Carnitine Total and Free Blood Test

This Carnitine Total and Free Blood Test measures your blood's amount of a substance called carnitine. It compares the amount of carnitine that is usable or " free " to the total amount in your body.

Quest
LabCorp

Sample Report

Test Code: 706500

CPT Code: 82379

Also Known As: Quantitative plasma carnitine, plasma carnitine, plasma acylcarnitine analysis, Carnitor, Levocarnitine

Methodology:

High-pressure liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS)

Specimen Type: Blood

Preparation:

No special preparation required.

Test Results:

6-7 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.

Test Code: 70107

CPT Code: 82379

Also Known As: Quantitative plasma carnitine, plasma carnitine, plasma acylcarnitine analysis, Carnitor, Levocarnitine

Methodology:

Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

Specimen Type: Blood

Preparation:

No special preparation required.

Test Results:

5-7 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.

Description

Carnitine is a compound that is found in almost all parts of your body. Your cells usually use fats for energy in your body. Your body has difficulty digesting fatty acids without carnitine. It cannot convert fats into energy and instead uses sugar in your blood for energy.

If you are treated for type 2 diabetes, cancer, an enlarged heart or kidney disease, you may need this test. These conditions can in some cases affect how you use carnitine.

Some people have a deficiency of carnitine. You can have low blood sugar if your body can not use carnitine and can become weak, tired and anemic. You may develop problems with your heart and kidney. Some people even develop muscle progressive diseases, such as muscular dystrophy.

Deficiency is more common in people who: