I want to request testing by your laboratory, what do I have to do for this?

You will need to contact your doctor. Please tell your doctor to visit our website and to download our test kit order form (USA or outside USA), fill and sign it and submit it to our office together with a copy of his/her medical license. After that we will send a test kit to your doctor’s office.

I am a doctor and it is the first time I am going to send you samples. Should I send you my medical license?

Yes, please submit a copy of your medical license to our office by fax or e-mail.

The instruction sheet for Nagalase says to stop immune stimulants prior to testing. However, these are part of the treatment for the patient. Will these immune stimulants affect the result if they are not stopped for testing?

The immune stimulants decrease the Nagalase activity. We advise to draw blood for the Nagalase test just before the immune stimulant medication is given. If this medication is given once a week, as is mostly the case, then this will pose no problem. However, if a one week interval is not possible: at least try to use the same time period each time to have the best follow up.

The instruction sheet for the Methylation Pathway Panel says to stop medication (if possible) prior to testing. What kind of medication should be discontinued and for what time?

It would be better to stop intake of vitamin B6 and B12 for 48 hours before the blood draw since the high intake of these vitamins may affect the results.

Methylmalonic Acid – Health Diagnostics and Research Institute

Methylmalonic acid

Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is a compound that is produced as part of normal metabolism, specifically in the breakdown of certain amino acids and fatty acids. Elevated levels of methylmalonic acid in the blood and urine can indicate an underlying metabolic disorder, most notably a deficiency of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) or impaired vitamin B12 metabolism. Here’s some information about methylmalonic acid:

Vitamin B12 Metabolism:

Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including DNA synthesis, nerve function, and the formation of red blood cells. It’s obtained from dietary sources, primarily animal products.
Methylmalonic Acid Metabolism:

Methylmalonic acid is normally metabolized in the body through a reaction that requires vitamin B12. If there is a deficiency of vitamin B12 or a problem with its metabolism, methylmalonic acid cannot be properly processed and accumulates in the blood and urine.
Elevated Methylmalonic Acid:

Elevated levels of methylmalonic acid in the blood and urine are indicative of a metabolic problem. This can be due to vitamin B12 deficiency, disorders affecting the absorption or metabolism of vitamin B12, or other rare genetic conditions.
Symptoms and Consequences:

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to various health issues, including megaloblastic anemia (characterized by large, immature red blood cells), neurological symptoms like numbness and tingling in the extremities, fatigue, weakness, and cognitive changes.
Diagnosis:

Measuring methylmalonic acid levels in the blood and urine is a diagnostic tool to assess vitamin B12 deficiency or disorders related to its metabolism. This test is often performed in conjunction with other tests, such as testing for serum vitamin B12 levels and other blood tests.
Treatment:

Treatment for elevated methylmalonic acid levels due to vitamin B12 deficiency typically involves vitamin B12 supplementation. Depending on the underlying cause of the deficiency, treatment approaches may vary.
Clinical Significance:

The methylmalonic acid test is particularly important because it can detect vitamin B12 deficiency even before anemia develops. Early detection and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency can help prevent complications.

Methylmalonic Acid

Methylmalonic acid

Vitamin B12 Metabolism:

Methylmalonic Acid Metabolism:

Elevated Methylmalonic Acid:

Symptoms and Consequences:

Diagnosis:

Treatment:

Clinical Significance: