Acylcarnitinec0serplsrto
This test measures the levels of free carnitine (C0) and acylcarnitines in your blood to evaluate how your body processes fats for energy.
{"Measures free carnitine (C0) and acylcarnitine levels in blood","Helps diagnose metabolic disorders affecting fat burning","Used to monitor certain medication effects","Sample is collected from a vein in your arm","Results help doctors assess energy metabolism function"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 30193-7
- Short code
- C0
- Synonyms
- Acylcarnitine/C0 SerPl-sRto
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or lithium heparin plasma tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 25
- Ref high
- 60
- Critical range
- 10 N/A – 100 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS)
- CPT
- 81401
- SNOMED
- 104435004
- Specimen volume
- 1.0-2.0 mL serum or plasma minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 48–120 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The acylcarnitine/carnitine (C0) test measures the amounts of free carnitine and various acylcarnitines in your blood serum or plasma. Carnitine is a substance that helps your body convert fats into energy. This test evaluates how well your body is using fat for energy and can detect problems with fat metabolism.
Why is it important?
Carnitine plays a crucial role in energy production by transporting fatty acids into mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells. The test can identify disorders where the body cannot properly use fats for energy, which can cause serious health problems if left untreated.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where specialists measure the levels of free carnitine (C0) and different acylcarnitine compounds. The results are often reported as molar ratios to help identify specific metabolic patterns.
What do the results mean?
Abnormal levels of carnitine and acylcarnitines may indicate various metabolic conditions. Your doctor will interpret the results based on your symptoms, medical history, and other test results. The pattern of different acylcarnitines can help identify specific metabolic disorders.
Reference range
Reference range varies by age and laboratory; typically 25-60 μmol/L for adultsN/A
No special preparation required. Patient does not need to fast. Inform clinician of any supplements or medications.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Is the test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What happens if my results are abnormal?
Can medications affect my test results?
Sources
- 1MedlinePlus - CarnitineSource
- 2
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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy