TMAO (Trimethylamine N-Oxide)
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Serum
Requires fasting: Yes
Phlebotomy required
Details
Gut microbes live symbiotically within the human digestive tract and play important roles in host defense, immunity, and nutrient processing and absorption. The diverse community is unique to each person and influenced by both acute and chronic dietary exposures to various food sources. Nutrients such as phosphatidylcholine (also known as lecithin), choline, and L-carnitine are abundant in animal-derived products such as red meat, egg yolk and full-fat dairy products. When consumed, these nutrients are processed by gut bacteria resulting in the release of various metabolites including TMA (trimethylamine) into the blood. TMA is then transported to the liver where it is converted into TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide) which has been shown to regulate various physiological processes involved in the development of atherosclerosis.
- TMAO (Trimethylamine N-Oxide)
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
This test measures the levels of TMAO in your blood, a substance linked to heart health. TMAO is produced when gut bacteria digest certain nutrients found in animal products like red meat, eggs, and full-fat dairy. Understanding TMAO levels can offer insights into heart disease risks and the impact of diet on heart health.
A simple blood draw is needed.
3–6 business days
- Fasting before a blood draw means you don't eat or drink anything except water.
- Your doctor should provide any special instructions related to fasting for your test. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:
Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)
- Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
- Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
- Collection Instructions:
- Bring a valid ID.
- Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
- Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
- More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide
Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy
- Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
- Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
- Collection Instructions:
- Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
- Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
- More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
- Preferred Specimen(s): 1 mL serum
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
- Transport Container: Transport tube
- Transport Temperature: Refrigerated (Cold Packs)
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 5 days
- Refrigerated: 23 days
- Frozen: 193 days
- Reject Criteria:
- Hemolysis
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
