TMAO (Trimethylamine N-oxide)

Casandra

Casandra Test Code LC23100Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab LabcorpLab Test ID 123413CPT Code 84999

TMAO (Trimethylamine N-oxide)

Clinical Use

Order Test

Use

High levels of TMAO have been associated with an increased risk of heart disease.1

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

Interferences: Acetylsalicylic acid elicited 10% interference at 3.5 mg/dL, while its active metabolite, salicylic acid, elicited 10% interference at 42 mg/dL. Protein (albumin) elicited 10% interference at 0.83 mg/dL. Bilirubin (unconjugated) elicited 10% interference at 10.1 mg/dL. Uric acid elicited 10% interference at 13.8 mg/dL. This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Labcorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Test Details

Methodology

Other

Biomarkers

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO)

Analyte

TMAO

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

LOINC Codes

Result Codes

93765-6 - TMAO sub Ser Qn

Result Turnaround Time

3-5 days

Specimen

Serum

Volume

1 mL

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Container

Spun NMR LipoTube (black-and-yellow-top tube) is the preferred container; lavender-top (EDTA) tubes or plain red-top (no gel) tubes also are acceptable specimens.

Collection Instructions

Keep NMR LipoTube upright at room temperature for 30 minutes and allow to clot. Centrifuge at 1600 to 1800 xg for 10 to 15 minutes immediately after clotting. If the sample cannot be centrifuged immediately, it must be refrigerated at (2°C to 8°C) and centrifuged within 24 hours of collection. The NMR tube should then be stored at (2°C to 8°C) until shipped. Do not open NMR LipoTube.

Patient Preparation

TMAO levels are lower in humans who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet than in omnivores. Patients should fast overnight and refrain from consuming fish and other marine food items the day before the blood draw. Fasting for 10 to 12 hours is recommended.