Amino Acids Plasma - Plasma Amino Acid Test, Reasons, Preparation and Procedure to Conduct Plasma Amino Acid Test
Plasma Amino Acid Test
Plasma amino acids refers to a screening test conducted on infants that evaluates the quantities of amino acids present in the blood. Amino acids play an important role as the building blocks of protein in the body. They are also involved in the metabolism of the body.
Reasons for Plasma Amino Acid Test
This test is conducted in order to detect the content of amino acids in the blood. An elevated level of a certain amino acid is strongly indicative of a problem in the ability of the body to metabolize that particular amino acid. Improper nutrition, some medical conditions and fevers may cause a fall in the amount of amino acids in the blood. This test may also be done to detect such lowered levels.
Preparation for Plasma Amino Acid Test
The infant must not be fed for a period of four hours prior to the test. Crying is a normal response of the infant when exposed to unfamiliar environments and people. Being present and soothing the child will help to ease some of the anxiety. In some cases restraints may need to be used as small children do not have the ability or coordination to follow the instructions. When obtaining a blood sample, the child may move suddenly, leading to trauma or damage to the vein, tissue, nerves or bone.
Procedure to Conduct Plasma Amino Acid Test
This test is done by obtaining a sample of blood from the child. The site of the puncture is usually the heel in case of infants. The area is first cleaned using an antiseptic solution. A sharp needle is then used to puncture the skin. The blood is collected into a pipette, which is small glass tube. A test strip or a slide may also be used to collect the blood sample. If there has been any bleeding, a bandage may be placed over the site. The blood sample is then transferred to the laboratory for testing the level of amino acids in the blood.
If an elevation in the total amount of amino acids in the blood has been detected, there is the possibility of kidney failure, eclampsia, reye syndrome, fructose intolerance and ketoacidosis resulting from diabetes. A lowered total amino acids level in the blood may be indicative of fever, malnutrition, rheumatoid arthritis, hartnup disease, nephrotic syndrome or adrenal cortical hyperfunction. These levels must be examined in light of other clinical information as well. In some cases, abnormal levels may arise from the effects of drugs, diet or due to genetic problems in the body’s ability to handle specific amino acids.