Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (plasma)
- Fasting: 8–12 hours recommended
- Turn-around: 10-14 business days once the lab receives the specimen. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive analysis - measures over 40 amino acids and metabolites using advanced LC-MS/MS technology.
- Early detection - identifies metabolic disorders with >95% sensitivity and specificity (Molecules 2024).
- Actionable insights - guides targeted nutritional and supplement interventions for optimal health.
- Convenient testing - no doctor referral required, confidential HIPAA-compliant results.
- Proactive health - reduces complications by up to 40% through early intervention (UCSF Health 2024).
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with unexplained fatigue, mood changes, or poor recovery.
- People experiencing depression, anxiety, or neurological symptoms.
- Those with digestive issues affecting protein absorption and metabolism.
- Individuals managing chronic liver or kidney conditions.
- Health-conscious people seeking comprehensive metabolic assessment.
- Anyone with suspected amino acid deficiencies or metabolic imbalances
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - purchase your test kit with prepaid shipping to a certified lab
- Get tested - visit a local lab for a simple blood draw after fasting 8-12 hours
- Review results - receive results showing amino acid levels and reference ranges.
FAQ
What conditions can this test help identify? Metabolic disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and inborn errors of amino acid metabolism affecting 1 in 2,500 births (American College of Medical Genetics 2024).
Do I need to fast before the test? Yes, fasting for 8-12 hours is recommended to avoid dietary influences on amino acid levels (Saint Luke's 2025).
How accurate is this test? LC-MS/MS technology achieves >95% sensitivity and specificity for detecting metabolic disorders (Molecules 2024).
Can children take this test? Yes, this test is suitable for adults and children over two years old (Genova Diagnostics 2025).
What if my results are abnormal? Consult with a healthcare provider for interpretation and follow-up recommendations including dietary changes or supplements.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive blood test quantitatively measures levels of over 40 amino acids and intermediary metabolites in plasma using advanced liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Amino acids are essential building blocks for proteins and play critical roles in neurotransmitter function, cellular health, and overall metabolism (UCSF Health 2024). The test helps diagnose metabolic disorders, assess nutritional status, and identify imbalances that may contribute to various health conditions.
Who would benefit from this test?
Individuals with unexplained neurological symptoms benefit significantly, as abnormal plasma amino acid profiles are found in up to 25% of such patients (Saint Luke's 2025). Those experiencing unexplained fatigue, mood disorders, dietary concerns, or managing chronic conditions affecting metabolism would find valuable insights. The test is particularly useful for people seeking to optimize their nutritional status and identify potential underlying disorders without requiring an initial physician referral.
When should I order this test?
Order this test if you're experiencing unexplained symptoms like chronic fatigue, mood changes, or poor recovery that might indicate amino acid imbalances. It's ideal for individuals with suspected metabolic disorders, those managing chronic conditions affecting liver or kidney function, or anyone seeking a comprehensive assessment of their amino acid metabolism. Health-conscious individuals wanting to proactively identify nutritional imbalances before they become problematic would also benefit from this testing.
How do I interpret the results?
Results compare your amino acid levels to established reference ranges for each measured compound. Values outside normal ranges may indicate metabolic disorders, nutritional deficiencies, or organ dysfunction requiring further evaluation.
Amino Acid Level: Below reference range
- What it means: Potential deficiency or metabolic block
- Typical action: Dietary changes, targeted supplements
Amino Acid Level: Within reference range
- What it means: Normal metabolism and adequate intake
- Typical action: Continue current approach
Amino Acid Level: Above reference range
- What it means: Possible excess intake or metabolic dysfunction
- Typical action: Reduce intake, investigate underlying causes
Early detection of amino acid disorders can reduce hospitalization and long-term complications by up to 40% through timely intervention.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation
Pre-test preparation
Fast for 8-12 hours before sample collection, with water permitted during the fasting period. Avoid strenuous exercise and discuss any medications or supplements with your healthcare provider, as some may affect results (Saint Luke's 2025). Schedule your blood draw at a certified laboratory, where plasma will be separated, frozen, and shipped to the testing facility using the provided kit.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening: Once for baseline assessment
- Managing chronic conditions: Every 6–12 months or as directed
- Monitoring treatment response: 3–6 months after interventions
- Preventive health maintenance: Every 2–3 years for healthy individuals
Why early detection matters
Inborn errors of amino acid metabolism affect approximately 1 in 2,500 live births in the U.S., making early detection crucial for preventing serious complications (American College of Medical Genetics 2024). Early identification allows for timely dietary modifications, supplement interventions, and lifestyle adjustments that can significantly improve outcomes. The high accuracy of modern LC-MS/MS technology enables reliable detection of subtle imbalances before they progress to more serious health issues.
Related tests you may consider
NutrEval® Plasma - Genova Test Kit assesses a range of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other biomarkers to identify and analyze nutritional deficiencies and imbalances.
Organic Acid Analysis Urine Test, Random detects abnormal levels of organic acids to help screen for rare inborn errors of metabolism.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) with eGFR Blood Testevaluates nutrient levels, liver, and kidney function.
