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Quantitative Amino Acids, Plasma (to Stanford, see Utilization Guidelines) (New test)

Item Value
Approval req'd? Yes, if not ordered by Genetics or neurology. If ordered in previously diagnosed patients (see Utilization Guideleines)
Available Stat? No
Utilization Guidelines This test should only be ordered for new diagnostic workup of patients with suspected disorders of amino acid metabolism. It should not be used for previosuly diagnosed patients for monitoring amino acid levels in response to treatment. For monitoring order "Quantitative Amino Acids, Plasma" test code "AAQT".
Test code AAQTS
Test group Amino Acids
Performed by Lucille-Packard Children's Hospital
Sendout? Yes
Method Ion Exchange Chromatography
Patient Preparation A 4 hour fast before specimen collection is preferred. If the patient has not been fasting indicate that on the test order.

The test request should be accompanied by a brief clinical history, the tentative diagnosis, and a listing of drugs, x-rays, infant formula or dietary therapy administered within the previous 3 days.
Collection Instructions If a disorder of the urea cycle is suspected, specify that the laboratory should look for argininosuccinic acid, as well. If abnormal, will comment if present. Call for phone consult with Dr. Tina Cowan (650) 724-7858
Container type Dark Green top or Light Green top
Amount to Collect 2 mL blood
Sample type Heparinized plasma, serum acceptable
Preferred volume 1 mL serum or plasma
Min. Volume 0.5 mL serum or plasma
Processing notes Freeze at -20C.
Normal range See report
Synonyms Glycine; Homocystine; Tyrosine; Alpha-keto acids; Arginine; Arginosuccinase deficiency; Arginosuccinate Lyase deficiency; Aspartate; Aspartic acid; Beta-aminoisobutyric acid; Citrulline; Cystathionine; Cystathionuria; Ethanolamine; FeCl3 Screen; Ferric chloride screen; Glutaimic acid; Histidine; Isoleucine; Leucine; Lysine; Methionine; Ornithine; Phosphoethanolamine; Sarcosine; Serine; Taurine; Threnonine; Valine; Arginosuccinic acid; Beta-aminoisobutyric acid; Glutamine
Turn around times Set up as needed, at least 2x a week.
Turnaround time: One week.
CPT coding 82139-90
LOINC code 12176-4
Last Updated 8/15/2012 1:17:39 PM
Entry Number 234

If you have additional questions regarding this test, please call: 415-353-1667

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