Inherited Metabolic Disorders SAICAR

SAICAR / Succinyladenosine.

Urinary SAICAR and succinyladenosine measurement by LC-MS/MS for diagnosis of purine synthesis defects.

Quick Reference
Method
LC-MS/MS
Sample Types
Urine
Analytes

2 analytes

Turnaround

3–5 working days

Enquire About This Test

What does this test assess?

This method detects specific biomarkers for adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL) deficiency and ATIC deficiency, two rare but clinically significant disorders of de novo purine synthesis.

Clinical indications include:

  • Diagnosis of adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL) deficiency
  • Diagnosis of AICA-ribosiduria (ATIC deficiency)
  • Investigation of unexplained intellectual disability with epilepsy
  • Screening in consanguineous families with developmental delay

Measured analytes

Analyte coverage

SAICAR (succinylaminoimidazole carboxamide riboside) and succinyladenosine (S-Ado).

Analytical technique

Both analytes are measured simultaneously by LC-MS/MS from a single urine sample, providing high sensitivity and specificity for these rare disorder-specific biomarkers.

Testing process

From enquiry to results — a straightforward process.

1
Get in touch
Contact us to discuss your testing requirements
2
Collect your sample
Collect a urine sample using the provided collection kit
3
Send to our lab
Urine samples are shipped to our laboratory following standard protocols
4
Receive results
Results delivered within 3–5 working days of sample receipt

Where this test is available

This test is available to healthcare professionals, wellness brands, clinics, and research institutions worldwide. We currently serve partners in:

  • Europe (EU & non-EU)
  • United Kingdom
  • Asia & Southeast Asia
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • United States

Whether you need testing services for your patients, white-label kits for your brand, or method transfer to your own laboratory — get in touch to discuss how we can work together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are SAICAR and succinyladenosine?

SAICAR (succinylaminoimidazole carboxamide riboside) and succinyladenosine (S-Ado) are specific biomarkers for defects in de novo purine synthesis — specifically adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL) deficiency and ATIC deficiency (AICA-ribosiduria). These metabolites accumulate upstream of the enzymatic block and are excreted in urine at elevated concentrations.

Why is this test clinically important?

ADSL deficiency causes psychomotor retardation, seizures, and autistic features. Early identification allows genetic counselling, family screening, and potential therapeutic interventions. These biomarkers are highly specific — they are not elevated in other conditions, making them excellent diagnostic markers with very low false-positive rates.

How is the sample collected?

A urine sample is collected using a standard collection container. No special timing, fasting, or preparation is required. The sample is shipped to our laboratory following standard protocols.

How long does it take to get results?

Results are typically delivered within 3 to 5 working days from the time your sample arrives at our laboratory. The analysis is performed by LC-MS/MS, providing sensitive and specific quantification of SAICAR and succinyladenosine.

When should SAICAR testing be considered?

SAICAR testing should be considered in cases of unexplained developmental delay, seizures of unknown origin (especially in infancy), autistic features combined with motor impairment, or as part of a comprehensive metabolic workup when other first-line investigations have been unrevealing.

Which countries is this test available in?

Masdiag's SAICAR and succinyladenosine test is available worldwide through our partner network. We currently serve healthcare professionals, metabolic disease centres, and clinics in Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Contact us to discuss testing services or method transfer.

Interested in this method?

Whether you need testing services, method transfer, or white-label kit development — we'd love to hear from you.