Serum Amino Acid Profile (General Screening for Amino Acid Disorders)
This test measures levels of various amino acids in your blood to help identify potential metabolic or genetic conditions that may affect how your body processes these building blocks of proteins.
["This screening helps detect rare conditions that disrupt normal amino acid metabolism."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 46745-6
- Short code
- Other Amino Acidopathies DBS-Imp
- Synonyms
- Other Amino Acidopathies DBS-Imp
- 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 recommend this test if you have symptoms like unexplained fatigue, developmental delays in children, or signs of metabolic issues such as vomiting, seizures, or unusual smells on breath. It’s also used in newborn screening programs to check for inherited disorders like phenylketonuria (PKU) or other amino acidopathies.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your blood is drawn early in the morning. Bring any medications or supplements you’re taking to discuss with your provider.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis using advanced techniques like chromatography or mass spectrometry to measure amino acid levels.
What the Results Mean
Abnormal results may indicate an amino acid disorder, which can cause health issues if untreated. Your provider will interpret the results in the context of your symptoms and medical history to guide next steps, such as further testing or treatment plans.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal amino acid levels can signal metabolic disorders that require early intervention. Conditions like maple syrup urine disease or homocystinuria may cause severe complications if untreated, including brain damage or developmental delays. This test helps identify these conditions early for appropriate management.
Short name
Amino Acid Test (Screen)
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal result mean?
Will I need to take any special steps if my results are abnormal?
How often will I need 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