LOINCActiveBoth

LOINC Code 88018-7: Alanine/Lysine (DBS) [Mass ratio]

88018-7 is a LOINC code used to identify Alanine/Lysine (DBS) [Mass ratio] in laboratory and clinical observation data. You may see this code in lab systems, lab reports, EHR exports, interoperability feeds, or other structured clinical data exchanges. LOINC codes identify tests, measurements, observations, survey items, and clinical questions in a standardized way. It is associated with the component Alanine/Lysine. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Bld.dot.

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

LOINC codes identify tests, measurements, observations, survey items, and clinical questions in a standardized way. It is associated with the component Alanine/Lysine. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Bld.dot.

When is it used?

  • Used in lab systems, EHRs, and clinical data exchange.
  • May identify a test, observation, survey item, or clinical document request rather than a diagnosis.
  • Status: ACTIVE
  • Order vs observation: Both

What it does not mean

  • The code identifies the observation or test, not the actual result.

Key facts

Alanine/Lysine [Mass Ratio] in DBS
Alanine/Lysine
Elevated alanine levels is suggestive of a metabolic disorder. Since alanine levels can fluctuate depending on dietary intake, the alanine to lysine ratio is used to adjust for dietary variation. Normal alanine to lysine ratio is less than 31. An elevated alanine along with a elevated alaine:lysine ratio (>3) suggests true hyperalaninemia.[PMID: 18243024]
2,6-diaminohexanoic acid; Ala; Alpha alanine; Blood; Chemistry; DBS; Dried blood spot; Filter paper; FP; L-alanine; Lys; Mass concentration ratio; Mass ratio; MCRto; Point in time; QNT; Quan; Quant; Quantitative; Random; WB; Whole blood

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in lab systems, lab reports, EHR exports, interoperability feeds, or other structured clinical data exchanges.

Common synonyms

Alanine/Lysine (DBS) [Mass ratio]Alanine/Lysine [Mass Ratio] in DBSAlanine/Lysine DBSAlanine/LysineCHEMAlanine/Lysine, Dried blood spotMRto

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code88018-7
SystemLOINC
Display nameAlanine/Lysine (DBS) [Mass ratio]
DescriptionAlanine/Lysine
Short nameAlanine/Lysine DBS
ComponentAlanine/Lysine
PropertyMRto
TimingPt
System (specimen)Bld.dot
ScaleQn
ClassCHEM
Example unitsratio
StatusACTIVE
Order/ObservationBoth

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC
Version2.82
Releasemain
First released2.63
Last changed2.63

Consumer names

Alanine/Lysine, Dried blood spot

Part names

Alanine/LysineMRtoPtBld.dotQnMass RatioPoint in time (spot)DBS

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from LOINC. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.

LOINC Code 88018-7 | HealthAssure