Pyruvate in Serum (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of pyruvate, a three-carbon compound produced during cellular metabolism, in your blood serum. Pyruvate is an intermediate in the breakdown of carbohydrates and can reflect how efficiently your body converts glucose into energy.
["Pyruvate levels may help assess metabolic function and detect certain metabolic disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12247-3
- Short code
- Pyruvate SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Pyruvate SerPl-mCnc
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, muscle weakness, or unexplained metabolic issues. It can also be part of evaluations for conditions like mitochondrial disorders, lactic acidosis, or inherited metabolic diseases. Rarely, it may be used in research or specialized metabolic studies.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically required, but you may be asked to fast for a few hours before the blood draw if your provider specifies it. Avoid strenuous activity or consuming certain foods/drinks that could influence pyruvate levels. Bring your test list or questions to your appointment.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a slight pinch, but the procedure usually takes less than 5 minutes. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are expressed in mass concentration units (e.g., micromoles per liter). Your provider will interpret these values in the context of your overall health, symptoms, and medical history. Abnormal results may trigger further testing or referrals to specialists.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated pyruvate levels may suggest metabolic disorders, such as pyruvate kinase deficiency or mitochondrial diseases, where energy production is impaired. Low levels could indicate conditions affecting pyruvate metabolism, such as certain genetic disorders or severe infections. Always discuss results with your doctor, as they’ll consider your full clinical picture.
Short name
Serum Pyruvate
Frequently asked questions
What causes pyruvate levels to be high?
What if my results are normal but I still feel unwell?
Can diet affect pyruvate 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