Sulfatide in Serum (or Plasma) by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
This test measures the amount of sulfatide, a type of glycolipid found in your blood, which plays a role in cell signaling and nerve function. It may be checked to evaluate conditions affecting lipid metabolism or neurological health.
["Sulfatide levels can help diagnose or monitor rare genetic disorders or metabolic conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 31671-1
- Short code
- Sulfatide IgM Ser-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Sulfatide IgM Ser-aCnc
- 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 or a family history suggestive of metabolic disorders, such as Gaucher disease, Niemann-Pick disease, or other lipid storage disorders. It may also be part of a broader evaluation for neurological symptoms like developmental delays, movement disorders, or cognitive impairment.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically required. You may have a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm, or in some cases, a urine sample may be collected. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for fasting or other preparations if specified.
What the Test Results Mean
Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your clinical picture, symptoms, and other test findings. Elevated levels may indicate certain metabolic disorders, while very low levels could suggest inherited conditions affecting lipid processing.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used in the context of diagnosing or managing rare genetic disorders linked to abnormal lipid metabolism, such as lysosomal storage diseases. It may also be part of research or specialized clinical studies.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Sulfatide Level
Frequently asked questions
What does a high sulfatide level indicate?
What does a low sulfatide level indicate?
How often should I get 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