Amino acids - urine; Urine amino acids

Failure to have the urine sample promptly evaluated in the laboratory alters the results of the test.

This test is ineffective if the baby is under 6 weeks old and has not been fed dietary protein in the last 48 hours.

Urine chromatography is necessary to accurately measure increased levels of specific amino acids.

Screening infants for increased levels of amino acids can lead to early diagnosis of an inborn error of metabolism. If the condition is promptly treated, complications such as severe mental retardation may be prevented.

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Urine sample

Aminoaciduria urine test

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Review Date: 05/12/2011
Reviewed By: Frank A. Greco, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Biophysical Laboratory, The Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)