Methylmalonic acid
(MMA)
Sample type
Serum (preferred) or plasma (citrate - EDTA-heparin) and urine
Uses
1-Evaluation of methylmalonic academia in children.
2-Evaluation of megaloblastic anemia (cobalamin deficiency).
3-used to diagnose a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Precautions
No special precautions required for blood test
make sure that a 24-hour urine sample has been collected for urine test
24-hour urine sample collection instructions
-
On day 1, urinate into the toilet when you get up in the morning.
-
Afterward, collect all urine in a special container for the next 24 hours.
-
On day 2, urinate into the container when you get up in the morning.
-
Cap the container. Keep it in the refrigerator or a cool place during the collection period.
-
Label the container with your name, the date, the time of completion, and return it as instructed.
Interferring factor
1-Serum and urine levels are more reliable markers of cobalamine deficiency than direct cobalamine determination.
2-Diet, nutritional status, and age should be considered in the evaluation of serum MMA level
Pre analytical erorr
1-If the sample was not collected with the correct instructions ,it will affect the result
2-nutrional status and age affect the result
Corrective action
1-The patient must be given the instructions that the sample must be collected, and before taking the sample make sure that he follows these instructions
2- asking for the age and 24-hours food has eaten the day befor test
Post-analytical errors
1-Writing a wrong result or wrong name in the report
2-report were sent to incorrect patient
The corrective actions
1- If the report is not delivered to the patient and this error is discovered the correct result or the correct name must be written, but if the report is delivered to the patient must communicate with him and tell him that an error has occurred and replace with the correct report.
2-Communicate with patient ,apologizing for the error, and providing him with the correct report.
Reference range
0.00–0.40 μmol/L