Are there any preparations before the test?

Usually, no special preparations are required, but it is advisable to consult the doctor regarding any specific instructions.

What are the risks associated with the test?

Risks include pain or bruising at the blood draw site, which are rare and usually mild.

What do high or low results mean?

High levels may indicate metabolic disorders, while low levels may reflect a deficiency in essential fatty acids.

Can the test be done regularly?

Yes, it is recommended to perform the test periodically to monitor health and guide appropriate treatment.

How can I interpret the results?

Always consult a doctor to understand the results in the context of symptoms and medical history.

Medical Laboratories

Body Energy & Metabolism Profile

Acylcarnitines Quantitative Profile

An advanced test measuring acylcarnitine levels to reveal how the body utilizes energy and identify fatty acid metabolism disorders to enhance overall vitality and physical activity.

Trusted medical contentUpdated: 25-04-2026Views: 65LHL-129

About this service

The Acylcarnitines Quantitative Profile using Flow Injection Analysis–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (FIA-MS/MS) is an advanced laboratory test used to measure the levels of fatty-acid and amino-acid–derived acylcarnitines in the human body. This analysis is a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring metabolic disorders, such as fatty-acid oxidation defects, which affect the body’s ability to convert fats into energy. The results can reveal abnormal accumulations of specific fatty acids, indicating metabolic disturbances that may require medical intervention. FIA-MS/MS technology is known for its precision and speed, providing comprehensive information about the concentrations of various acylcarnitines in a blood sample, which helps improve the understanding of a patient’s metabolic status. This test is especially important for individuals experiencing unexplained symptoms such as chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, or growth issues, as it assists in guiding appropriate treatment plans and enhancing personalized healthcare.

Purpose Test

Fatty Acid Levels: The test measures various types of fatty acids bound to carnitine in the body, helping assess metabolic function.
Diagnosis of Metabolic Disorders: It can detect disorders such as fatty acid oxidation defects, which affect the body’s ability to convert fats into energy.
Fatty Acid Accumulation: The analysis identifies abnormal accumulation of fatty acids, which may indicate issues such as impaired fatty acid oxidation.
Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness: It is used to evaluate patient response to treatment, especially for metabolic disorders, and to determine whether therapeutic interventions are effective.
Guiding Personalized Therapy: The test helps tailor treatment strategies based on fatty acid levels, allowing clinicians to develop individualized care plans.

Recommended groups

Individuals with unexplained symptoms: Such as chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, or growth issues, which may indicate metabolic disorders.
Newborns: Recommended as part of routine screening to detect metabolic disorders early, including fatty acid oxidation defects.
People with a family history of metabolic disorders: Those with relatives affected by metabolic conditions should undergo the test to assess their risk.
Individuals with metabolic health issues: Such as obesity, diabetes, or heart disease, where fatty acid levels provide valuable insights.
Patients undergoing treatment for metabolic disorders: The test helps monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust therapy when needed.
Individuals with difficulty losing or gaining weight: Results may reveal metabolic issues affecting the body's ability to process fats.
Athletes seeking performance optimization: The test helps understand how their bodies respond to training based on fatty acid metabolism.

Symptoms indicative

Chronic fatigue: A persistent feeling of exhaustion and inability to perform daily activities normally, which may indicate metabolic issues.
Muscle weakness: Loss of muscle strength or power, especially during physical activity, which can be a sign of fatty acid disorders.
Growth problems: Delayed growth or disproportionate weight gain in children, which requires metabolic evaluation.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia: Such as dizziness, trembling, and anxiety, which may indicate insufficient energy due to metabolic problems.
Heart or digestive issues: Such as chest pain or gastrointestinal discomfort, which may be linked to metabolic disorders.
Symptoms resembling other conditions: Such as seizures or neurological disturbances, which may require a comprehensive fatty acid assessment.
Family history of metabolic disorders: Individuals with relatives affected by metabolic conditions may show similar symptoms and require testing.

Normal Levels

C2 (Acetylcarnitine): 0.5 - 2.0 µg/mL
C4 (Butyrylcarnitine): 0.1 - 0.5 µg/mL
C5 (Valerylcarnitine): 0.1 - 0.5 µg/mL
C8 (Octanoylcarnitine): 0.1 - 0.5 µg/mL
C10 (Decanoylcarnitine): 0.1 - 0.5 µg/mL
C12 (Dodecanoylcarnitine): 0.1 - 0.5 µg/mL
C16 (Hexadecanoylcarnitine): 0.1 - 0.5 µg/mL
C18 (Octadecanoylcarnitine): 0.1 - 0.5 µg/mL
Individual Variations: Values may differ between laboratories, so always refer to the reference ranges provided by the testing lab.
Proper Interpretation: Results should be interpreted by a physician in the context of symptoms and medical history, as levels can vary based on individual factors.
Consult a Physician: For questions about specific results, consulting a doctor is recommended for accurate information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Short answers to the FAQs published with this service.

What is the Acylcarnitines Test?

It is a test that measures fatty acid levels in the blood, helping to assess metabolic function.

Why is this test performed?

It is used to diagnose metabolic disorders, such as fatty acid oxidation defects, and to monitor patient response to treatment.

How is the test performed?

The test requires a blood sample, which is analyzed in a laboratory using FIA-MS/MS technology.

What is the waiting time for results?

Results may take from one day to several days, depending on the laboratory.

Body Energy & Metabolism Profile

About this service

Purpose Test

Recommended groups

Symptoms indicative

Normal Levels

What is included?

Conditions and notices

Frequently Asked Questions

References and additional resources

Scientific references

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