Carnitine, Free & Total (Includes Carnitine, Esterified)
Also known as: CARN F&T
Use
This test is useful in the diagnosis of primary carnitine deficiency (carnitine uptake defect) and for monitoring carnitine status. Alterations in carnitine levels can indicate metabolic disorders and the test may help in assessing the body's ability to transport fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production.
Special Instructions
Specimens must be collected in green (sodium or lithium heparin) tubes or plain red tubes. Serum or plasma should be separated from cells as soon as possible or within 2 hours of collection, then transferred to an ARUP standard transport tube and frozen immediately.
Limitations
This test is developed and its performance characteristics have been determined by ARUP Laboratories. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Results are based on measurements obtained from tandem mass spectrometry and include free, total, and esterified carnitine levels as well as the esterified/free carnitine ratio. The concentration of esterified carnitine is derived from a mathematical calculation using free and total carnitine. Room temperature specimens and specimens refrigerated for more than 12 hours are unacceptable.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 19074-4
- 14286-9
- 14288-5
- 40869-0
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
Green (sodium or lithium heparin) tube or plain red tube
Collection Instructions
Separate serum or plasma from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer to an ARUP standard transport tube and freeze immediately.
Storage Instructions
CRITICAL FROZEN
Causes for Rejection
Room temperature specimens. Specimens refrigerated for more than 12 hours.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 12 hours |
| Frozen | 1 month (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles) |