Amino Acid Analysis - Cerebrospinal Fluid
Use
The Cerebrospinal Fluid Amino Acid test provides a quantitative analysis of amino acids in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and is integral for identifying abnormal levels of 22 amino acids related to various disorders. Conditions such as inborn errors of metabolism, neurological issues, and abnormalities in metabolic pathways can manifest through disrupted amino acid levels. This test serves as a valuable tool in differential diagnosis, helping detect conditions that can range from metabolic to neoplastic and beyond, often requiring prompt intervention through dietary adjustments or other therapeutic measures. It can be particularly critical for individuals exhibiting symptoms like lethargy, poor feeding, and seizures, underlining the need for careful monitoring of amino acid profiles in critical patient populations.
Special Instructions
Collection of cerebrospinal fluid requires proper handling and specific protocols to ensure sample integrity. It is vital that the specimen be frozen at -20C and shipped overnight using dry ice in an insulated container. This guarantees preservation of amino acids during transport and analysis. Ensure there is a minimum of 1-2 cc of cerebrospinal fluid available for processing. The test provides valuable insights in clinical settings where metabolic disorders are suspected.
Limitations
While the test provides a thorough analysis of amino acids, it does not cover every metabolic condition that might affect amino acid levels. Variations in metabolic enzymes not targeted by this analysis could lead to undetected disorders. Interpretation of results should always be coupled with clinical findings, and results must be interpreted in a broader clinical context. False positives or negatives could arise due to external factors, including diet, medications, or sample handling, thus necessitating confirmatory tests for certain conditions. The test may also be affected by the timing of specimen collection and individual patient factors.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Cerebrospinal Fluid (Frozen)
Volume
1-2 cc
Minimum Volume
1 cc
Container
Insulated container with dry ice
Collection Instructions
Send 1-2 cc of cerebrospinal fluid.
Storage Instructions
Store the specimen frozen at -20C.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Not applicable |
| Refrigerated | Not applicable |
| Frozen | up to 7 days |