ARGINASE
Argininemia
BIOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS
Also see: Arginase Deficiency - ARG1 Sequencing

Description:

Arginase converts arginine into urea and ornithine and is one of the enzymes in the urea cycle. The deficiency of arginase causes argininemia. The enzyme assay measures the release of urea from arginine by a chemical reaction specific for urea. The product is measured spectrophotometrically.

Specimen Requirements:

This assay can be performed on red blood cell lysates and liver. Draw 7-10 ml in a yellow top (ACD) tube and ship to us on wet ice in an insulated container by overnight express. Sample must arrive at our location within 48 hrs. If liver is to be used, it must be rapidly frozen following collection. Do not add any liquid to the specimen. Send >10 mg of tissue on dry ice by overnight carrier.

Normal Range:

Liver: 10-95 mmol/hr/gm tissue
Red Blood Cells: 2.0-7.0 µmol/hr/mg Hb

Turnaround Time:

2 weeks

CPT Codes and Prices:

Liver: 82657, 84155, 84520, 84311
Red Blood Cells: 82657, 83026, 84520, 84311

Shipping Information

Forms:

>> Biochemical Requisition

Test Codes:

Liver: 4535
Red Blood Cells: 4536