Lysine is one of the nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot synthesize, making it necessary to consume it through our diet. It's an important building block for proteins, contributing to various functions such as growth and development, calcium absorption, collagen formation, and the production of enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. It is found in high amounts in foods such as meat, eggs, and soy products.
A Lysine - Quantitative Plasma test measures the level of lysine in the blood. This can help doctors diagnose certain medical conditions and monitor the body's nutritional status, especially in people with dietary restrictions or certain health conditions. For instance, lysine deficiencies are rare but can occur in people who do not get enough protein in their diets, such as vegans and vegetarians, or those with certain metabolic disorders.
Test NameHeading: Lysine - Quantitative Plasma
Sample TypeBlood
Preparations RequiredThere are no special preparations needed for this test. Continue all medication and diet as prescribed by your doctor.
Report Time4 days
What is a Lysine - Quantitative Plasma test?
A Lysine - Quantitative Plasma test is a blood test that measures the amount of lysine in your blood. It helps to assess your body's protein nutritional status and detect any deficiencies or excesses of this essential amino acid.
Why would I need a Lysine - Quantitative Plasma test?
You might need this test if your doctor suspects that you may have a deficiency or excess of lysine, which can occur due to certain diet or metabolic conditions. Symptoms of lysine deficiency include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, agitation, bloodshot eyes, slow growth, anemia, and reproductive disorders.
Home Sample Collection Process
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Sample Collection by Phlebotomist
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Reporting of the sample at lab
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Frequently Asked Questions
A higher-than-normal level of lysine may indicate a high-protein diet, supplementation, or a metabolic disorder. A lower-than-normal level can suggest a protein deficiency, poor diet, or a problem with absorption in the digestive system.
The test is performed by collecting a blood sample from a vein in your arm. This sample is then sent to the lab for analysis.
The risks associated with a blood draw are minimal but may include slight pain or bruising at the injection site, fainting or feeling lightheaded, and in rare cases, infection.
There are no specific preparations for this test. You can continue your normal diet and medications unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
Yes, taking a lysine supplement can affect the results of this test by increasing the level of lysine in your blood. If you are taking a lysine supplement, it's important to inform your doctor.
The results of a Lysine - Quantitative Plasma test typically take 5-7 days to process.
The normal range for lysine varies between labs and is usually provided with your test results. However, it typically falls within 150-350 µmol/L.
Yes, consuming foods high in lysine, such as meat, eggs, and soy products, can increase the level of lysine in your blood. On the other hand, a diet low in these foods could lead to lower lysine levels.
No, this test requires a blood sample that must be taken by a healthcare professional and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Yes, you can take this test if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. However, these conditions may affect the level of lysine in your blood. Make sure to inform your doctor if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
Yes, both high and low levels of lysine can affect your health. Lysine plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, including protein synthesis, hormone and enzyme production, and calcium absorption. Therefore, maintaining a proper balance of this amino acid is important for overall health.
Yes, you should continue taking all medications as prescribed by your doctor. However, you should inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you're taking as some may affect the test results.
If your lysine levels are low, your doctor may suggest dietary changes or supplements. Foods high in lysine include meat, dairy products, fish, eggs, soy products, legumes, and certain seeds like fenugreek and quinoa.
Abnormal results don't necessarily mean you have a health problem. Factors like diet, stress, exercise, and certain medications can influence your lysine levels. If your results are significantly out of range, your healthcare provider will interpret them in the context of your overall health, medical history, and other test results.
Certain metabolic disorders and malnutrition, especially those associated with a poor protein intake, can result in low lysine levels. In contrast, certain conditions such as familial hyperlysinemia can result in high levels of lysine in the blood.
Yes, this test can be performed on patients of all ages, including children. As with adults, it's used to evaluate protein nutrition and diagnose metabolic disorders.
No, the Lysine - Quantitative Plasma test is not used to diagnose a specific disease. However, it can help identify lysine deficiency or excess, which can be associated with various health issues, including metabolic disorders and malnutrition.
Yes, lysine is found in high amounts in animal-based foods, and people following a strict vegan or vegetarian diet may be at risk of lysine deficiency if their diet isn't properly balanced. However, certain plant foods, like legumes and quinoa, are good sources of lysine.
Your healthcare provider will decide if retesting is necessary based on your results, symptoms, and overall health. If your lysine levels were abnormal, your provider may suggest retesting after a period of dietary adjustment or treatment.
While stress can influence various biochemical processes in the body, it's not typically associated with changes in blood lysine levels. However, prolonged stress can affect overall nutrition and may indirectly influence your lysine levels.
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact overall health and nutrition, potentially affecting lysine levels. However, they are not directly linked to the regulation of lysine in the body.
The need for regular testing depends on your personal health situation. If you have a medical condition that requires monitoring of your lysine levels or if you're making significant changes to your diet, your healthcare provider may recommend regular testing.
Yes, other tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), basic metabolic panel (BMP), or tests for other amino acids, can be performed at the same time to give a more comprehensive view of your health. Discuss with your healthcare provider to understand what's best for you.
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