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Medical information Clinical review pending

Genetic Testing

Amino Acids Quantitative Blood 10 Amino Acids Test

Measures levels of ten essential amino acids in the blood to help diagnose inborn errors of metabolism. Important for identifying metabolic disorders and guiding treatment.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
1 drop of heel prick blood each on 3 spots of filter paper OR 2 mL (1 mL min.) whole blood in 1 Lavender Top (EDTA) tube.
Results
Results are typically available within 2 days after sample receipt, provided the sample is received by 4 pm on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday.
Preparation
No specific preparation is required for this blood test. Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking.
Test priceKSh 11,000

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Amino Acids Quantitative Blood 10 Amino Acids Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of a metabolic disorder (e.g., developmental delays, failure to thrive, unexplained neurological symptoms).
  • ✓Family history of metabolic diseases.
  • ✓Monitoring patients undergoing treatment for known metabolic conditions.
  • ✓Investigating unexplained seizures or coma.
  • ✓Assessing nutritional status in certain conditions.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test helps identify potential inborn errors of metabolism by measuring specific amino acid levels in the blood. It aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of metabolic disorders.
The Amino Acids Quantitative Blood 10 Amino Acids Test is a diagnostic tool used to measure the levels of ten essential amino acids in your blood. This test is particularly important for identifying inborn errors of metabolism, which are genetic conditions that affect how your body processes amino acids. Early detection and management of these conditions are crucial for preventing serious health issues. By analyzing amino acid levels, healthcare providers can gain valuable insights into your metabolic health and tailor appropriate interventions. This test quantifies Alanine, Arginine, Citrulline, Glycine, Leucine, Methionine, Ornithine, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, and Valine in the blood.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationNo specific preparation is required for this blood test. Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking.
Sample1 drop of heel prick blood each on 3 spots of filter paper OR 2 mL (1 mL min.) whole blood in 1 Lavender Top (EDTA) tube.
MethodologyQuantitative amino acid analysis using methods like Liquid Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) or High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Confirm specific methodology with the laboratory.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Results must be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional in conjunction with clinical findings and medical history. This test measures specific amino acids and may not detect all types of metabolic disorders.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They play essential roles in various bodily functions.
This test helps detect inborn errors of metabolism, which are genetic conditions affecting amino acid processing. Early diagnosis allows for timely management.
The test requires a blood sample, which can be collected via a heel prick (for infants) or a standard blood draw.
Generally, no special preparation is needed. However, it's important to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking.
A healthcare provider will interpret the results based on reference ranges, your symptoms, and medical history. Discuss the results with your doctor.
Yes, home sample collection services are available. Contact the laboratory to arrange this.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

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09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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