Eicosanoic Acid (C20:1) in Serum or Plasma
This test measures the concentration of eicosanoic acid, a long-chain fatty acid found in your blood. Eicosanoids (derived from fatty acids like eicosanoic acid) play roles in inflammation, blood clotting, and other bodily functions.
["Understanding your eicosanoic acid levels may help assess metabolic or inflammatory health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53461-0
- Short code
- Eicosanoylcarn Amn-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Eicosanoylcarn Amn-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- fluid
- Container
- Sterile tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 300
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is Eicosanoic Acid?
Eicosanoic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid with 20 carbon atoms. While it’s not as well-known as shorter-chain fatty acids (like omega-3 or omega-6), it can be a marker in certain metabolic or biochemical studies, especially when combined with other fatty acids or their derivatives (e.g., eicosanoids). Your doctor may order this test to investigate metabolic disorders, lipid metabolism, or as part of a broader fatty acid profile.
Why Might This Test Be Ordered?
This test may be requested if you have symptoms or conditions related to abnormal fatty acid metabolism, such as rare lipid disorders, metabolic syndrome, or when evaluating specific biochemical pathways. It could also be part of a research study or specialized diagnostic panel.
Sample Collection and Preparation
Blood is typically collected in a tube that separates serum (liquid part after clotting) or plasma (liquid part after centrifugation). The sample is sent to a lab for analysis using advanced techniques like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or similar methods to measure eicosanoic acid concentration accurately.
What Does the Result Mean?
Interpretation of results depends on clinical context, such as your symptoms, medical history, and other test results. Abnormal levels may suggest metabolic imbalances or conditions affecting fatty acid processing, but reference ranges vary by lab and may not be widely standardized.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Eicosanoic Acid Level
Frequently asked questions
What could cause abnormal eicosanoic acid levels?
How often should I get this test?
Is fasting required for this test?
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.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy