
• Sarcosine | Serine 
• Taurine | Threonine | Tryptophan | Tyrosine 
• Valine

What are amino acids?

Amino acids are organic compounds essential in digestion, creating usable energy, maintaining health, and functioning normally. This panel can help discover deficiencies in amino acids and tests for 34 different amino acids. Amino acids serve many functions, including building blocks for proteins, neurotransmitters, hormone precursors, and enzyme co-factors. More than 70 disorders of amino acid metabolism have been described. The clinical manifestations of these disorders are diverse.

What is the purpose of this test?

Order this Amino Acid Analysis Blood Test, which detects 34 different amino acids in the blood and helps to diagnose a variety of inborn errors of metabolism. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Phenylketonuria
• Tyrosinemia
• Citrullinemia
• Non-ketotic hyperglycinemia
• Maple syrup urine disease 
• Homocystinuria

In addition, healthcare providers may use this panel to:

• Diagnose primary aminoacidopathies
• Screen for secondary aminoacidopathies
• Monitor the effects of treatment plans
• Assess nutritional status

What do abnormal amino acid levels indicate?

Elevation of one or more amino acids may be diagnostic of an aminoacidopathy. Elevated amino acid levels are also associated with noninherited diseases such as severe liver disease and renal tubular disorders (e.g., Fanconi syndrome). Decreased levels of amino acids are associated with malnutrition, as seen in older individuals or those with inadequate protein intake or gastrointestinal disease.

When should I order an Amino Acid Analysis Blood Test, LC/MS?

Individuals may order this test if they have experienced symptoms related to inborn errors of metabolism. Common signs or symptoms of inborn errors of metabolism include:

• Involuntary weight loss, or a failure to gain weight 
• Stunted growth in babies and children
• Developmental delays in babies and children
• Fatigue
• Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach problems or 
• Nausea or vomiting
• Acidic blood
• Liver disorder
• Seizures