Amino Acids Qualitative One Dimensional Urine Test
Short Name: AA Qualitative Urine
Also known as: Urine Amino Acid Screening Test, Qualitative Amino Acid Urine Test, Amino Acid Screen Urine, TLC Amino Acid Urine Test, Urine Amino Acid Profile Qualitative
Amino Acids Qualitative One Dimensional Urine Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹1,404. Uses Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) – One Dimensional on Urine samples. Results in Sample accepted: Monday, Wednesday, Friday by 4:00 PM. Report available within 2 working days from sample receipt.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Ramarao Paidisetty
Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The Amino Acids Qualitative One Dimensional Urine Test is primarily used to screen for inborn errors of metabolism by detecting abnormal amino acid excretion patterns in urine. It helps identify conditions such as phenylketonuria, maple syrup urine disease, homocystinuria, cystinuria, and other amino acid disorders. The test serves as an initial screening tool to guide further diagnostic workup, assess metabolic health, evaluate nutritional deficiencies affecting amino acid metabolism, and monitor treatment response in patients with known metabolic conditions.
- Test Code
- 100
- ICD Code
- E70-E72
- Price
- ₹1,404
- Sample Type
- Urine
- Result Time
- Sample accepted: Monday, Wednesday, Friday by 4:00 PM. Report available within 2 working days from sample receipt.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) – One Dimensional
Sample Collection
No specific fasting or dietary restriction is required unless directed by the referring physician. Clinical details, current medications, and relevant drug history must accompany the sample. Inform the healthcare provider about any amino acid supplements or parenteral nutrition being administered. Collect the first morning urine sample for optimal results.
Method: Clean-catch first morning void urine collection
Laboratory Analysis
Collect the first morning void urine in a clean, sterile, screw-capped container. Ensure a minimum of 2 mL is obtained (5 mL recommended). Use a clean-catch technique to avoid contamination. Label the container clearly with patient name, date, and time of collection.
Report Delivery
After collection, the sample should be refrigerated (2–8°C) if it cannot be transported immediately. Ship the sample refrigerated or frozen to the laboratory. Ensure the sample reaches the laboratory within the stability window. Accompany the sample with a completed requisition form including clinical details and drug history.
Timeline: Sample accepted: Monday, Wednesday, Friday by 4:00 PM. Report available within 2 working days from sample receipt.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The Amino Acids Qualitative One Dimensional Urine Test is primarily used to screen for inborn errors of metabolism by detecting abnormal amino acid excretion patterns in urine. It helps identify conditions such as phenylketonuria, maple syrup urine disease, homocystinuria, cystinuria, and other amino acid disorders. The test serves as an initial screening tool to guide further diagnostic workup, assess metabolic health, evaluate nutritional deficiencies affecting amino acid metabolism, and monitor treatment response in patients with known metabolic conditions.
How to Prepare
- Collect the first morning urine sample in a sterile, screw-capped container
- Minimum volume required: 2 mL; recommended volume: 5 mL
- No preservative is required for this test
- Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent leakage and contamination
- Refrigerate the sample immediately after collection if not transporting right away
- Ship the sample refrigerated or frozen to the laboratory
- Include a completed test requisition form with clinical details and drug history
- Label the container with patient name, date of birth, date and time of collection
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Ramarao Paidisetty — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504
"Qualitative urine amino acid analysis using one-dimensional thin layer chromatography is a valuable first-line screening tool for inborn errors of metabolism, particularly in neonates and children presenting with unexplained neurological symptoms, developmental delay, or metabolic crises. While this test provides a qualitative overview of amino acid excretion patterns, any abnormal findings should be followed up with quantitative amino acid analysis, confirmatory molecular genetic testing, and specialist metabolic evaluation. Early identification of metabolic disorders through such screening can be life-saving, enabling timely dietary modification and pharmacological intervention."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample received without clinical details or drug history information
- Insufficient sample volume (less than 2 mL)
- Sample collected in a non-sterile or contaminated container
- Sample stored at room temperature for more than 6 hours
- Sample received frozen without proper packaging or with signs of thawing and refreezing
- Unlabeled or improperly labeled samples
Understanding Your Results
No abnormal amino acid bands detected. The amino acid excretion profile falls within expected qualitative limits. This result is reassuring but does not completely exclude all metabolic disorders. Clinical correlation is advised.
May suggest phenylketonuria (PKU) or hyperphenylalaninemia. Requires quantitative plasma amino acid analysis and genetic testing for confirmation.
May suggest maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) or related branched-chain organic acid disorders. Immediate specialist referral and confirmatory testing recommended.
May suggest cystinuria, a condition causing excessive urinary excretion of cystine and other dibasic amino acids. Can lead to kidney stone formation. Confirmatory quantitative testing required.
May suggest homocystinuria or hepatic methionine adenosyltransferase deficiency. Requires plasma homocysteine levels and genetic testing for confirmation.
May suggest nonketotic hyperglycinemia, propionic acidemia, or other organic acidemias. Clinical context and further metabolic workup are essential.
Elevation of multiple amino acids may indicate renal tubular dysfunction (e.g., Fanconi syndrome), liver disease, or generalized metabolic disturbance. Renal and liver function tests recommended.
Consult a doctor if the test results show any abnormal amino acid pattern, or if the patient is experiencing symptoms such as unexplained developmental delay, seizures, recurrent vomiting, unusual body or urine odor, failure to thrive, lethargy, or feeding difficulties. Early consultation with a clinical geneticist or metabolic specialist is strongly recommended for abnormal results to initiate timely diagnosis and management.
Limitations
- ⚠This is a qualitative screening test and does not provide precise numerical concentrations of individual amino acids
- ⚠Certain rare or atypical amino acid disorders may not be reliably detected by one-dimensional TLC
- ⚠False positives or false negatives may occur; abnormal results must be confirmed with quantitative amino acid analysis
- ⚠The test does not evaluate organic acids, acylcarnitines, or other metabolites important for comprehensive metabolic screening
- ⚠Interpretation requires clinical correlation and expertise in biochemical genetics
- ⚠Results should not be used in isolation for definitive diagnosis without further confirmatory testing
Risks & Considerations
- ●This test is completely non-invasive and carries no medical risks
- ●There is no risk of infection, bleeding, or allergic reaction since only a urine sample is collected
- ●Infants may require a urine collection bag, which should be removed promptly to prevent skin irritation
Interfering Factors
- ●Certain medications such as antibiotics (e.g., sulfonamides), anticonvulsants, and amino acid supplements may interfere with chromatographic separation patterns
- ●High dietary protein intake shortly before urine collection may affect the amino acid excretion pattern
- ●Contamination of the urine sample with stool, vaginal discharge, or skin residues
- ●Improper sample storage (excessive exposure to room temperature) may cause amino acid degradation
- ●Dehydration may concentrate amino acids and potentially alter the qualitative pattern
- ●Concurrent intravenous amino acid therapy or total parenteral nutrition may affect results
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Amino Acids Qualitative One Dimensional Urine Test | Amino Acids Quantitative Plasma Test | Amino Acids Quantitative Urine Test | Organic Acids Urine Test | Newborn Screening Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Amino Acids Qualitative One Dimensional Urine Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
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