Skip to content

Serum or plasma concentration of sepia (a pigment derived from certain mollusks, often measured in biochemical studies for pigment-related assays)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the concentration of a pigment called sepia in your blood, which may be used in specialized biochemical or research studies—such as evaluating pigment metabolism or detecting rare pigment-related conditions.

Quick summary

["This test is typically used for research or specialized clinical purposes and may not be standard for routine care."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
49941-8
Short code
Sepiapterin CSF-sCnc
Synonyms
Sepiapterin CSF-sCnc
Category
coagulation
Sample
csf
Container
Sterile tube
Units
N/A
Ref low
0.8
Ref high
1.2
Critical range
— – 5 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
85610
SNOMED
396252006
Specimen volume
1-2 mL
Stability
Immediate analysis required, Refrigerated: 1h
Hemolysis max
200
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What This Test Measures

Sepia is a natural pigment found in some marine organisms, including certain squid and cuttlefish. In blood tests, it may be analyzed for its concentration, often in connection with pigment-related biochemical studies or rare metabolic disorders. This test helps researchers or clinicians assess how your body processes pigments or identifies unusual pigment accumulation.

Why It Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may order this test if they suspect a condition related to abnormal pigment metabolism, such as certain hereditary disorders, metabolic syndrome involving pigment deposition, or specialized research studies investigating pigment-related biomarkers. It may also be part of a broader diagnostic workup for unexplained skin, eye, or organ pigmentation changes.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is typically required for this test. You may have a blood draw, similar to other routine blood tests, where a small amount of blood is taken from a vein in your arm. If you are using blood thinners or have a history of bleeding disorders, inform your healthcare provider beforehand.

What to Expect During the Test

The test involves a simple blood draw. You may feel a slight pinch or discomfort, but it usually takes a few minutes to complete. The blood sample is then processed to measure sepia concentration using advanced laboratory techniques, such as chromatography or immunoassay methods.

Reference range

INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A

Specimen: csf

Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Why might my doctor order this test?
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect a rare pigment-related disorder, are conducting specialized research, or if you have symptoms like unusual pigmentation in your skin, eyes, or organs. It is not commonly used for routine health checks.
What does a normal or abnormal result mean?
A normal result means the sepia concentration is within expected ranges for your body. An abnormal result may suggest an underlying metabolic issue or pigment-related condition, which would require further medical evaluation by a specialist.
How often should I get this test?
This test is usually ordered on an as-needed basis, depending on your medical condition or research requirements. Your healthcare provider will determine the frequency based on your specific situation.
  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 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.

Medical Disclaimer

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