Carnitine Group (Sendout)

General Information

Lab Name
Carnitine Group
Lab Code
RCARNG
Epic Name
Carnitine Group (Sendout)
External Test Id
LAB2896
Description

Clinical Utility: Carnitine is quantitated for the purpose of follow-up in patients with organic acidurias or fatty acid oxidation disorders who may become carnitine deficient, those on valproate or other drugs that bind to and deplete carnitine, those on hyperalimentation or dialysis, and those on supplemental carnitine.

Test Description: Measurement of free, acylcarnitine and total carnitine by ESI-MS/MS using stable isotope internal standards. For a complete Acylcarnitine profile, refer to separate test Acylcarnitine Profile, Plasma/Serum (Sendout) [RACYLP].

Ordering Requirements: Include relevant clinical information (drug therapy, family history, etc.) in the Epic order comment to ensure proper interpretation.

Synonyms
Acyl/Free Ratio, Acylcarnitine, CarnFreTo, Free and Total Carnitine, LAB2896
Components

Interpretation

Method

Tandem mass spectrometry

Reference Range
See individual components
Ref. Range Notes

Reference Ranges:

Age: < 1 wk 1 wk - 1 mo > 1 mo
Total Carnitine: 17 - 41 mcmol/L 20 - 59 mcmol/L 29 - 84 mcmol/L
Free Carnitine: 10 - 33 mcmol/L 16 - 57 mcmol/L 18 - 65 mcmol/L
Acylcarnitine: 3 - 24 mcmol/L 4 - 24 mcmol/L 4 - 28 mcmol/L
Acyl/Free ratio: 0.2 - 1.4 0.2 - 0.5 0.1 - 0.8

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type
Blood
Collection

4 mL blood in DARK GREEN (Na Heparin) or RED TOP tube

Also Accepted: LIME GREEN (PST) or GOLD SST tube.

Forms & Requisitions
Handling Instructions

Outside Laboratories: Centrifuge sample and transfer plasma or serum to a separate plastic vial. Freeze plasma/serum at -20°C while awaiting shipment. Transport samples on dry ice.

  • Optional: To ensure proper interpretation, include relevant clinical information (drug therapy, and family history) on the DLMP requisition.

Stability: Frozen (preferred): 1 month; Refrigerated: 5 days; Ambient: 5 days.

Quantity
Requested: 1 mL plasma/serum
Minimum: 0.5 mL plasma/serum

Processing

Receiving Instructions

Centrifuge sample and transfer plasma or serum to a separate plastic vial. Freeze plasma/serum at -20°C.


Sendouts:

  • Order SEACHL Test: LAB2896
  • Interfaced: No
  • If clinical information (drug therapy, family history) is included with the order, print the Epic requisition and send it with a completed SEACHL Biochemical Genetics requisition.
  • Send samples on dry ice via DLMP or Delivery Express courier.

Stability: Frozen (preferred): 1 month; Refrigerated: 5 days; Ambient: 5 days.

Misc Sendout

Performance

Lab Department
Sendouts(SO)
Frequency
Performed: Monday, Thursday. Turnaround Time: 3-7 days.
Available STAT?
No
Performing Location(s)
Sendout Seattle Children's Hospital Laboratories
206-987-2617

4800 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105

Room Number: FB.2.441

Billing & Coding

CPT Codes
82379
LOINC
18719-5
Interfaced Order Code
UOW2694