Pentasialylated ganglioside profile in serum/plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
This test measures specific types of gangliosides, complex sugar-lipid molecules found in your blood, using advanced liquid chromatography. It helps assess lipid metabolism and potential neurological conditions.
["This test may help diagnose or monitor conditions affecting brain or nerve function."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 21575-6
- Short code
- TFN-PENTA
- Synonyms
- CDT Pentasialo/Tf MFr SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.05
- Ref high
- 0.15
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) / Capillary Electrophoresis
- CPT
- 82977
- SNOMED
- 395129005
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Serum stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 3 months
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is Ganglioside Testing For?
Gangliosides are a group of lipids that play a role in cell signaling, particularly in the nervous system. Abnormal levels or patterns of these molecules can be linked to inherited metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, or other conditions affecting brain function. This test specifically profiles pentasialylated gangliosides, which are modified forms of gangliosides that may be elevated in certain genetic or degenerative conditions.
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The serum or plasma is then analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a technique that separates and identifies different ganglioside molecules based on their chemical properties. This process helps create a detailed profile of your blood’s ganglioside composition.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms suggestive of a metabolic disorder (e.g., developmental delays, movement disorders), a known genetic predisposition to ganglioside-related conditions, or if other tests indicate abnormal lipid metabolism. It can also be part of diagnostic workup for rare neurological disorders.
What Does the Test Result Mean?
Results provide a qualitative or semi-quantitative profile of specific ganglioside types. Elevated or altered patterns may suggest underlying metabolic or neurodegenerative conditions. Interpretation requires expertise from a specialist, such as a geneticist or neurologist, to correlate findings with clinical symptoms.
Reference range
Pentasialo transferrin ratio: 0.05-0.15 (typically reported as a fraction of total transferrin). Normal pattern shows predominant tetrasialo transferrin with minor amounts of other isoforms.N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should abstain from alcohol for at least 2 weeks prior to testing for accurate CDT interpretation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Gangliosides are critical for maintaining nerve cell function. Disorders affecting their metabolism—such as GM1 gangliosidosis or certain lysosomal storage diseases—can lead to progressive neurological symptoms. This test helps identify these conditions early, allowing for targeted treatment or management strategies.
Short name
Ganglioside HPLC Profile
Frequently asked questions
What does a 'pentasialylated ganglioside profile' measure exactly?
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect ganglioside 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy