Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Chemical Pathology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
BGA
Test Code (Numeric Code)
6290
Laboratory Handling
Phlebotomy
4.5 mL PST Blood (Preferred), 3.5 mL SST Blood, 1 mL Microsample Blood, 1 mL Paediatric Micro-heparin Blood. Record any delays on the request form.
Transport
For routine analysis a sample sent immediately at room temperature to the laboratory is acceptable.
Registration
If both Plasma acylcarnitines and plasma amino acid are requested and only ONE sample is received: TWO separate registration for BGA is required. Make TWO separate aliquots.
Separating
Separate plasma and freeze at -20C immediately in freezer 36 in the Biochemical Genetics allocated tray.
Laboratory
LabPLUS Biochemical Genetics
Sample Stability
These can be tested and remain stable for 2 weeks. Record any delays on the request form.
Synonyms
Plasma amino acids, Alanine
Turnaround Time
10 days
Turnaround Time: Between 5 hours and 1 week, 3 days
Specimen Type
- Plasma
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
Acceptable
- Plain(Microtainer)
- SST II (Gold Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
4.5
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
0.5
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Heparin (Microtainer)
Acceptable
- Heparin (Microtainer)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
1
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
0.5
Additional Specimen Information
Specimen Collection:
Plasma Amino acids Sample stability
For routine analysis a sample sent immediately at room temperature to the laboratory is acceptable. Samples must be centrifuged, separated and frozen preferably within one hour of collection (no later than 2 hours). These can be tested and remain stable for 2 weeks.
Record any delays on the request form.
Laboratory Notes:
Heparin preferred. Blood may or may not arrive on ice.
Separate plasma and freeze at -20C immediately in freezer 36 in the Biochemical Genetics allocated tray.
(On rare occasions If free homocystine is required sample must immediately be sent on ice to lab. 200uL plasma should be separated and frozen immediately at -80C.)
Please note that dedicated EDTA plasma is acceptable for internal specimens IF separated immediately. Provided that the EDTA is solely for PLAA (i.e. cannot be shared)
Specimen services:
If both Plasma acylcarnitines and plasma amino acid are requested and only ONE sample is received:
TWO separate registration for BGA is required.
Make TWO separate aliquots.
Last updated: 18/08/2026