Pyruvate concentration in blood (mass concentration)
This test measures the amount of pyruvate, a three-carbon molecule produced during the breakdown of carbohydrates in your body. It can help assess metabolic function and identify conditions affecting energy production.
["Pyruvate levels may indicate metabolic health or potential disorders in carbohydrate metabolism."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 68951-3
- Short code
- Pyruvate 20M p chal Bld-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Pyruvate 20M p chal Bld-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 20
- Ref high
- 400
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82670
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, or unexplained metabolic issues. It may also be used in research or specialized metabolic evaluations, such as when investigating conditions like lactic acidosis or mitochondrial disorders.
What Does the Test Involve?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is then analyzed in a lab to measure the concentration of pyruvate in your blood plasma or serum.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are typically reported as a mass concentration (e.g., micromoles per liter). While reference ranges vary by lab, abnormal levels may suggest metabolic disturbances.
What Does It Mean If Results Are Abnormal?
Elevated pyruvate levels might indicate conditions like pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency or other metabolic disorders impairing energy production. Lower-than-expected levels could also be relevant in certain genetic or metabolic contexts.
Reference range
Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: Pyruvate levels are rarely measured in routine care but can be critical in diagnosing rare genetic metabolic diseases or evaluating patients with unexplained lactic acidosis or mitochondrial dysfunction. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
Short name
Pyruvate Level
Frequently asked questions
What does a pyruvate test measure?
How is the test performed?
Is fasting required for 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