Urine Amino Acids

Description: 
Analysis by ion-exchange chromatography, post column derivitisation with ninhydrin and photometric detection
Clinical details: 
Urine amino acid analysis is only recommended for the diagnosis and monitoring of a few disorders including renal transport disorders and renal tublopathies. It is not recommended as a first line metabolic screen.
For cystinuria screening and monitoring please request urine COAL test by LC-MS/MS
Related condition or disease: 
Lysinuric protein intolerance, cystinuria, hartnup disease, fanconi syndrome, generalised tublopathies
Reference range: 

Qualitative report

Synonyms or keywords: 
Amino acid, Metabolic, UAA
Units: 
umol/mmol creatinine
Department: 
Reference Services
Location: 
Blackfriars Hub
Sample type and Volume required: 
Random urine (plain universal). Minimum sample volume 2 mL urine. Acidified samples are unsuitable.
Turnaround time: 
2 weeks
Patient instructions: 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please click the PDF link below to read some important information regarding the ordering of this test.

IMPORTANT: UAA test process changes
PDF (119.5Kb)
Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Store frozen but sample can be sent via 1st class post
Contacts:
Inherited Metabolic Diseases Unit at Blackfriars Hub
020 7188 9652
Reference Chemistry, 1st Floor Blackfriars Hub
Friars Bridge Court
Blackfriars Road
London
SE1 8NZ

IMD Duty Biochemist: 07592 502653
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Inherited Metabolic Disease Laboratory at Blackfriars Hub
UAA vs UCOAL leaflet.pdf
PDF (417Kb)

Print as a PDF

Last updated: 30/01/2026