Histidine Serum Concentration (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of histidine, an essential amino acid, in your serum. Histidine helps your body produce important proteins and certain hormones.
["Histidine levels may be checked to assess protein metabolism or evaluate conditions affecting amino acid balance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47647-3
- Short code
- Histidine SFr SerPl
- Synonyms
- Histidine SFr SerPl
- 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
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, or unexplained weight changes that could suggest an amino acid disorder. It may also be part of a broader evaluation for conditions like liver disease, kidney problems, or metabolic syndromes.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. It usually takes a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. If you’re on blood thinners, let your provider know before the test.
What the Results Mean
Histidine levels can vary based on diet, health conditions, and other factors. While reference ranges can differ by lab, very low or very high levels might indicate underlying issues like severe protein deficiency or certain metabolic disorders. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is less commonly used alone but may be part of a panel to monitor conditions like hereditary amino acid disorders, liver disease, or malnutrition. It can also help track how well your body is processing proteins.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Histidine is a key building block for proteins and neurotransmitters. Abnormal levels can signal metabolic imbalances, liver or kidney dysfunction, or dietary deficiencies. While histidine itself is not typically checked for routine health, it may be included in specialized metabolic or genetic testing for specific conditions.
Short name
Histidine Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes histidine levels to be checked?
What might abnormal histidine levels indicate?
Do I need to fast before this test?
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