How Do You Spell TRYPTOPHAN TEST?

1. The tryptophan test is a diagnostic procedure used to measure the levels of tryptophan in the blood or urine, providing valuable information about the metabolism and nutritional status of an individual. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that plays a key role in the synthesis of proteins and the production of important molecules such as serotonin and niacin.

   The test involves collecting a blood or urine sample, usually in a laboratory setting, and analyzing it for tryptophan concentration using various techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or spectrophotometry. The results of this test help healthcare professionals evaluate the amount of tryptophan available in the body, and identify any deficiencies or imbalances.

   Doctors may recommend a tryptophan test when investigating conditions related to tryptophan metabolism, such as disorders affecting serotonin production or utilization, as well as conditions like pellagra or Hartnup disease that involve tryptophan absorption. Additionally, the tryptophan test can aid in guiding dietary interventions, as certain diseases or medications may require adjustments in tryptophan intake.

   Interpretation of the test results should be done in conjunction with other clinical assessments and laboratory tests to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the individual's health. By measuring tryptophan levels, the tryptophan test contributes to the accurate diagnosis, treatment, and management of various medical conditions.

2. For cancer of the stomach; a test meal of bread and sweetened water or an ordinary meal, without coffee or other dark matter, is withdrawn at the end of an hour, filtered, and tested with bromine water for tryptophan; the presence of the latter indicates cancer.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for TRYPTOPHAN TEST

The word "tryptophan" is derived from two Greek words: "tryptein" meaning "to break" and "phanos" meaning "light".

The term "tryptophan test" refers to a laboratory procedure that measures the ability of an organism to produce the enzyme tryptophanase, which breaks down the amino acid tryptophan. The etymology of "tryptophan test" stems from the word "tryptophan" as mentioned above.

The test itself dates back to the mid-20th century when researchers developed it as a tool to distinguish between different organisms based on their ability to break down this particular amino acid.