Serum or plasma ornithine concentration
This test measures the amount of ornithine, an amino acid involved in the body’s urea cycle, which helps remove waste products from your blood.
["Ornithine levels may help assess liver function or metabolic health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 13408-0
- Short code
- Ornithine Amn-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Ornithine Amn-mCnc
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of liver disease, such as fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), or unexplained nausea. It may also be part of monitoring for conditions like hepatic encephalopathy (brain dysfunction due to liver failure) or metabolic disorders.
What Does the Result Mean?
Results are not typically provided as absolute numbers but are compared to a reference range based on your health status. Abnormal levels might indicate issues with liver function, urea cycle disorders, or other metabolic problems.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for testing. If you’re on dialysis or have kidney issues, your provider may specify if urine or other fluids are used instead.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used alongside others (like ammonia or glutamine) to track liver function, urea cycle disorders, or metabolic imbalances. It’s less commonly standalone but may be part of a broader metabolic workup.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Ornithine Level
Frequently asked questions
How often will I need this test?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
What if my results are abnormal?
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