Baiburscnc
This test measures the amount of beta aminoisobutyrate, a substance produced when the body breaks down DNA, in your urine.
{"Beta aminoisobutyrate (BAIB) is a byproduct of DNA breakdown","Elevated levels may indicate increased cell turnover or certain diseases","This test helps doctors evaluate conditions affecting DNA metabolism"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26973-8
- Short code
- BAIB
- Synonyms
- B-AIB Ur-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof urine collection container without preservatives; preferably a 24-hour collection container with boric acid or thymol preservative if extended collection is required
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 250
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Ion exchange chromatography or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with colorimetric detection
- CPT
- 82139
- SNOMED
- 102681000
- Specimen volume
- 10-50 mL for random urine; complete 24-hour collection (entire volume) for timed specimens
- Stability
- Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days. If delayed processing, acidify to pH <3 and freeze.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The urine beta aminoisobutyrate test measures the amount of beta aminoisobutyrate (BAIB) in your urine. BAIB is a small molecule (amino acid derivative) that your body produces when breaking down thymine, which is a building block of DNA. Under normal conditions, your body produces and excretes a consistent amount of BAIB in urine.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare provider will give you a sterile container to collect a urine sample. You will be asked to provide a clean-catch midstream urine sample. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where technicians analyze the BAIB concentration using specialized equipment.
Do I need to prepare for the test?
Generally, no special preparation is needed. Your doctor may instruct you to fast or avoid certain foods or medications before the test. Inform your doctor about any medications, supplements, or vitamins you are taking, as they may affect test results.
Reference range
Reference values vary by laboratory methodology; typically expressed in mmol/mol creatinine for random urine samples. Beta-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIB) excretion varies significantly among individuals due to genetic polymorphism (high vs. low excretors).N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should maintain normal hydration and dietary habits prior to collection. Avoid vigorous exercise immediately before specimen collection as it may affect results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Is the test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What do abnormal results mean?
Can diet affect BAIB levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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