Trimethylaminuria (TMA) with Creatinine Testing, Urine

Specimen Type

Containers

Collection Containers

Volume

Sample Volume

5.0 mL

Minimum Volume

1.0 mL

Patient Preparation

• Very dilute urines cannot be accurately tested.
• Menstruating patients should avoid collection of urines during, or within a few days of, their period.
• This laboratory recommends two urine specimens (pre- and post-choline load), but one post-choline load is sufficient. If two samples are sent, both samples will be billed for.
  Pre-choline load specimen is collected when the patient is eating an unrestricted diet and odor is present.
  Post-choline load specimen should be collected about 12 hours after the patient has ingested choline bitartrate with a glass of orange juice or water [5 gm (5000 mg) of choline bitartrate for patients > 12 years and weighing more than 54 kg (120 lbs); 2.5 gm (2500 mg) for patients aged > 12 years and weighing 54 kg (120 lbs) or less.]. Ingestion of a choline load may cause stomach upset in some patients and is not recommended for patients age < 12 years. A heavy meal of choline-rich foods may be substituted for the ingestion of choline bitartrate in patients age <12 years.

Collection & Handling

Collection Instructions

This laboratory recommends two urine specimens (pre- and post-choline load), but one post-choline load is sufficient. If two samples are sent, both samples will be billed for. Both the pre-choline and post-choline specimens should be shipped together.
Clearly label each of the specimens “pre” and “post“.

Handling Information

Freeze immediately after each collection. Store and send frozen.

Stability

Frozen @ -80 Celsius: Indefinitely