Carnitine in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) – Mass Concentration
This test measures the amount of carnitine, a fat-metabolizing substance, in your cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord). Carnitine helps transport fatty acids into cells for energy production.
["Understanding your CSF carnitine levels can help identify metabolic or neurological conditions affecting fat metabolism in the central nervous system."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53071-7
- Short code
- CARNCSF
- Synonyms
- Carnitine CSF-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile, screw-capped polypropylene CSF collection tube; tube #2 or #3 of sequential collection to minimize blood contamination
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–99 years
- Method
- Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 82379
- SNOMED
- 395092004
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of cerebrospinal fluid
- Stability
- Store at 2-8°C if analyzed within 24 hours; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or -80°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like weakness, fatigue, seizures, or neurological issues that could be linked to metabolic disorders. It may also be part of a broader evaluation for conditions like mitochondrial disorders, inherited metabolic diseases, or neurological disorders affecting carnitine metabolism.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. The test involves a simple lumbar puncture (spinal tap) where fluid is collected from your lower back. You may feel mild pressure or discomfort, but it usually doesn’t require sedation.
What the Results Mean
Carnitine levels in CSF can vary based on underlying health conditions. Abnormal results may signal metabolic imbalances, neurological disorders, or other conditions affecting fat metabolism in the brain or spinal cord.
Common Conditions Linked to Abnormal Results
Elevated levels might suggest certain metabolic disorders or mitochondrial diseases, while low levels could indicate deficiencies or dysfunctions in carnitine transport within the central nervous system.
Reference range
Reference ranges for CSF carnitine are not well established and vary by laboratory. Generally, CSF carnitine levels are significantly lower than serum levels. Consult the performing laboratory's reference guide for specific values.N/A
No special patient preparation is required prior to lumbar puncture. Inform the patient of the procedure, potential risks, and obtain informed consent. CSF collection should be performed under sterile conditions by trained personnel.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
CSF Carnitine Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal CSF carnitine levels?
How is this test different from blood or urine carnitine tests?
Can lifestyle changes affect CSF carnitine levels?
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