Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, which are essential for numerous biological processes. Pathology tests for amino acids are often conducted to diagnose and monitor metabolic, genetic, or nutritional disorders. Below is a detailed explanation of how amino acids are related to pathology tests: Why Are Amino Acids Tested in Pathology? Metabolic Disorders : Amino acid profiling is used to identify inherited metabolic disorders, such as: Phenylketonuria (PKU) : Elevated levels of phenylalanine. Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) : Increased levels of branched-chain amino acids. Homocystinuria : Elevated homocysteine and methionine levels. These tests are often performed as part of newborn screening programs. Nutritional Deficiencies : Evaluate protein malnutrition or specific amino acid deficiencies (e.g., lysine or tryptophan). Chronic Conditions : Imbalances in amino acid levels can indicate underlying health issues like liver disease, kidney dysfunction, or cancer. Ne...