Propionylcarnitine (Carnitine Metabolite Profile)
This test measures the amount of propionylcarnitine, a breakdown product of certain amino acids and fatty acids, in your blood. It helps assess how well your body is processing nutrients and detecting potential metabolic disorders.
["This test helps identify issues with fat and amino acid metabolism, often linked to inherited disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 24442-6
- Short code
- Propionylgly/Creat Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- Propionylgly/Creat Ur-sRto
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 muscle weakness, fatigue, or signs of metabolic disorders. It’s also used in newborn screening for certain genetic conditions that affect how your body breaks down nutrients.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the blood draw. Your provider will explain any specific instructions for your situation.
How the Test Works
A small sample of your blood is collected and sent to a lab. The lab uses advanced techniques to measure propionylcarnitine levels, which are then compared to reference ranges to identify any abnormalities.
Possible Results and Next Steps
If your results are within normal limits, your provider will discuss them with you. If levels are elevated, it may indicate a metabolic issue that requires further testing or specialized care, such as dietary adjustments or genetic counseling.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High propionylcarnitine levels can signal conditions like propionic acidemia, a rare genetic disorder that disrupts how your body processes certain nutrients. Early detection can help manage symptoms and prevent complications, such as developmental delays or neurological problems.
Short name
Propionylcarnitine Level
Frequently asked questions
What does an elevated propionylcarnitine level mean?
Normal results mean your body is processing nutrients as expected, but they don’t rule out all metabolic conditions. Follow-up testing or monitoring may still be recommended if you have related symptoms.
Frequency depends on your health status. If you have a known metabolic disorder, your provider may recommend regular monitoring. Otherwise, this test is typically part of a broader evaluation for specific symptoms.
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