Test Code LAB1883 Methylmalonic Acid, Quantitative, Urine
Additional Codes
MMAU
Useful For
Evaluating children with signs and symptoms of methylmalonic acidemia using urine specimens
Evaluating individuals with signs and symptoms associated with a variety of causes of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in RochesterSpecimen Type
UrineSpecimen Required
Patient Preparation: Overnight fast required
Supplies: Urine Tubes, 10 mL (T068)
Container/Tube: Plastic, 10-mL urine tube
Specimen Volume: 4 mL
Collection Instructions: Collect second-voided specimen after an overnight fast.
Specimen Minimum Volume
1.2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Urine | Frozen (preferred) | 28 days | |
Refrigerated | 28 days | ||
Ambient | 21 days |
On-campus collections: Tube to 99 or deliver to University Extension Hospital Room EH318
Off-campus collections:
Specimen to be stored/transported Frozen
Reference Values
<3.60 mmol/mol creatinine
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
CPT Code Information
83921
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
MMAU | Methylmalonic Acid, QN, U | 25116-5 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
80290 | Methylmalonic Acid, QN, U | 25116-5 |
Interpretation
In pediatric patients, markedly elevated methylmalonic acid values indicate a probable diagnosis of methylmalonic acidemia. Additional confirmatory testing must be performed.
In adults, moderately elevated values indicate a likely vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency.
Method Description
Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) stable isotope dilution analysis. The specimen is mixed with an internal standard (methyl-d3-malonic acid). MMA and d3-MMA are isolated by solid phase extraction. LC-MS/MS is performed using mobile phases and a short column to separate MMA and d3-MMA from the bulk of the specimen matrix. The MS/MS is operated in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) negative mode to follow the precursor to product species transitions. Separation of MMA/d3-MMA from the more physiologically abundant succinic acid is accomplished by the careful selection of MRM transitions and optimization of the LC separation. The ratios of the extracted peak areas of MMA to d3-MMA determined by LC-MS/MS are used to calculate the concentration of MMA present in the sample.(Unpublished Mayo method)
Report Available
3 to 5 daysSpecimen Retention Time
1 weekReject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-Biochemical Genetics Test Request (T798)
-Benign Hematology Test Request (T755)