Citrulline in Serum or Plasma (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of citrulline, an amino acid, in your blood. Citrulline helps assess kidney function and certain metabolic conditions.
["Citrulline helps evaluate kidney health and metabolic processes."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 54022-9
- Short code
- Mut cit vimentin Ab Ser-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Mut cit vimentin Ab Ser-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 of kidney disease, such as fatigue, swelling, or changes in urine output. It could also be used to monitor conditions like urea cycle disorders, liver disease, or to check for metabolic imbalances in people with certain genetic or inherited disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically required for this test. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the draw, but always follow your provider’s instructions. Bring any medications or supplements you’re taking, as they may affect results.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis. The test measures citrulline levels using a specialized laboratory method, often involving mass spectrometry or a similar precise technique.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a reference range specific to your lab, which accounts for factors like age, sex, and overall health. Abnormally high or low levels may signal underlying health issues, but interpretation depends on clinical context and other test results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated citrulline levels may indicate kidney dysfunction, liver disease, or metabolic disorders affecting amino acid metabolism. Low levels could suggest urea cycle enzyme deficiencies, severe dehydration, or other metabolic disturbances. Always discuss results with your provider to understand their implications for your health.
Short name
Citrulline Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal citrulline levels?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet or supplements affect citrulline 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy