2methylacetoacetatecsfscnc
A specialized cerebrospinal fluid test that measures levels of 2-methylacetoacetate, a metabolite involved in amino acid metabolism.
{"This test analyzes cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for 2-methylacetoacetate levels","Abnormal results may indicate metabolic disorders affecting amino acid breakdown","CSF is collected via lumbar puncture (spinal tap)","Results help diagnose rare inherited metabolic conditions","The test is part of specialized metabolic disease screening"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 69786-2
- Short code
- 2-Methylacetoacetate CSF
- Synonyms
- 2-Methylacetoacetate CSF-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile CSF collection tube (polypropylene or glass), typically sterile cryovial without additives
- Units
- 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
- 80378 (Metabolic disorder panel, urine, organic acids); 82087 (Organic acids, quantitative)
- SNOMED
- 122575004 (Cerebrospinal fluid chemistry test procedure)
- Specimen volume
- 0.5 to 1.0 mL of CSF is typically sufficient; minimum 0.25 mL may be acceptable for some methodologies
- Stability
- Specimen should be frozen immediately after collection at -20°C for short-term storage (up to 1 week) or -80°C for long-term storage (weeks to months). Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The 2-Methylacetoacetate test measures the amount of 2-methylacetoacetate in your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is the clear fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord. 2-Methylacetoacetate is a substance produced when your body breaks down certain amino acids, particularly isoleucine. This test is part of a group of tests called organic acid analysis, which help doctors evaluate how well your body processes nutrients.
This test requires a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, which is collected through a procedure called a lumbar puncture (also known as a spinal tap). During this procedure, a healthcare provider inserts a thin needle into the lower back to extract CSF from the space around the spinal cord. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Reference range
Reference range not well established; result interpretation requires clinical correlation with suspected metabolic disorder. Contact laboratory for interpretation guidelines.N/A
No specific patient preparation required. Standard CSF collection precautions apply. Inform patient of lumbar puncture procedure risks and obtain informed consent.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Why is this test performed?
Is the lumbar puncture procedure painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What do abnormal results mean?
Sources
- 1
- 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