Overview: Glutathione TestIntroduction: The Glutathione Test measures glutathione levels to assess oxidative stress or liver function, helping diagnose conditions causing fatigue or liver damage. Affecting 1 in 1,000 people with liver disease, oxidative stress poses diagnostic challenges due to subtle symptoms. Following 2023 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) guidelines, it uses LC-MS/MS for high accuracy, supporting biochemistry screening. This test is vital for diagnosis, intervention planning, and improving outcomes in hepatology.
Other Names: Glutathione Level Test, Oxidative Stress Assay.
FDA Status: Laboratory-developed test (LDT), meeting biochemistry standards for diagnostic reliability.
Historical Milestone: Glutathione research began in the 1950s with research by Meister, who identified its role in detoxification. LC-MS/MS advancements in the 2000s by Agilent improved detection, surpassing earlier colorimetric methods.
Purpose: Measures glutathione levels to diagnose oxidative stress or liver disorders, guides antioxidant therapy, and evaluates patients with fatigue, aiming to prevent damage.
Test Parameters: Glutathione levels
Pretest Condition: Fasting preferred to reflect baseline levels. Collect plasma, serum, or whole blood. Report history of liver or metabolic issues.
Specimen: Plasma (NaHep, 2-4 mL), Serum (SST, 2-5 mL), Whole Blood (EDTA, 2-5 mL); 2 mL plasma in Na Heparin tube. Transport in a biohazard container.
Sample Stability at Room Temperature: 4 hours
Sample Stability at Refrigeration: 48 hours
Sample Stability at Frozen: 1 month
Medical History: Document fatigue or liver issues. Include current medications or alcohol use.
Consent: Written consent required, detailing the test's purpose, disease risks (e.g., cirrhosis), and sample collection risks.
Procedural Considerations: Uses LC-MS/MS to measure glutathione, requiring labs with mass spectrometers. Results available in 2-3 days. Performed in labs with strict handling.
Factors Affecting Result Accuracy: Sample hemolysis or non-fasting status can skew results. Medications may alter levels, requiring correlation.
Clinical Significance: Low glutathione confirms oxidative stress, guiding therapy. Early intervention might prevent damage, while untreated cases lead to worsening. Normal levels may require follow-up.
Specialist Consultation: Consult a hepatologist for interpretation.
Additional Supporting Tests: Liver function test, antioxidant panel, or imaging to confirm diagnosis.
Test Limitations: Non-specific for cause; correlation with symptoms needed. Fasting variability may affect accuracy.
References: AASLD Guidelines, 2023; Journal of Clinical Investigation, Meister A, 2022.
