Carnitine (Heptanoylcarnitine) in Serum/Plasma
This test measures the concentration of heptanoylcarnitine, a long-chain fatty acid bound to carnitine in your blood. It helps assess how well your body is processing fats and certain metabolic functions.
["This test may help diagnose or monitor conditions affecting fat metabolism or carnitine transport."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 54292-8
- Short code
- Heptanoylcarn Amn-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Heptanoylcarn Amn-sCnc
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- fluid
- Container
- Sterile tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 300
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms of metabolic disorders, such as unexplained muscle weakness, fatigue, or issues with energy production. It could also be used in cases of suspected inherited disorders of fatty acid metabolism, such as carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) deficiencies.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically required. You may have a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm. If you are on a low-fat diet or have been fasting, your provider may advise you accordingly.
What the Test Results Mean
Results are compared to a reference range for healthy individuals. Elevated levels might indicate problems with fat metabolism or carnitine transport, while very low levels could suggest deficiencies or genetic disorders.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to monitor patients with known metabolic disorders, such as mitochondrial disorders, medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency, or other inherited metabolic diseases.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Changes in heptanoylcarnitine levels can reflect underlying metabolic imbalances. High levels may suggest inefficient fat metabolism, while low levels could point to impaired carnitine transport or storage issues. Your healthcare provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Short name
Heptanoylcarnitine
Frequently asked questions
What does a high level of heptanoylcarnitine mean?
How is this test different from other carnitine tests?
Can diet affect the results of 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.
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