Palmitoylcarnitine concentration in plasma
This test measures the level of palmitoylcarnitine, a fatty acid derivative involved in energy production in your cells. It may be checked to assess metabolic function or identify disorders affecting fat metabolism.
["This test helps evaluate how your body processes fats for energy and may detect metabolic conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 88008-8
- Short code
- Palmitoylcarn/C0 SerPl-sRto
- Synonyms
- Palmitoylcarn/C0 SerPl-sRto
- 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 like muscle weakness, fatigue, or unexplained metabolic issues. It could also be part of a broader evaluation for inherited disorders of fatty acid metabolism, such as carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) deficiencies.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. You may be asked to fast for a few hours before the blood draw, but this depends on your provider’s instructions. Wear a loose shirt for easy access to your arm.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a slight pinch, but the process is quick. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to reference ranges for your age, sex, and health status. Elevated levels may suggest metabolic disorders, while very low levels could indicate deficiencies or other metabolic issues that need further investigation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Palmitoylcarnitine is a marker of fatty acid metabolism. Abnormal levels can indicate conditions like medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency, mitochondrial disorders, or other inherited metabolic diseases. Early detection can guide treatment and management strategies.
Short name
Plasma palmitoylcarnitine
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated palmitoylcarnitine levels?
How is this test different from other fatty acid tests?
Can diet affect this test result?
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