Glutamine Quantitative Plasma Test

The Glutamine Quantitative Plasma Test helps measure the level of glutamine in your blood plasma.

• This test is used to diagnose and monitor metabolic disorders related to glutamine metabolism, such as urea cycle disorders and hyperammonemia.
• It can also help evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for these conditions.

• This test may be recommended if you have symptoms of urea cycle disorders, hyperammonemia or other metabolic disorders related to glutamine metabolism.
• These include headaches, confusion, fatigue, confusion, and trouble concentrating.
• Infants with suspected or diagnosed glutamine metabolism disorders may also need this test.

Elevated levels of glutamine can indicate various health conditions like urea cycle disorders and hyperammonemia while low levels can indicate liver diseases, malnutrition, or other metabolic disorders.

The test requires a simple blood sample to be taken from a vein in your arm using a needle and a syringe. You may feel a slight pinch as the needle is inserted, but the procedure is generally quick and painless. 

Fasting is recommended for this test, but not mandatory. Discuss with your physician if you have to stop any medications or amino acid supplements or undergo some fasting before the test to avoid false readings.

Other tests that may be ordered alongside the Glutamine Quantitative Plasma Test include plasma ammonia, complete metabolic panel (CMP), liver function test, or urine organic acid test.

Plasma glutamine test, glutamic acid and ammonia in blood test

Urea cycle disorders are inherited metabolic disorders caused by deficiencies in enzymes or transporter molecules responsible for removing ammonia from the bloodstream in the liver, which normally involves its conversion to urea for excretion by the kidneys.

Hyperammonemia results from an increased level of ammonia in the blood due to liver disease, metabolic disorders, or genetic conditions that affect urea cycle function.