Carnitine Blood Test, LC/MS/MS

Also Known As

Plasma Acylcarnitine Analysis, Plasma Carnitine, Quantitative Plasma Carnitine

The Purpose of the Carnitine Lab Test

Carnitine plays a crucial role in energy metabolism, specifically in how the body converts fatty acids in the mitochondria of the cells. Monitoring carnitine levels can provide insights into various metabolic disorders and help guide appropriate treatment and supplementation. This is especially important if you have conditions such as type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, or an enlarged heart, which can affect your carnitine levels.

If you have low amounts of carnitine, your body can’t turn fatty acids into energy, so it relies on your blood sugar to do the job instead. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, hypoglycemia, as well as failure to thrive in people who are older. A carnitine LC/MS/MS blood test can help pinpoint any deficiencies. (The initials stand for liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, which refers to the method used to assess the blood sample.)

What Does the Carnitine Level Blood Test Measure?

This test measures the amount of carnitine in your system. Carnitine is a naturally occurring substance in the body, but you can also get carnitine through your diet with meat, dairy, and poultry products. Carnitine is also available in supplement form; athletes often use carnitine to increase their energy and performance levels.

Who Should Take a Carnitine LC/MS/MS Lab Test?

The carnitine blood test may be advisable if you have the medical conditions mentioned above and are experiencing issues such as low blood sugar and unexplained fatigue.

Carnitine Lab Test Preparation

You don’t have to follow any special instructions prior to taking the carnitine LC/MS/MS test.

Carnitine Level Blood Test Results

The carnitine LC/MS/MS lab test results are calculated as a ratio comparing the amount of available (or free) carnitine to the level of overall (total) carnitine in your blood. Carnitine deficiencies are typically present if your result is above 0.4, although factors such as your overall health and age may also be taken into account. We can help if you have questions about your test or next steps for treatment. Just contact us to set up a telehealth appointment with a Personalabs physician.

Where Can I Get a Carnitine Blood Test Near Me?

You can find the carnitine test online at Personalabs as part of our diabetes test collection. With more than 400 health tests to choose from, we’re your one-stop shop for these valuable tools that can empower your healthcare choice. Before you request one, make sure you don’t need your doctor’s approval to purchase a test, which will depend on the state where you live:

Step 1: Buy your test and download the lab order.

Step 2: Visit our website and use the lab locator to find a convenient facility among our 4,000-plus Quest Diagnostics and Labcorp partner sites across the country.

Step 3: Bring your test order to the lab when it’s time to give your blood sample.

Step 4: Get your test results in your secure Personalabs portal, typically within 2 to 10 business days.

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