Amino Acid Qualitative

Amino Acid Qualitative test is used to detect the presence or absence of certain amino acids in a sample. Amino acids are building blocks of proteins. The test is based on qualitative measures like color change, precipitation reaction, or ring formation. Deficiency or high concentration of amino acids causes symptoms like dark urine, delayed growth and development, lower immunity, and digestive problems. Qualitative tests are often followed by quantitative tests for accuracy.

Tests such as Sakaguchi, Ninhydrin, and Biuret are used for qualitative analysis of amino acids. A blood sample is drawn from the vein that may cause mild pain and temporary bruising. Four to six hours of fasting is required before taking the test. The absence of amino acids indicates abnormal results and may cause phenylketonuria and alkaptonuria.