Clinical background:
Measurement of amino acids in biological fluids is performed in the investigation of inherited disorders of amino acid catabolism, biosynthesis and transport and to monitor the treatment of these disorders. Analysis of amino acids may also be performed to assess the function of various organs including liver, kidney and intestine and the test is used to assess the nutritional state of patients on special diets. In most cases, plasma is the recommended sample type.
Specimen container paediatric:
Lithium Heparin plasma
Specimen container adult:
Lithium Heparin plasma
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5 mL plasma
Minimum volume adult:
1 mL plasma
Special requirements:
Blood should be separated promptly and plasma frozen.
Sample stability:
- Unseparated: 4 hours
- Separated frozen plasma: 6 months
Transport requirements:
Ward: Send to laboratory at ambient temperature
External laboratories: Send plasma frozen to RVI
Quality assurance:
ERNDIM
Interpretation:
Results will be interpreted in context of the clinical information and results of other laboratory investigations. It is therefore essential that clinical details are supplied with requests.
Reference ranges:
Age-related reference ranges and interpretation provided on laboratory report
Other info:
EDTA plasma and serum are acceptable if no lithium-heparin plasma is available. Please provide details of the sample type with the request.