Determination of tyrosine in blood by tandem mass spectrometry (TMS)
Tyrosine is produced in the body from phenylalanine and serves as a precursor to important hormones and neurotransmitters, including dopamine, adrenaline, and thyroxine.
Measurement of tyrosine in a dried blood spot using TMS is critically important for diagnosing tyrosinemia (types I, II, and III).
Type I tyrosinemia is an extremely serious disorder that can cause severe liver and kidney failure during infancy if treatment is not initiated in time.