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SickKids

Amino Acids, Blood

Alternate test name

Lab area
Clinical Biochemistry - Metabolic Diseases
Method and equipment
Quantitation of amino acids following derivatization, measurement by UPLC absorbance.
Expected turn-around time
STAT/Urgent: 8 hours Routine: 7 days
Specimen type

Plasma or Serum. 

Capillary and EDTA samples are not acceptable.

Specimen requirements

200 µL of plasma (green top lithium heparin or sodium heparin) or serum (red top serum tube)

Storage and transportation
  • Plasma/serum must be separated within 1 hour of collection and kept frozen
  • Ship sample frozen on dry ice
Special requirements

Hemolyzed samples adversely affect results.

Shipping information
The Hospital for Sick Children
Rapid Response Laboratory
555 University Avenue, Room 3642
Toronto, ON
Canada
M5G 1X8
Phone: 416-813-7200
Toll Free: 1-855-381-3212
Hours: 7 days/week, 24 hours/day
Background and clinical significance

Quantitative analysis of conventional proteinogenic and nonstandard amino acids is important for the detection and monitoring of patients with inborn errors of metabolism. Additionally, knowledge of amino acid concentrations provides useful information when determining nutritional status following total parenteral nutrition, surgery and shock trauma treatment.

Disease condition

Amino acidopathies, organic acidopathies and other disorders/disturbances that affect amino acid metabolism.

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