Amino Acid Profile Blood Test in California

What this test measures

Amino acids are the units that make up proteins, and they also participate in energy production and the synthesis of hormones and neurotransmitters. The body maintains each amino acid within a fairly narrow range. When a specific enzyme or transport pathway does not work as expected, levels can rise or fall in characteristic patterns that a laboratory panel can detect.

This blood panel typically reports around 34 amino acids individually, which may include essential amino acids such as leucine, valine, and phenylalanine, along with non-essential ones such as glycine and alanine. The sample is a blood draw, and results are compared with age-appropriate reference ranges. Some laboratories also offer a companion urine amino acid profile for additional information.

Testing is requested when a clinician suspects an inborn error of metabolism, a nutritional deficiency, or another condition that disturbs amino acid balance. Symptoms may include unusual fatigue, feeding difficulties in infants, developmental concerns, or unexplained illness. A qualified healthcare provider interprets the pattern alongside other tests and clinical findings.