Cerebrospinal Fluid 2-Methylcitric Acid Test
The cerebrospinal fluid 2-methylcitric acid test is a laboratory test that helps diagnose certain metabolic disorders by measuring the amount of 2-methylcitric acid in the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
{2-甲基柠檬酸是体内代谢过程中产生的一种物质,脑脊液检测可以帮助发现潜在的代谢问题,此检查通常用于辅助诊断罕见的遗传性代谢疾病,检测结果需要医生结合其他信息综合判断,采样过程安全，由专业医护人员操作}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50092-6
- Short code
- 2-MCIT CSF
- Synonyms
- 2Me-citrate CSF-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile CSF collection tube (polypropylene or glass), typically no additive or sterile dry tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.5
- Critical range
- — – 2 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 83789 (Organic acids, quantitative, specimen: CSF)
- SNOMED
- 122575004 (2-Methylcitrate measurement) or 119288001 (Cerebrospinal fluid chemistry test)
- Specimen volume
- 0.5-1.0 mL of cerebrospinal fluid minimum; 1.5-2.0 mL recommended for comprehensive metabolic panel
- Stability
- Store at 2-8°C if analysis within 24-48 hours. For longer storage, freeze at -20°C or -80°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Protect from light exposure.
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This is a laboratory test that measures the concentration of 2-methylcitric acid in your cerebrospinal fluid, the clear liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid reflects the metabolic state of the nervous system. 2-Methylcitric acid is a chemical substance produced naturally during the body's metabolism, and in healthy people it is normally broken down and processed by the body.
Why is this test performed?
Your doctor may recommend this test to help diagnose certain metabolic disorders, such as methylmalonic acidemia or other organic acidemias. These conditions affect how your body breaks down and processes certain nutrients. This test may be used to support a diagnosis when your doctor suspects an inborn error of metabolism.
How is the test performed?
A cerebrospinal fluid sample is collected through a lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap. During the procedure, you will usually lie on your side or sit upright while the doctor inserts a thin needle into the space between the bones of your lower spine and withdraws a small amount of fluid. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The procedure is performed by an experienced physician and is generally safe, though you may feel mild discomfort or a brief stinging sensation.
What do the test results mean?
Normal levels of 2-methylcitric acid in cerebrospinal fluid vary depending on the laboratory's reference values. An abnormally elevated result may suggest the presence of a metabolic disorder. However, a single test result alone cannot confirm any diagnosis. Your doctor will interpret the findings together with your symptoms, medical history, and the results of other tests before reaching a conclusion.
Reference range
Reference range: 0-0.5 micromoles per liter (μmol/L) or not detected. Elevated levels may indicate inherited metabolic disorders such as propionic acidemia or methylmalonic acidemia.N/A
No special preparation required. Collect CSF via lumbar puncture following standard aseptic technique. No fasting necessary. Inform patient of procedure risks and obtain informed consent.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
脑脊液2-甲基柠檬酸检测主要用于辅助诊断代谢性疾病，特别是甲基丙二酸血症和丙酸血症等有机酸血症。这些疾病属于罕见的遗传性代谢障碍，会导致某些代谢产物在体内异常蓄积。早期诊断和及时治疗对于改善患者预后非常重要。该检测也可用于监测治疗效果和疾病进程。
Frequently asked questions
Are there any risks with this test?
Do I need to fast or make any special preparations before the test?
How long does it take to get the results?
What should I do if my results come back abnormal?
Sources
- 1MedlinePlus - Spinal TapSource
- 2
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy