LAB TEST
Acid mucopolysaccharides
Acid mucopolysaccharides is a test that measures the amount of mucopolysaccharides released into the urine either during one episode or over a 24-hour period. Mucopolysaccharides are long chains of sugar molecules in the body. They are often found in mucus and in fluid around the joints.
How the Test is Performed
For the 24-hour test, you must urinate into a special bag or container every time you use the bathroom. Most often, you will be given two containers. You will urinate directly into the smaller special container and then transfer that urine into the other larger container. On day 1, urinate into the toilet when you…
How to Prepare for the Test
There is no special preparation needed.
How the Test will Feel
The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.
Why the Test is Performed
This test is done to diagnose a rare group of genetic disorders called mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS). These include, Hurler, Scheie, and Hurler/Scheie syndromes (MPS I), Hunter syndrome (MPS II), Sanfilippo syndrome (MPS III), Morquio syndrome (MPS IV), Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome (MPS VI), and Sly syndrome (MPS VII). Most…
Normal Results
Normal levels vary with age and from lab to lab. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormally high levels could indicate a type of mucopolysaccharidosis. Further tests are needed to determine the specific type of mucopolysaccharidosis.
References
Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC. Genetic disorders. In: Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC, eds. Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 5. Spranger JW. Mucopolysaccharidoses. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of…
This is a summary. Read the full article at www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org (reviewed 24/04/2023).
This page is general information and is not medical advice. It does not replace a registered doctor, and it is not a prescription or a recommendation to use any medicine or test. Prices are listed prices and may change. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.