Pyruvic Acid Blood Test - NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

What is the purpose of this test?

Order this Pyruvic Acid Blood Test to measure the amount of pyruvate in the blood to help screen for mitochondrial diseases. Pyruvic Acid (Pyruvate) is an organic acid found in all living cells that occurs through many metabolic processes. Pyruvate is created when pyruvic acid loses a hydrogen atom. However, many would use the terms “pyruvate” and “pyruvic acid” interchangeably. Pyruvate acid (Pyruvate) connects several metabolic pathways. 

For example, glycolysis converts glucose into pyruvic acid that is transported into the mitochondria to release carbon dioxide and ATP. Pyruvic acid can be converted back to carbohydrates or glucose through gluconeogenesis. When oxygen is available in the cell, Pyruvic acid is processed into energy or fatty acids via acetyl-CoA and used as fuel for the citric acid cycle (also called the Krebs cycle). 

However, if oxygen is unavailable, it ferments to produce lactic acid. An example of lactic fermentation is when there is not enough oxygen available to our muscle cells, our body will convert pyruvic acid into lactic acid. This process usually happens under quick, short bursts of intense exercise. Finally, pyruvic acid can also be converted into amino acid alanine through catabolism and ethanol through alcoholic fermentation in bacteria like yeast. 

What other conditions may this test screen for?

Additionally, the Pyruvic Acid test helps assess oxygen deprivation and provides an index of the severity of circulatory failure. Increased pyruvic acid levels are associated with the following conditions:

• Congestive heart failure
• Diabetes mellitus
• Liver diseases
• Muscular dystrophy
• Neoplastic conditions
• Thiamine deficiency
• Uremia
• Vitamin deficiencies

When should I order a Pyruvic Acid Blood Test?

Individuals may order this Pyruvic Acid test if they have experienced symptoms associated with a mitochondrial metabolism disorder. Signs and symptoms related to a mitochondrial metabolism disorder typically include:

• Dementia
• Developmental delay
• Drooping eyelids
• Growth delay
• Hearing loss
• Impaired cognitive ability
• Irritability
• Lactic acidosis
• Limited eye movement
• Muscle weakness
• Poor appetite
• Poor coordination
• Recurrent infection
• Seizures
• Vomiting

Although this Pyruvic Acid test can help screen for possible mitochondrial metabolism disorders, it is suggested that a Lactic Acid Blood Test is collected simultaneously to determine the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio.