This is a test to measure the level of amino acids in the urine.
Amino acids are the building blocks that combine to form proteins.
This test is usually ordered when a healthcare provider suspects an inborn error of metabolism . These disorders can affect the level of certain amino acids in the urine. There are over 20 different amino acids. Each disorders can affects the level of different amino acids in the urine. This test is generally performed on infants and young children, because most of these disorders tend to cause symptoms shortly after birth.