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Plasma Amino Acids
Alternate Names : Amino Acids - Plasma
DefinitionThis is a screening test performed on infants that detects problems with amino acid metabolism.
Pictures & Images
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Why is the Test Performed?
Amino acids are the building blocks for proteins in the body. Accumulation of amino acids can occur due to abnormalities in the normal mechanisms for their metabolism or elimination. The increased levels show up in plasma (the liquid portion of blood) and urine.
If the test to identify and measure their quantities is performed early enough on an infant with an inherited defect in amino acid metabolism, treatment can often be administered to prevent the severe mental retardation that may otherwise result.
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• Definition
• Why is the Test Performed?
• How is the Test Performed?
• How to Prepare for the Test?
• How will the Test Feel?
• Normal Values
• What do Abnormal Results Mean?
• Risks
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Acute Kidney Failure
• Chronic Renal Failure
• Diabetes
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis
• Eclampsia
• Huntington's Disease
• Mental Retardation
• Nephrotic Syndrome
• Reye's Syndrome
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
Tests & Exams
• Serum Phenylalanine Screening
Other Topics
• Amino Acids
• Aspartic Acid
• Chromatography
• Metabolism
Review Date : 9/3/2003
Reviewed By : Michael C. Milone, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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