What is biochemical genetic test: urine succinylacetone?

Also known as: urine succinylacetone test, SUAC urine test.

Succinylacetone is a marker for the presence of an inherited genetic enzyme deficiency of an amino acid (building blocks for proteins) called tyrosine which frequently presents in the newborn period but can be subclinical till infancy or childhood. Elevated levels in the blood and urine of newborns may indicate the presence of a disease known as tyrosinemia type 1 (Tyr 1). Urine testing is one of many used to diagnose the condition.

What happens during the procedure?

A urine sample is required to be sent to a laboratory for testing.

Is any special preparation needed?

The sample is typically taken first thing in the morning but may be collected randomly.

What are the risk factors?

Depending on the age of the infant/child, urine collection caries some potential risks however these are outweighed by the benefits of the test.

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Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf MD.

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM