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Organic acids are involved in many of the cells' metabolic
processes. With certain genetic disorders, there may be abnormal concentrations
of organic acids that are present in blood or other body fluids. Organic acid
analysis is usually carried out on urine since many of the abnormal compounds
will not be observed in other tissues. However, analysis may be carried out on
other fluids such as plasma or serum, amniotic fluid, or cerebrospinal fluid.
Disturbances of organic acid metabolism may be suspected in infants or children
who have:
- feeding abnormalities
- failure to grow
- failure to develop
- seizures
- unusual body odor
- hypotonia
- hyperammonemia
Specimen requirements: Urine (at least 10 ml of random
catch) is usually used for organic acid analysis.
Transport: Samples must be frozen, preferably on dry ice.
Samples must be sent frozen by overnight delivery services or
courier. If the sample can be delivered the same day, it may
be sent cold or at room temperature.
Standard of analysis: Analysis will be done by gas-liquid
chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) with identification
of elevated and/or abnormal organic acids. For some organic acids quantitation is offered.
Time required: Analysis will usually be complete within
three days.
Special requests: Any type of special request must be
made directly with the laboratory at the time the specimen is
submitted.
Report: Written reports with interpretation will be mailed,
and when abnormalities exist, the report will be made by telephone.
Results may be sent by FAX or by email when requested.
CPT Code: 83919 (x20)
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