Carnitine Analysis, Total and Free

Carnitine plays an important role in the transport of long chain fatty acids into the mitochondria as well as the formation of acylcarnitines.

Turnaround Time

10 days

CPT Code(s)

82379

Cost

$120

Measurement of free and total carnitine levels are important for determining the validity of acylcarnitine profiles as well as following patients under carnitine supplementation.

tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS)

5-7 mL of peripheral blood should be collected in a sodium heparin blood tube. Sample should be spun down; remove plasma and freeze prior to shipment. Approximately 1 mL of plasma is needed for analysis. Blood spots are not acceptable.

Frozen plasma samples should be sent via overnight express, preferably on dry ice.