Sulfatide (Serum) Measurement
This test measures the amount of sulfatide, a type of glycolipid found in your blood serum. Sulfatides are involved in cell signaling and nerve function, and their levels can be evaluated for certain inherited conditions.
Sulfatides may be checked if you have symptoms or a family history linked to rare genetic disorders affecting lipid metabolism.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 111295-2
- Short code
- Sulfatide IgG Msmt Ser
- Synonyms
- Sulfatide IgG Msmt Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- 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 such as developmental delays, neurological issues, or other signs of metabolic disorders. It’s also used in genetic testing for conditions like Sanfilippo syndrome or other lysosomal storage diseases where sulfatide buildup is known to occur.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. You may provide a blood sample during a routine clinic visit or lab procedure. If you’re fasting, follow your provider’s instructions.
How the Test Works
Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is then analyzed to measure sulfatide concentration using a specialized laboratory method, often involving high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or similar techniques.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to reference ranges specific to the lab. Elevated levels may indicate inherited metabolic disorders, while very low levels might suggest other conditions affecting lipid metabolism or nerve function.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal sulfatide levels can signal genetic disorders that disrupt normal cell function, particularly in the nervous system. Early detection is important for managing symptoms and planning treatment options, such as enzyme replacement therapy for certain lysosomal storage diseases.
Short name
Sulfatide Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes sulfatide levels to be checked?
How is the test performed?
What do my results mean?
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