Carnitine, Random, Urine
Use
Evaluation of patients with a clinical suspicion of a wide range of conditions including organic acidemias and fatty acid oxidation disorders. Also useful for monitoring carnitine treatment. Carnitine levels are disturbed in primary disorders of the carnitine cycle, or secondary disturbances of carnitine metabolism due to other biochemical disorders. In primary carnitine deficiency plasma or serum carnitine is reduced, while urine carnitine may be normal or elevated, and dietary intake (meat, carnitine supplementation) may cause increased values. Abnormal results are accompanied by detailed interpretation including recommendations for follow‑up testing.
Special Instructions
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Biochemical Genetics Test Request (T798) with the specimen. Detailed interpretive report including recommendations and lab director consultation is provided. Forms: Biochemical Genetics Test Request (T798).
Limitations
Dietary intake (meat, carnitine supplementation) may cause increased carnitine values, and elevated results may reflect supplementation rather than metabolic disorder. Increased values may be obtained after carnitine supplementation or meat consumption. Follow‑up testing is required to differentiate primary and secondary deficiencies. Interpretation may be non‑specific; many factors influence the renal threshold of excretion.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 100428-2
- 17866-5
- 17867-3
- 43576-8
- 59462-2
Result Turnaround Time
3-9 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
1.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic, 10‑mL urine tube
Collection Instructions
Collect a random urine specimen. No preservative.
Causes for Rejection
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
| Frozen | 365 days |