: Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, Fluid, Substance Concentration
: This test measures the concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a key inhibitory neurotransmitter, in a body fluid sample. It is typically used in specialized or research settings rather than routine clinical care.
[": The test quantifies GABA levels in a fluid specimen, but its clinical role is limited and best interpreted by a specialist."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50147-8
- Short code
- GABA Fld-sCnc
- Synonyms
- GABA Fld-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
: What Is Being Measured
: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a chemical messenger that helps calm and regulate nerve signaling in the brain and nervous system. This test measures how much GABA is present in a fluid sample, reported as a substance concentration (an amount per volume of fluid).
: Sample and Method Considerations
: The slug indicates a fluid specimen, but the exact fluid type and analytical method are not fully specified. Because of this ambiguity, the test is best described generically, and your laboratory should be consulted about the specific specimen collected and the technique used.
: How the Result Is Reported
: Results are expressed as a substance concentration, meaning the amount of GABA relative to the volume of the fluid tested. Your care team interprets the value in the context of the specimen type, the testing method, and your overall clinical picture.
: Why This Test Is Uncommon
: GABA measurement in fluids is not a standard, everyday lab test. It is more often encountered in specialized or research contexts, so availability, methodology, and interpretation can vary widely between laboratories.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: GABA is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter, and altered GABA signaling has been studied in neurological and psychiatric conditions. However, fluid GABA measurement is not a routine diagnostic test, and results must be interpreted cautiously by a specialist familiar with the specific specimen and method, since no universal reference range applies across all fluid types and techniques.
Short name
: GABA (Fluid)
Frequently asked questions
: Is this a routine blood test?
: What does "substance concentration" mean?
: Can I interpret the result on my own?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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