Betauibserplscnc
A blood test that measures levels of beta-ureidoisobutyrate, a substance involved in pyrimidine metabolism, to help evaluate certain metabolic disorders.
{"Measures a byproduct of pyrimidine (DNA building block) breakdown","Helps diagnose and monitor inherited metabolic disorders","Abnormal levels may indicate enzyme deficiencies affecting pyrimidine metabolism","Performed on a blood sample (serum or plasma)","Often used alongside other tests for comprehensive metabolic evaluation"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 79582-3
- Short code
- BUIB
- Synonyms
- Beta-UIB SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum tube or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum or plasma
- Stability
- Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The beta-ureidoisobutyrate test measures the amount of beta-ureidoisobutyrate in your blood. Beta-ureidoisobutyrate is a natural byproduct created when your body breaks down pyrimidines, which are essential components of DNA and RNA. This test helps doctors evaluate how well your body processes these important molecules.
Why is this test performed?
This test is primarily ordered to help diagnose and monitor conditions that affect pyrimidine metabolism. The most common reason is to check for dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency, a rare inherited disorder where the body cannot properly break down pyrimidines. Doctors may also order this test if you have unexplained neurological symptoms, seizures, or developmental delays that might be related to metabolic disorders.
How is the test done?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is then placed in a special tube and 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 otherwise.
Understanding your results
Results are reported as concentrations in the blood. Your doctor will interpret these results based on your age, medical history, and other test findings. Abnormal levels (either too high or too low) may indicate a problem with pyrimidine metabolism that requires further investigation or treatment.
Reference range
Reference values are not well established; results should be interpreted in clinical context with comparison to baseline values.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Is fasting required before this test?
What does it mean if my levels are high?
Is this test dangerous?
Will I need other tests along with this one?
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