Amino acid test: to find out the levels of amino acids in the body

Definition

What are amino acids?

Amino acid test is used to measure amino acids in the body and diagnose abnormalities in amino acid metabolism. Amino acids are substances that make up proteins, hormones and nucleic acids in the body. In addition, amino acids act as neurotransmitters and enzymes. Amino acids are absorbed by food daily. After entering the body, food is metabolized into other amino acids. However, there are 8 types of amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. These eight types can be obtained from the daily menu.

Incomplete metabolism or transmission of amino acids causes these substances to mix in the blood or urine, or even both. Incomplete amino acid metabolism is largely due to heredity. Disorders of amino acid metabolism can be mild or severe (such as mental retardation, growth retardation, and epilepsy)

Diseases associated with disorders of amino acid metabolism are phenylketonuria (PKU), maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), homocystinuria and cystic fibrosis.

When should I take amino acids?

This test is done to:

• cognitive diseases related to amino acid metabolism disorders such as phenylketonuria (PKU), maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), homocystinuria and cystic fibrosis
• observe the effectiveness of treatment
• check the nutritional status of the patient

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before taking amino acids?

Some of the factors that can affect the test results include:

• amino acid concentrations can change. The lowest concentration is in the morning, and the highest concentration is in the afternoon
• pregnancy can reduce the amount of amino acids
• Some drugs such as bismuth, heparin, steroids, and sulfonamides can increase amino acids
• while drugs that can lower amino acids are estrogen and oral contraceptive pills

Observe warnings and precautions before undergoing this treatment. If you have any questions, please consult a doctor for further information and instructions.

Process

What should I do before taking amino acids?

Before undergoing the test, the doctor will ask several things such as:

• symptoms of the disease
• hereditary diseases related to amino acid disorders

Usually, your doctor will order you to fast for 12 hours before having this test. It is recommended that you wear short-sleeved clothing to make the process of taking a blood sample from your hand easier.

How do you process amino acids?

The medical personnel in charge of drawing your blood will take the following steps:

• wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel
• clean the area to be injected with alcohol
• inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required.
• Insert the tube into the syringe to fill it with blood
• untie the knot from your arm when enough blood is drawn
• sticking gauze or cotton on the injection site, after the injection is complete
• apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on

If this examination requires a urine sample, the nurse will instruct you to take a urine sample in the morning.

What should I do after taking amino acids?

Some people may feel pain when the needle is inserted into the skin. But for most people, the pain will fade away when the needle is right in the vein. Generally, the level of pain experienced depends on the nurse's expertise, the condition of the blood vessels, and the person's sensitivity to pain. After going through the blood draw process, wrap your hands with a bandage. Press the vein lightly to stop the bleeding. After doing the test, you can carry out your activities as usual.

If you have any questions regarding the test process, please consult your doctor for further instructions.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

Normal

The test results will vary depending on the levels of amino acids in the body. A diagnosis without a trace of hereditary disease is only given if the results are very abnormal.

Infants and children usually have higher levels of amino acids than adults.

Abnormal

The index goes up

The increase in amino acid concentration can be caused by:

• diseases associated with certain amino acid metabolism disorders (eg phenylketonuria (PKU), maple syrup urine disease (MSUD))
• amino acid diseases in the blood (eg urinal glutaric acid)
• amino acid disease in the urine (eg homocystinuria)

Index goes down

A decrease in amino acid concentration can be caused by:

• • Hartnup disease
  • nephritis
  • nephrotic syndrome

The doctor will explain the results of these tests and combine them with other test results to provide a specific diagnosis. You can ask your doctor for more details.

Discuss with your doctor if you have any questions about your test results.