Asparagine Quantitative Plasma Test

This test measures the amount of asparagine in your blood plasma. 

Asparagine is an amino acid that helps to maintain a balance within the central nervous system. This test is mainly done to

• Detect and monitor metabolic disorders or inborn errors of metabolism, including maple syrup urine disease, phenylketonuria, homocystinuria, Hartnup disease, and other similar conditions.
• Assess neurological diseases and some cancers.

The Asparagine Quantitative Plasma test is usually recommended if

• There is a suspicion of metabolic disorders or inborn errors of metabolism based on clinical history, family history, and provisional diagnosis by clinicians.
• The patient exhibits symptoms such as seizures, poor growth, abnormal smells or skin colour, or developmental delays.

This test might also be part of the routine screening for newborns and infants exhibiting symptoms of metabolic disorders.

Elevated levels of asparagine in urine could indicate metabolic disorders or inborn errors of metabolism. Decreased levels could indicate some neurological diseases.

A small amount of blood will be drawn from your arm to collect plasma, using a needle and syringe. You may feel a slight pinch as the needle is inserted, but the procedure is generally quick and painless.

• You may be asked to avoid certain foods and supplements that contain asparagine or affect metabolism for 12 hours before the test.
• Your doctor may also ask you to stop some medications before the test. 

Please reach out to your healthcare provider for any specific requirements.

This test may be ordered alongside other metabolic tests like amino acid profile, organic acid analysis, or glucose tolerance tests to confirm or rule out specific metabolic disorders or inborn errors of metabolism.

Plasma asparagine test, asparagine blood test

Inborn errors of metabolism refer to a group of genetic disorders that impact the body's ability to process certain nutrients properly. These disorders can cause severe symptoms like seizures, intellectual disability, and organ damage that can be life-threatening in some cases.

The asparagine quantitative plasma test is a diagnostic test that measures the levels of asparagine, an amino acid, in plasma. It is part of a broader amino acid analysis that assesses nutritional status, diagnoses metabolic disorders, and monitors certain treatments.

Home sample collection is generally not recommended for the plasma asparagine test due to the need for immediate processing and freezing of the plasma sample to ensure accurate results.

Normal levels of asparagine in plasma typically range from 30-70 μmol/L. However, these values can differ based on the laboratory and the specific measurement method used.

Yes, certain medications, such as asparaginase used in cancer treatment, can significantly affect asparagine levels by depleting them in the plasma.

Asparagine supplementation is usually not necessary since it is a non-essential amino acid that the body can produce on its own. However, in cases of specific metabolic disorders, a doctor may recommend supplements or dietary adjustments.

While there is no direct evidence that asparagine levels specifically affect pregnancy, maintaining normal amino acid levels is crucial for overall health during pregnancy. Any abnormalities should be addressed under medical supervision.

Symptoms of asparagine deficiency can include neurological abnormalities, developmental delays, and other signs associated with metabolic disorders.

The asparagine blood test is used to evaluate nutritional status, diagnose metabolic disorders, monitor treatments for inborn errors of metabolism, and assess various health conditions such as liver diseases, endocrine disorders, and neurological disorders.

The frequency of testing depends on the clinical indication and the patient's condition. It may be required periodically for monitoring purposes in patients with metabolic disorders or those undergoing specific treatments.

The asparagine quantitative plasma test should ideally be done in the morning after an overnight fast to ensure accurate results.

Yes, fasting for at least 4 hours is required for the asparagine quantitative plasma test to ensure accurate results. Infants should have their specimens collected before the next feeding.

Avoid using thrombin-activated tubes, and ensure the specimen is handled and stored properly to prevent degradation of the sample.

The asparagine quantitative plasma test includes quantitation of asparagine along with other amino acids such as taurine, threonine, serine, glutamic acid, glutamine, and many others.

The asparagine quantitative plasma test should be done when clinically indicated, such as in the evaluation of metabolic disorders, monitoring of certain treatments, or assessment of nutritional status.

The actual blood draw takes only a few minutes, but the entire process from preparation to sample handling may take about 30 minutes to an hour.

The reports are available within a week based on the day/time when the sample was collected and processed. The turnaround time for the asparagine quantitative plasma test results may vary depending on the lab.