Amino Acid, CSF | KK Women's and Children's Hospital

Specimen Container

Sterile container

Specimen Requirement

CSF

0.2 mL

Note : Blood stained CSF specimen is unsuitable.

Specimen Storage/Transport

No preservative

Please send with a paired plasma sample (collected within an hour) as interpretation, particularly in the case of nonketotic hyperglycinaemia (NKHG), requires comparison with plasma concentrations.

Send with a separate ice pack.

Orderable as Urgent?

For URGENT analysis, contact the Biochemical Genetics lab on 6394 8728 or the Lead Scientist on 8388 8741 to discuss.

Turn Around Time

5 working days

Reference Value(s)

CSF Amino Acid Reference Ranges (same for all age groups)

Glycine = 3-10 μmol/L
CSF / Plasma glycine ratio = <0.04 (no units)
(0.04-0.06 = equivocal, >0.06 = abnormal)
Serine = 35-80 μmol/L
Threonine = 15-110 μmol/L

Testing Laboratory Location

KKH

Laboratory

Biochemical Genetics lab

Contact Number

6394 8728

Day and Time Performed

Mon – Fri: 0900 hrs – 1800 hrs

Orderable on CPOE?

Yes

Downtime Form

Biochemical Genetics Lab

Additional Information

Useful For	Detecting disorders such as non-ketotic hyperglycinaemia (NKH)
Clinical Indication	lethargy hypotonia poor feeding abnormal jerking movements breathing difficulty
Interpretation	A detailed interpretation requires the overview of results and correlation to available clinical information. Further steps such as additional biochemical and in vitro studies (enzyme & molecular analysis) may be needed to confirm and provide differential diagnosis of the disorders.

For URGENT analysis, contact the Biochemical Genetics laboratory at 6934 8728 or the Lead Scientist at 8388 8741 to discuss.

If sent after office hours, CSF will be stored in Clinical Laboratory -20°C freezer.

Change History Notes

02 Jul 2025 03:00 PM

Update day/time performed.

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Last Updated - 02 Jul 2025