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Alpha-Amino Acids, Urine — Substance Concentration

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A urine test that measures the amount of alpha-amino acids, which can help evaluate metabolism and how the kidneys handle amino acids.

Quick summary

["This test measures amino acid excretion in urine and may help identify metabolic or kidney-transport conditions."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
26725-2
Short code
AAA Ur-sCnc
Synonyms
AAA Ur-sCnc
Category
liver
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile urine container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
10 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This test measures the concentration of alpha-amino acids in urine. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and their amounts in urine can reflect metabolism, nutrition, and kidney handling.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order this test when symptoms suggest an inherited metabolic disorder, a problem with kidney transport, or another condition that affects amino acid metabolism. It may also be used to monitor treatment or nutritional status.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and analyzed in the laboratory to determine the concentration of amino acids. The results are often interpreted along with symptoms, other laboratory tests, and the type of urine collection used.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow your clinician's instructions about whether to provide a first-morning, random, or timed urine sample. Fasting or other restrictions may be requested in some cases, but they should not be assumed unless specifically directed.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urinary alpha-amino acids

Frequently asked questions

Does this test show how much protein is in my urine?
No. This test measures amino acids rather than total protein. Other urine tests are used to evaluate protein loss, such as urine albumin or protein-to-creatinine ratio.
What type of urine sample may be needed?
The required collection may be a first-morning, random, or timed sample. Follow the specific instructions provided with the laboratory order, because collection method can affect interpretation.
Can high urinary amino acids diagnose a condition?
Not by itself. Elevated urinary amino acids can occur with several metabolic or kidney conditions, so results are interpreted together with the overall amino acid pattern, symptoms, and other laboratory findings.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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