Pyruvate Metabolite Enzyme Activity (Mitochondrial Function Test)
This test measures the activity of enzymes involved in mitochondrial function by analyzing how well your cells convert pyruvate—a byproduct of glucose metabolism—into energy. It helps assess mitochondrial health, which can be important for conditions affecting energy production in cells.
["This test helps evaluate how well your mitochondria (cell powerhouses) function, which may be relevant for certain metabolic or genetic disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 76617-0
- Short code
- Mito enzy Fib 2-14C-pyr substr-cCnt
- Synonyms
- Mito enzy Fib 2-14C-pyr substr-cCnt
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- c-pyruvate-substrate
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, or unexplained metabolic issues. It could also be part of a broader evaluation for mitochondrial disorders, genetic testing, or metabolic syndrome investigations.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm, similar to other routine blood tests. If you’re on certain medications that affect energy metabolism, your provider may advise you to stop them temporarily.
What the Results Mean
Results show the rate at which pyruvate is converted into energy within your cells. Abnormal results may indicate inefficient mitochondrial function, which could signal underlying metabolic or genetic conditions requiring further evaluation.
Common Conditions This Test Helps Diagnose
While not all conditions are directly tested, low enzyme activity might suggest mitochondrial disorders (e.g., Leigh syndrome, MELAS), metabolic disorders, or mitochondrial dysfunction linked to certain genetic mutations.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test provides a snapshot of mitochondrial efficiency and can be critical in diagnosing rare genetic disorders affecting energy production. It may also help monitor treatment responses in patients with known mitochondrial conditions, though it’s often used alongside other diagnostic tools for a complete picture.
Short name
Mitochondrial Enzyme Activity (Pyruvate Substrate)
Frequently asked questions
What does a low or high pyruvate conversion rate mean?
Does this test require fasting?
How long will it take to get results?
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