Pentanoate concentration in plasma (24-hour integrated)
This test measures the amount of pentanoate, a short-chain fatty acid, in your blood over a 24-hour period. It may be used to assess metabolic function or detect abnormalities in fat or energy metabolism.
["This test helps evaluate how your body processes fats and energy over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72782-6
- Short code
- JWH-018 pentanoate Ur Cfm-mCnc
- Synonyms
- JWH-018 pentanoate Ur Cfm-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- confirm
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like unexplained fatigue, muscle weakness, or metabolic disturbances. It could also be part of a broader evaluation for conditions affecting fat metabolism, such as mitochondrial disorders or certain genetic syndromes.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed, but you may be asked to fast for a few hours before the blood draw. Your provider will explain any specific instructions based on your situation.
What the Test Involves
A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood will be processed to measure pentanoate levels over a 24-hour period, often through timed plasma samples or integrated analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to reference ranges for healthy individuals of similar age and health status. Elevated levels may indicate metabolic issues, while very low levels could suggest deficiencies or disorders affecting fat metabolism.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal pentanoate levels can signal underlying metabolic disorders, such as medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency or other mitochondrial or fatty acid oxidation disorders. These conditions can cause symptoms like muscle pain, weakness, or recurrent illnesses. Early detection and management are crucial for improving outcomes.
Short name
24-Hour Plasma Pentanoate Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal pentanoate levels?
How long will I need to wait for results?
Can I eat or drink before 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