Comprehensive quantitative profiling of 26 amino acids from a single dried blood spot, serum, or plasma sample. Performed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
26 amino acids
This panel provides a quantitative assessment of 26 amino acids, enabling evaluation of nutritional status, protein metabolism, and detection of metabolic imbalances.
Clinical indications include:
| Analyte / Group | Components | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Essential amino acids | Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Valine | Cannot be synthesised by the body; must be obtained from diet |
| Conditionally essential | Arginine, Glutamine, Glycine, Proline, Tyrosine | Required in greater amounts during illness, stress, or growth |
| Non-essential | Alanine, Asparagine, Aspartate, Cysteine, Glutamate, Serine | Synthesised endogenously under normal conditions |
| Neuroactive | GABA, Taurine | Important roles in neurotransmission and cellular osmoregulation |
All 26 amino acids are quantified simultaneously from a single sample using isotope-dilution LC-MS/MS, providing high specificity and minimal matrix interference.
Amino acids are the fundamental building blocks of proteins and play critical roles in virtually every biological process. Beyond protein synthesis, they serve as precursors for neurotransmitters, hormones, and other bioactive molecules, and participate in energy metabolism, immune function, and detoxification.
Proteinogenic amino acids forming the basis of all human proteins
Must be obtained through diet as the body cannot synthesise them
Several amino acids serve as neurotransmitters or precursors
The amino acid pool in blood reflects the dynamic balance between dietary protein intake, endogenous protein synthesis and degradation, and amino acid catabolism. Alterations in this balance can indicate nutritional deficiencies, metabolic disorders, organ dysfunction, or catabolic states such as critical illness or post-surgical recovery.
Branched-chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, valine) are particularly important in sports medicine and clinical nutrition, as they play key roles in muscle protein synthesis, energy production during exercise, and regulation of protein turnover.
Amino acid profiling is valuable across multiple clinical contexts. In paediatrics, it supports newborn screening and diagnosis of inherited amino acid disorders such as phenylketonuria (PKU) and maple syrup urine disease. In adult medicine, it aids assessment of hepatic function, renal disease, and nutritional status in malabsorption syndromes.
The test is performed using isotope-dilution high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This approach provides simultaneous quantification of all 26 amino acids with high specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility. Isotopically labelled internal standards ensure accurate quantification across the full dynamic range.
This method can be performed on three sample types: dried blood spot (DBS), serum, or plasma, providing flexibility for clinical, research, and remote collection scenarios.
Whether you need testing services, method transfer, or white-label kit development — we'd love to hear from you.