Amino Acids Quantitative, Plasma (Plasma AA Profile) Test
About Amino Acids Quantitative, Plasma (Plasma AA Profile) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Plasma AA Profile, Quantitative Amino Acid Test, Amino Acid Analysis Plasma, AAQP, Plasma Amino Acid Profile |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (plasma from lithium-heparinised tube) |
| Fasting Required | Yes – minimum 4 hours for adults; infants should be tested before their next feeding |
| Report Time | 3 to 5 business days |
| Recommended For | All ages; most commonly ordered for infants, children, and adults with suspected metabolic disorders |
| Price | Starting at ₹7,500 |
What Is an Amino Acids Quantitative, Plasma (Plasma AA Profile) Test?
The plasma amino acid profile test measures the concentrations of amino acids circulating in the blood. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play a key role in nearly every process in the body. A doctor may order this test when a patient shows signs of a metabolic disorder, nutritional problem, or unexplained neurological symptoms.
Also known as the quantitative amino acid test or plasma AA profile, it uses a plasma sample drawn from a vein.
What Does an Amino Acids Quantitative, Plasma (Plasma AA Profile) Test Measure?
The amino acid analysis test measures the levels of 30 to 45 individual amino acids in the blood. These fall into several important categories.
Here is an overview of the key amino acid groups and selected examples:
| Category | Examples | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Essential amino acids | Leucine, isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine, methionine | Cannot be made by the body; must come from food |
| Non-essential amino acids | Alanine, glycine, glutamine | Made by the body from other amino acids |
| Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) | Leucine, isoleucine, valine | Key markers for maple syrup urine disease |
| Aromatic amino acids | Phenylalanine, tyrosine | Elevated in phenylketonuria and tyrosinaemia |
| Other measured amino acids | Citrulline, taurine, ornithine, histidine | Used to detect urea cycle defects and other conditions |
Why Is an Amino Acids Quantitative, Plasma (Plasma AA Profile) Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects a problem with how the body processes amino acids. It is used both to reach a diagnosis and to monitor known conditions over time.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request a plasma amino acids test when a patient presents with any of the following symptoms:
- Failure to thrive, particularly in infants and young children
- Unexplained neurological symptoms such as seizures or developmental delay
- Persistent lethargy or unusual tiredness
- Recurrent vomiting without an obvious cause
- Digestive problems or feeding difficulties
- Skin findings linked to metabolic conditions
- High ammonia levels (hyperammonaemia) or excess acid in the body (metabolic acidosis)
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The quantitative plasma amino acid test can help identify a range of inherited and acquired conditions, including:
- Phenylketonuria (PKU) and maple syrup urine disease
- Tyrosinaemia, homocystinuria, and alkaptonuria
- Urea cycle disorders such as citrullinaemia, argininaemia, and ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency
- Non-ketotic hyperglycinaemia and lysinuric protein intolerance
- Acquired conditions including liver disease, kidney failure, endocrine disorders, and nutritional disturbances
Amino Acids Quantitative, Plasma (Plasma AA Profile) Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For patients already diagnosed with an inherited amino acid disorder, such as phenylketonuria, maple syrup urine disease, or tyrosinaemia, this test is an important monitoring tool. Regular testing helps doctors assess how well dietary management or treatment is working and guides adjustments to care. The frequency of testing depends on the specific disorder and the stage of treatment.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing correctly for this test is important, as it directly affects the accuracy of your results.
Do You Need to Fast?
Yes, fasting is required. Adults must fast for a minimum of 4 hours before sample collection. For infants, the sample should be collected just before their next scheduled feeding. If you are receiving total parenteral nutrition (nutrition delivered through a drip), your doctor will give you specific instructions about timing.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few steps to help you prepare for your plasma AA test:
- Avoid any beverages such as tea, coffee, or milk in the morning until the sample collection is completed
- Tell the healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and dietary treatments you are currently taking
- Share your family history and whether you are in an acute episode or are otherwise well
- Wear loose clothing with easy access to your arm
- Stay well-hydrated with water during the fasting period
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what typically happens during sample collection for the amino acid profile test:
- A healthcare professional cleans the skin over a vein, usually in the arm, and draws a blood sample.
- The sample is collected into a green-top tube containing lithium-heparin and placed immediately on wet ice.
- The sample is centrifuged (spun) within 4 hours of collection to separate the plasma.
- The plasma is carefully transferred into a plastic vial and frozen, ensuring no white blood cells are carried over.
- The frozen sample is sent to a specialised laboratory for analysis using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), a highly precise measurement technique.
- Your report is prepared and delivered within 3 to 5 business days.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors can influence how reliable your results are. These include:
- Not fasting properly or consuming protein before the test
- Recent protein intake or use of amino acid supplements
- Medications that affect amino acid metabolism
- Breakdown of red blood cells in the sample (haemolysis)
- A sample that has been left at room temperature or thawed after freezing
- Mild or intermittent variants of a metabolic disorder, which may produce false-normal results
Understanding Your Amino Acids Quantitative, Plasma (Plasma AA Profile) Test Results
Results from a plasma amino acid profile test are detailed and age-specific. A doctor or metabolic specialist will interpret them in the context of your symptoms and medical history. The table below shows selected reference ranges for common amino acids across age groups:
| Parameter | Infants <24 months µmol/L | Children (2 to 17 years) µmol/L | Adults (18 years and above) µmol/L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alanine | 139-474 | 144-557 | 200-579 |
| Glycine | 80-500 | 80-500 | 80-500 |
| Glutamine | 356-857 | 353-790 | 447-774 |
| Phenylalanine | 36-105 | 38-116 | 45-106 |
| Leucine | 59-213 | 51-216 | 79-217 |
| Citrulline | 8-42 | 12-44 | 18-57 |
| Taurine | 31-354 | 32-181 | 21-123 |
These ranges are general guidelines and may differ between laboratories. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Some medical conditions and circumstances can shift amino acid levels in ways that affect how results are read:
During pregnancy, the plasma concentrations of most amino acids (including glycine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, and methionine) naturally decrease due to normal biological changes. Patients with phenylketonuria who are receiving treatment with pegvaliase-pqpz may show falsely low phenylalanine readings due to the drug's ongoing activity in the collected sample. Liver disease and kidney failure also alter how the body processes and clears amino acids, which can affect results independently of any inherited disorder.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
The following general habits support good amino acid balance:
- Eat a balanced diet with adequate protein from varied sources such as pulses, dairy, eggs, and lean meats
- Stay well-hydrated and maintain regular physical activity
- If you have a diagnosed metabolic disorder, follow the dietary plan prescribed by your specialist
Lupin Diagnostics Amino Acids Quantitative, Plasma (Plasma AA Profile) Test Price and Home Collection
The amino acid profile test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at approximately ₹7,500, with home collection available across cities. Pricing varies based on the number of amino acids tested and your location.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹7,500 |
| Pune | ₹7,500 |
| Kolkata | ₹7,500 |
| Bangalore | ₹7,500 |
| Hyderabad | ₹7,500 |
| Indore | ₹7,500 |
| Bhopal | ₹7,500 |
| Chennai | ₹7,500 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website
- Choose your city and preferred time slot
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time
Home Collection
If you’re searching for a 'plasma amino acid profile test near me', Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection across multiple cities in India. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Your digital report is shared via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The plasma AA profile test is used to detect and monitor disorders related to amino acid metabolism. It helps identify inherited conditions such as phenylketonuria and maple syrup urine disease, as well as acquired conditions linked to liver disease, kidney failure, and nutritional deficiencies. It also provides information about a patient's overall amino acid status.
This test is recommended for anyone showing unexplained developmental delays, failure to thrive, or neurological symptoms, particularly in infants and young children. It is also ordered for adults with suspected metabolic conditions and for patients with a known family history of amino acid disorders. Your doctor will advise whether this test is appropriate for you.
Yes, fasting for at least 4 hours is required before the quantitative amino acid test. For infants, the sample should be taken just before their next feeding. Proper fasting helps ensure accurate results, as recent food intake can alter amino acid levels in the blood.
Results for the amino acid analysis test typically take 3 to 5 business days. This is because the test requires specialised laboratory analysis using LC-MS/MS technology, which is more involved than routine blood tests.
Yes. Maple syrup urine disease is caused by the body's inability to break down the branched-chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine. The plasma amino acids test measures the levels of these amino acids and can detect the elevated concentrations associated with this condition.
The risks are minimal and similar to those of any standard blood test. You may experience slight discomfort, minor bruising, or brief soreness at the needle site. These effects usually resolve within a day or two.
Abnormal results from a plasma AA profile test should be reviewed promptly with your doctor or a metabolic specialist. Depending on the findings, additional confirmatory tests may be recommended. A specialist will explain what the results mean for your specific situation and guide any next steps.
Amino Acids Quantitative, Plasma (Plasma AA Profile) Test
