Amino Acid Quantitative Test

Proteins play a vital role in biological processes, and amino acids are building blocks are the building blocks of it. Amino acids make up the large quotient of our cells, muscles, and tissues. Amino acids also are important for the transport and storage of nutrients; they also have an influence on the functioning of glands, and Organs. 21 amino acids can form proteins in the human body. The amino acid disorder can lead to clinical sign or symptom. Amino acid disorder if not diagnosed and treated properly can lead to mental retardation or death. Amino acid analysis/testing refers to quantitative analysis of either free amino Acids or amino acids released from proteins from proteins.

There is no special preparation required for the testing of amino acid quantitative Analysis. For plasma amino acid analysis blood is withdrawn from the vein in the arm. The trained personnel will withdraw the blood, and there is no need to worry or be tensed, as they are trained to perform it. It is only that moment when the needle is inserted in the vein it pains, which fades away very quickly and slight discomfort when the needle is removed which again is for few seconds. For urine amino acid, the urine specimen is collected for which the person needs to have enough fluids/water to give the specimen. For, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, CSF is withdrawn from subarachnoid space through a needle by a procedure of lumbar puncture or spinal tap.CSF analysis should be done only when the benefits outweigh the risks.

Plasma amino acid analysis is of importance in the evaluation of several conditions such as endocrine disorders, liver disorders, muscle diseases, nutritional imbalances, renal failure. Urine amino acid elevations called as aminoaciduria, is seen due to amino acid transport defects and in renal tubular dysfunction. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) the amino acid specimen is used for the conditions such as nonketotic hyperglycinemia and serine biosynthesis defects. CSF specimen can be very illuminating when taken along with the plasma specimen so that the ratio of amino acid in CSF to plasma is calculated.

The procedure involves blood withdrawal from the vein the arm and the trained personnel perform the task. For urine analysis, urine is collected. In case of CSF analysis, the patient should not eat or drink three hours prior to lumbar puncture, the way it sounds it is not that painful But may vary from person to person hence the patient should try to get someone along during the testing.