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The Body’s Fundamental Building Blocks
Amino acids make up proteins found in every tissue of the body. They play a major role in nearly every chemical process that affects both physical and mental function. As a result, amino acids have more diverse functions than any other nutrient group, including:
- Cellular energy production
- Formation of ligaments, tendons, and bones
- Formation of antibodies
- Formation and regulation of enzymes and blood transport proteins
Plasma Amino Acids
Fasting plasma levels represent a homeostatic balance between supply and utilization of amino acids. Problems in amino acid metabolism are revealed by the amino acids and metabolites that are reported in categories according to function.
Plasma 40 Profile
The plasma profile can illuminate problems in amino acid absorption by determining essential amino acids imbalances. Additionally, evaluation of essential amino acid derivatives show neuroendocrine metabolic disorders as well as functional vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Also assessed are amino acid derivatives focusing on energy, sulfation, muscle wasting, and bone loss.
Urine Amino Acids
Urine amino acid analysis is better for discriminating the metabolic effects of short-term (24 to 48 hour) dietary changes than is plasma analysis. Conversely, urine analysis requires more rigorous dietary control than plasma analysis in order to give an accurate picture of a patient’s steady-state amino acid sufficiency and metabolism.
Urine 40 Profile
The urine amino acid profile reports levels of essential amino acids and their derivatives in categories. Functional vitamin and mineral deficiencies and diagnosis of metabolic disorders, including neuroendocrine, muscle wasting, and bone loss, can be determined from a urine amino acid analysis. A 24-hour urine collection gives the most accurate analysis of urine amino acids.
Customized Amino Acid Formula
A formula for a customized amino acid blend individually formulated, based on your patient’s specific test results, is provided with every plasma amino acid test result. These customized amino acid formulations provide appropriate amounts of essential and conditionally essential amino acids, delivered in a balanced ratio to offset the risk of imbalance sometimes seen with the use of single amino acid supplements. This blend can be made by many compounding pharmacies.
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Bloodspot™ Amino Acid Assay*
The Bloodspot Amino Acid Assay can illuminate problems in amino acid absorption by determining essential amino acid imbalances. The Bloodspot Amino Acid Assay is a non-invasive alternative to a blood draw in determining essential amino acid status and therefore may be a better alternative in the pediatric setting. The test kit is simple enough for the patient to use at home.
Bloodspot™ Amino Acid testing features:
- Amino acid testing from a simple finger stick
- Easy implementation in any practice
- Cost-effective testing and therapy
- Customized amino acid formulations based on your patient's specific test results
- An economical follow-up plasma amino acid testing to monitor therapy
*Bloodspot profile not available in New York
Metametrix amino acid testing features:
- A variety of specimen and profile choices
- Customized amino acid formulations based on your patient's specific results
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Clinician Info
| Test name: |
0113* - Amino Acids - 20 analytes
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| Description: |
The Bloodspot™ Amino Acid Assay is a fingerstick amino acid test
that measures all of the essential plus key non-essential amino acids. Fasting levels of amino acids represent homeostatic balance between supply and utilization of these critical building blocks. The Bloodspot Amino Acid Assay is a non-invasive alternative to the blood draw in determining essential amino acid status and therefore may be a better alternative in the pediatric setting. The test kit is simple enough for the patient to use at home. A formula for a custom amino acid blend is provided with every bloodspot amino acid test result. This blend can be made by any compounding pharmacy.
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| Method: |
HPLC |
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| Turnaround time: |
7-14 days, 10 days average |
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Analytes:
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Arginine
Asparagine
Aspartic Acid
Citrulline
Glutamic Acid
Glutamine
Glycine
Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Lysine
Methionine
Ornithine
Phenylalanine
Serine
Taurine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Tyrosine
Valine
* This test not available in NY.
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CPT codes:
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Amino acids, 6 or more, quantitative |
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