Histidine concentration in serum
This test measures the amount of histidine, an essential amino acid, in your blood serum. Histidine helps with the production of certain hormones and is involved in maintaining healthy skin and red blood cells.
["Histidine levels can help assess amino acid metabolism and may be checked in conditions affecting protein synthesis or amino acid disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 27111-4
- Short code
- Histidine Amn-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Histidine Amn-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- fluid
- Container
- Sterile tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 300
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms or conditions linked to amino acid imbalances, such as metabolic disorders, liver disease, or certain genetic conditions. It may also be part of a broader evaluation for nutritional deficiencies or to monitor treatment responses.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the blood draw, but always follow your provider’s instructions. Avoid strenuous activity the day of the test.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a reference range, but exact values can vary by lab. Low or high levels may indicate underlying health concerns, such as amino acid disorders, liver disease, or certain metabolic conditions. Your provider will interpret the results in the context of your overall health.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Histidine Level
Frequently asked questions
Histidine levels can be important in diagnosing or monitoring conditions like **maple syrup urine disease**, **homocystinuria**, or other inherited metabolic disorders. Abnormal results may also signal issues with protein metabolism, liver function, or nutritional deficiencies.
Your results may be reported as a specific concentration (e.g., micromoles per liter) or compared to a reference range provided by your healthcare team. If your level is outside the expected range, further testing or evaluation may be needed.
Can diet affect histidine levels? Yes, certain foods high in histidine (e.g., chicken, fish, eggs, nuts) may influence your levels. Discuss any dietary changes with your healthcare provider before making significant modifications.
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