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HelpTest ID CARN Carnitine, Plasma
Useful For
Evaluation of patients with a clinical suspicion of a wide range of conditions including organic acidemias, fatty acid oxidation disorders, and primary carnitine deficiency using plasma specimens
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
PlasmaNecessary Information
Patient's age is required.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Green top (sodium heparin)
Acceptable: Lavender top (EDTA), green top (lithium heparin)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL Plasma
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot plasma into a plastic vial
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Plasma | Frozen (preferred) | 60 days |
| Refrigerated | 21 days | |
| Ambient | 7 days |
Reference Values
|
|
Total carnitine (TC) |
Free carnitine (FC) |
Acylcarnitine (AC) |
AC/FC Ratio |
|
Age Group |
Range* |
Range* |
Range* |
Range |
|
≤1 day |
23-68 |
12-36 |
7-37 |
0.4-1.7 |
|
2-7 days |
17-41 |
10-21 |
3-24 |
0.2-1.4 |
|
8-31 days |
19-59 |
12-46 |
4-15 |
0.1-0.7 |
|
32 days-12 months |
38-68 |
27-49 |
7-19 |
0.2-0.5 |
|
13 months-6 years |
35-84 |
24-63 |
4-28 |
0.1-0.8 |
|
7-10 years |
28-83 |
22-66 |
3-32 |
0.1-0.9 |
|
11-17 years |
34-77 |
22-65 |
4-29 |
0.1-0.9 |
|
≥18 years |
34-78 |
25-54 |
5-30 |
0.1-0.8 |
*Values expressed as nmol/mL
Schmidt-Sommerfeld E, Werner E, Penn D. Carnitine plasma concentrations in 353 metabolically healthy children. Eur J Pediatr. 1988;147(4):356-360
Used with permission of European Journal of Pediatrics.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
CPT Code Information
82379
Report Available
3 to 5 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Biochemical Genetics Test Request (T798) with the specimen.