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HelpTest Code LAB815 Carnitine, Plasma
Additional Codes
Mayo Test Code: CARN
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
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot plasma into a plastic vial
Gel tubes are unacceptable and will be rejected.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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;147:356-360
Used with permission of European Journal of Pediatrics.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
82379
Report Available
3 to 5 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Flow Injection Analysis-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (FIA-MS/MS)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Biochemical Genetics Test Request (T798) with the specimen.