Butyrylglycine (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures the concentration of butyrylglycine, a naturally occurring compound in your blood that may be linked to certain metabolic or genetic conditions.
["Butyrylglycine levels can help assess potential metabolic or genetic disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 24437-6
- Short code
- Butyrylgly/Creat Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- Butyrylgly/Creat Ur-sRto
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms or risk factors for conditions like organic acidemias, mitochondrial disorders, or other metabolic diseases. It may also be part of a broader evaluation for unexplained metabolic issues or genetic testing.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. You may be asked to fast for a certain period if your blood is drawn early in the morning, but this depends on your provider’s instructions. Bring any medications or supplements you’re currently taking to your appointment.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The blood will be sent to a lab for analysis. The specimen is usually processed as serum or plasma.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your clinical picture, symptoms, and other test results. Elevated or low levels may indicate specific metabolic or genetic conditions that require further evaluation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Butyrylglycine is an intermediate metabolite in the breakdown of certain amino acids and fatty acids. Abnormal levels can suggest underlying metabolic disorders, such as defects in enzymes responsible for processing organic acids. This test is particularly useful in diagnosing conditions like methylmalonic acidemia or propionic acidemia, among others. Your provider will use these results to guide further testing or treatment plans.
Short name
Butyrylglycine Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes butyrylglycine levels to be tested?
What are common symptoms associated with abnormal butyrylglycine levels?
How are butyrylglycine levels typically treated?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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