Cellular Micronutrient Assay (CMA) - ALCAT Test Kit

The Cellular Micronutrient Assay (CMA) - ALCAT Test Kit evaluates and addresses any micronutrients and amino acid deficiencies. Note: This is a pre-paid shipping test kit that will be mailed and it requires a blood draw. Please Click Here to locate a lab for specimen collection.

Test Code: ALC36

Also Known As: CMA

Methodology:

Specimen Type: Blood

Preparation:

No fasting is required. Patients should avoid consuming antibiotics and antihistamines for 5 days, oral steroids for 7 days, and topical steroids for 24 hours before collection. Patients should also reduce vitamin C to 2500 mg or less for 48 hours before collection. If possible, take medications or supplements after collection. Check with your physician before stopping any medications. Make sure to read all collection instructions.

Test Results:

5-7 business days once the lab receives the specimen. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.

Description

What is the purpose of this test?

The Cellular Micronutrient Assay (CMA) can help evaluate and address micronutrient deficiencies. It offers a more detailed analysis of your nutrient levels compared to serum tests. Functional cellular nutrient analysis evaluates how individual nutrients impact cell function. The CMA method measures micronutrient effects on T and B lymphocyte reproduction when stimulated by a mitogen. Faster reproduction of these cells helps fight infections, driven by nutrient stores that vary due to factors like stress and genetics. Nutrients are crucial for cell growth and multiplication.

Intracellular vs. Serum and Plasma Assessment

When measuring micronutrients in plasma or serum, it's important to note that levels reflect nutrients outside cells, not inside, where they have the greatest impact. These levels can also fluctuate daily, so assessing the nutrient impact on cellular function is best to understand long-term nutritional status better.

The Cellular Micronutrient Assay (CMA) - ALCAT Test Kit includes the following components:

Vitamins

Biotin
Cobalamin (vitamin B12)
Folate (vitamin B9)
Nicotinamide (Niacin, vitamin B3)
Pantothenic Acid
Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) | Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Thiamine (vitamin B1)
Vitamin A | Vitamin C | Vitamin D | Vitamin E | Vitamin K1 | Vitamin K2-MK4 | Vitamin K2- MK7