Total Glutathione in Whole Blood

What this laboratory test evaluates

DetailsTotal Glutathione in Whole Blood – Glutathione is a tripeptide formed by a peptide linkage between the amine group of cysteine linked to glycine and the carboxyl group of the glutamate side-chain. It is an abundant cellular reducing agent, whose major biological function is mitigating oxidative damage to biological macromolecules. Glutathione is also important in the metabolism and excretion of xenobiotic compounds. Glutathione is consumed to maintain cells in a reduced condition. Consequently, glutathione levels in patient samples are expected to be diminished in disease states where oxygen reactive species are involved, such as rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis. Low glutathione levels have been linked to reduced dopamine production in neurons, which suggests a relationship to dopamine based neurological disorders such as parkinson's disease. High levels of glutathione have been linked to chemotherapy resistance in cancer treatments.

What type of sample is required for this test?1 full tube of whole blood collected in an ACD solution B (yellow-top) tube

Test ResourcesFor more information, please consult your healthcare provider.

Additional test information

Total Glutathione in Whole Blood – Glutathione is a tripeptide formed by a peptide linkage between the amine group of cysteine linked to glycine and the carboxyl group of the glutamate side-chain. It is an abundant cellular reducing agent, whose major biological function is mitigating oxidative damage to biological macromolecules. Glutathione is also important in the metabolism and excretion of xenobiotic compounds.

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Whole blood
• Fasting: No
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should be available in 2 – 5 business days after the sample is collected

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.