A Member of the University of Maryland Medical System | In Partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine
Amino acids - urine; Urine amino acids
Failure to have the urine sample promptly evaluated in the laboratory alters the results of the test.
This test is ineffective if the baby is under 6 weeks old and has not been fed dietary protein in the last 48 hours.
Urine chromatography is necessary to accurately measure increased levels of specific amino acids.
Screening infants for increased levels of amino acids can lead to early diagnosis of an inborn error of metabolism. If the condition is promptly treated, complications such as severe mental retardation may be prevented.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
© 2011 University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). All rights reserved.
UMMC is a member of the University of Maryland Medical System,
22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. TDD: 1-800-735-2258 or 1.866.408.6885