Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This test measures the amount of beta-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIB) in your blood to help evaluate certain metabolic and genetic conditions.
{"BAIB is a naturally occurring amino acid produced when your body breaks down thymine","This test helps diagnose metabolic disorders like thymine phosphorylase deficiency","Abnormal results may indicate liver disease, muscle breakdown, or certain genetic conditions","The test requires a simple blood draw","Results are typically available within a few days"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26605-6
- Short code
- BAIB
- Synonyms
- B-AIB SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum collection tube or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or Ion Exchange Chromatography
- CPT
- 82542
- SNOMED
- 39505008
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum
- Stability
- Serum stable for 24 hours at room temperature, 1 week at 2-8°C, and 1 month at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test? A complete blood count (CBC) is a common blood test that measures the different cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It gives your doctor a broad picture of your overall health and helps detect many conditions, such as anemia, infections, and blood disorders.
The beta-aminoisobutyrate test measures the level of a substance called beta-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIB) in your blood. BAIB is a non-protein amino acid that your body produces when breaking down thymine, which is one of the building blocks of DNA. This test helps doctors evaluate how your body processes certain chemicals and can help identify specific metabolic disorders.
Why might I need this test? Your doctor may order this test as part of a routine checkup, or to help find the cause of symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, unexplained bruising, or bleeding. It can also be used to monitor a condition you already have or to check how well a treatment is working.
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect you have a metabolic disorder, particularly one involving thymine metabolism. It may also be used to help diagnose certain liver diseases, evaluate unexplained muscle weakness or breakdown, or monitor certain genetic conditions. This is not a routine test and is usually ordered by specialists when specific conditions are suspected.
How is the test performed? A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood, usually from a vein in your arm, using a thin needle. The procedure takes only a few minutes, and you may feel a brief sting when the needle is inserted. A small bandage will be placed over the site afterward, and you can usually return to your normal activities right away.
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. You do not need to fast or make any special preparations before this test, unless your doctor specifically instructs you to do so.
What do the results mean? Your results show whether your blood cell counts are within normal ranges. High or low values may point to conditions such as anemia, infection, inflammation, or clotting problems, but abnormal results do not always mean a serious illness. Your doctor will interpret the numbers together with your symptoms, medical history, and any other tests before deciding on next steps.
Results are interpreted in the context of your overall health and other test results. Elevated BAIB levels may indicate thymine phosphorylase deficiency (a rare genetic disorder), liver disease, excessive muscle breakdown, or certain types of cancer. Low levels are less common but may be seen in some nutritional deficiencies. Your doctor will explain what your specific results mean for your health situation.
Reference range
Reference values vary by laboratory methodology. Generally: 0-5 μmol/L for healthy adults; elevated levels may be seen in individuals with high urinary excretion phenotype (genetic trait affecting ~5-10% of population)N/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Patient should maintain normal dietary habits prior to specimen collection for accurate baseline interpretation
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The BAIB test is primarily used to help diagnose and monitor thymine phosphorylase deficiency, also known as beta-aminoisobutyric aciduria. This is a rare inherited metabolic disorder where the body cannot properly break down thymine. The test may also aid in evaluating liver function, detecting muscle catabolism (breakdown), and in some cases, assessing certain malignancies. Results should always be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider in conjunction with clinical symptoms and other diagnostic findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is this test dangerous?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
What happens if my results are abnormal?
Can this test diagnose cancer?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy