Amino Acid Quantitative Analysis, LC-MS/MS

This test measures the levels of 24 different amino acids in your plasma. Amino acids are essential for many bodily functions, including protein synthesis, energy production, and neurotransmitter regulation. The measurement of these amino acids provides valuable insights into metabolic disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and genetic conditions.

• To diagnose and monitor metabolic disorders and inborn errors of metabolism
• To assess nutritional deficiencies and amino acid imbalances
• To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for metabolic disorders
• To aid in the provisional diagnosis and management of various genetic conditions

This test may be recommended if you:

• Show signs or symptoms of metabolic disorders or inborn errors of metabolism
• Have a family history of genetic conditions affecting amino acid metabolism
• Require monitoring for an existing metabolic disorder or treatment effectiveness
• Need an assessment for nutritional deficiencies or amino acid imbalances

The normal range for each amino acid varies; elevated or decreased levels may indicate metabolic disorders, nutritional deficiencies, or genetic conditions. However, abnormal results do not provide a definitive diagnosis. It is important to discuss your results with your doctor, who will consider your clinical history and other diagnostic tests for accurate interpretation.

During this test:

• A small amount of your blood sample is collected.
• The sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis using advanced technology.
• The analysis measures the levels of various amino acids in your blood plasma.
• The process is quick, safe, and minimally invasive.

Before this test:

• Your doctor may ask you to fast for a specific duration, although it is not mandatory
• Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking as they might interfere with the test results
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding any specific requirements and restrictions

Other tests that may be ordered alongside this test include:

• Genetic testing: To identify specific genetic mutations or abnormalities affecting amino acid metabolism
• Urine organic acid analysis: To detect organic acid disorders and assess metabolic functions

Fasting blood glucose: To evaluate glucose metabolism and screen for diabetes or other glucose-related disorders

Amino Acid Profile or Plasma Amino Acid Test

Metabolic disorders refer to conditions characterised by abnormal chemical reactions in your body's cells. These disorders can affect various bodily processes, including energy production, hormone regulation, and waste removal. Proper diagnosis and management are crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.

An amino acid profile is a comprehensive test that measures the levels of various amino acids in your body, typically in blood, urine, or tissue samples. It helps assess the balance and levels of both essential and non-essential amino acids, which is crucial for maintaining overall health and diagnosing certain metabolic disorders.

Metropolis Healthcare offers home sample collection for amino acid profiles, ensuring convenience, safety, and hygiene. A trained phlebotomist collects samples at your doorstep, saving time and effort.

Normal levels for an amino acid profile vary by amino acid and can be found in reference ranges provided by the laboratory. These ranges are established based on studies conducted on healthy individuals. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results of your amino acid profile in the context of your overall health.

An amino acid profile is used for diagnosing metabolic disorders, assessing nutritional status, monitoring health in patients with liver or kidney diseases, and research purposes. It provides valuable insights into the balance and levels of amino acids in your body, which can help identify potential health issues.

The frequency of testing for an amino acid profile depends on your individual health needs and clinical indications. For those with known metabolic disorders, regular monitoring may be necessary. Your healthcare provider will advise you on how often you should get tested based on your specific situation.

It is usually recommended to get the amino acid profile done in the morning after an overnight fast. This ensures that the results are not influenced by recent food intake and provides a more accurate assessment of your body's amino acid levels.

No fasting is recommended before getting an amino acid profile. However, your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the test.

Before getting an amino acid profile, you should inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, as some may affect the test results. Additionally, follow any specific dietary instructions given by your healthcare provider. It's important to discuss any underlying health conditions you may have before undergoing the test.

An amino acid profile typically includes measurements of all 20 amino acids, both essential and non-essential. These include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine, and tyrosine.

An amino acid profile should be done when clinically indicated, such as for diagnosing metabolic disorders, monitoring nutritional status, or as part of a research study. Your healthcare provider will determine if and when you need to undergo an amino acid profile based on your health concerns and medical history.

The time required for an amino acid profile test varies depending on the laboratory and the specific testing method used. Generally, the sample collection process takes only a few minutes. However, the analysis of the sample and the generation of the report may take several days to a week.

The turnaround time for amino acid profile reports depends on lab location. Typically, you can expect to receive the results within a week, based on the day/time the sample was collected and processed. For more specific timing, you can reach out to your lab for the expected delivery date of your amino acid profile report.