Methionine (Serum or Plasma) Concentration
This test measures the amount of methionine, an essential amino acid, in your blood. It may be ordered to assess metabolic health, detect genetic disorders, or evaluate conditions affecting amino acid metabolism.
["Methionine levels help identify potential metabolic issues or genetic conditions that may require further medical evaluation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72360-1
- Short code
- MetHgb MFr BldCoV
- Synonyms
- MetHgb MFr BldCoV
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 12
- Ref high
- 17.5
- Critical range
- 7 N/A – 20 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85018
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003004
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, or unexplained health concerns that could be linked to amino acid imbalances. It may also be part of a broader metabolic workup, especially in cases of suspected inherited disorders like homocystinuria or methylmalonic acidemia.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may have blood drawn from a vein in your arm, similar to other routine blood tests. If you’re on a specific diet or medication, let your provider know beforehand.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your overall health and medical history. Abnormal levels could indicate metabolic disorders, kidney issues, or other conditions affecting amino acid metabolism.
Common Conditions Linked to Methionine Levels
Elevated levels might suggest conditions like liver disease or certain genetic disorders, while very low levels could indicate malabsorption, kidney problems, or metabolic syndromes. Always discuss results with your doctor.
Reference range
Adult males: 13.5-17.5 g/dL; Females: 12.0-16.0 g/dLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Methionine plays a key role in protein synthesis and metabolism. Abnormal levels can disrupt normal bodily functions, potentially leading to complications like neurological issues, cardiovascular problems, or growth delays in children.
Short name
Methionine Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal methionine levels?
How is this test different from other amino acid tests?
Can diet affect this test result?
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