Ornithine carbamoyltransferase (OCT), formerly known as ornithine transcarbamoylase, catalyzes ornithine to citrulline in the urea cycle before its link with the citric acid cycle. Its importance stems from its role in the conversion of ammonia to urea by the liver. Decreased levels may be seen in inherited disorders associated with a partial block in the urea cycle.
Nursing Care Before the Procedure
Client preparation is the same as that for any study involving collection of a peripheral blood sample (see Appendix I).
A venipuncture is performed and the sample collected in a red-topped tube. The sample should be handled gently to avoid hemolysis and transported promptly to the laboratory.