Description:

This protocol allows for the determination of all amino acids in physiological fluids including serum, plasma, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and amniotic fluid. The concentration of the amino acids is determined by the ninhydrin reaction.

Specimen Requirements:

Plasma: We recommend 3-4 hr fast for infants on formula feeds. 2-3 ml of blood drawn in a heparin containing tube (green top) and separated as soon as possible. Do not allow whole blood to stand at room temperature, it will affect the amino acid values. Store the plasma frozen. Specimens may be maintained frozen for no more than 7 days prior to processing.
Urine: 5-10 ml of a random sample. Do not add preservatives. Store frozen. Specimens may be maintained frozen for no more than 14 days prior to processing.
Amniotic Fluid: 2-3 ml of fluid. Separate from cells and store fluid frozen. Do not add preservatives. Specimens may be maintained frozen for no more than 7 days prior to processing.
Cerebrospinal Fluid: 1 ml of fluid. Store frozen. Specimens may be maintained frozen for no more than 7 days prior to processing.

All samples should be transported to the laboratory on dry ice by overnight carrier.

Turnaround Time:

Plasma, Amniotic Fluid, Cerebrospinal Fluid: 4 days
Urine: 7 days

CPT Codes and Prices:

Amniotic Fluid-Quantitative: 82139, 82492
CSF-Quantitative: 82139, 82492
Plasma-Quantitative: 82139, 82492
Urinary-Quantitative: 82139, 82486, 82570

Shipping Information

Forms:

>> Biochemical Requisition

Test Codes:

Amniotic Fluid-Quantitative: 4170
CSF-Quantitative:4160
Plasma-Quantitative:4100
Urinary-Quantitative: 4240

Medical Genetics Laboratories
Baylor College of Medicine · Houston, TX 77030
Phone: 1-800-411-GENE · Fax: 713-798-6584
E-mail: