Free Carnitine in Urine
This test measures the amount of free carnitine, a compound that helps transport fatty acids into cells for energy production, in your urine.
["Assessing carnitine levels in urine can help diagnose or monitor conditions affecting fat metabolism."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14285-1
- Short code
- UC0
- Synonyms
- Carnitine Free Ur-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine collection container; preferably a clean-catch midstream specimen. For transport, use a polypropylene screw-capped tube without preservatives.
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 82017
- SNOMED
- 44608007
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 mL random urine (minimum 1 mL)
- Stability
- Stable for 24 hours at room temperature (20-25°C); up to 7 days refrigerated at 2-8°C; up to 30 days frozen at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like muscle weakness, fatigue, or unexplained weight changes, or if they suspect metabolic disorders such as carnitine deficiency or mitochondrial disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may collect a urine sample at home or during a routine clinic visit. Ensure you’re not fasting unless instructed, as diet can influence results.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted by your doctor based on your medical history and symptoms. Abnormal levels may indicate metabolic issues, but they don’t provide a diagnosis alone. Follow-up tests or additional evaluations may be needed.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to monitor conditions like primary carnitine deficiency, mitochondrial disorders, or inherited metabolic diseases that affect how your body uses fats for energy.
Reference range
Reference values vary by laboratory; typically expressed in mmol/mol creatinine. Pediatric and adult ranges differ. Random urine free carnitine is commonly used as a screening tool.N/A
No special preparation required. Avoid recent carnitine supplementation unless specified by clinician. Patient should maintain usual diet prior to collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Urine Free Carnitine
Frequently asked questions
What causes my urine free carnitine levels to be checked?
How do I prepare for this urine test?
What do abnormal urine free carnitine levels mean?
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