Lab Note: Separate off 0.2 mL plasma. Freeze immediately in Freezer 35.
Send frozen to LabPlus (-70 o C if possible)
A brief clinical history is essential
NOTE: an alternative sample is a single spot on a Guthrie card - see Dried blood spot carnitines
The reference interval will be provided with the result.
Uncertainty of Measurement is 7 - 20%
Urgent requests - contact the laboratory on extension 22016 or via LabLink (307 4970 or extension 22000)
Tandem Mass spectrometry
Carnitine is required for the transport of fatty acids into mitochondria, where they are used as a source of energy. Patients with systemic carnitine deficiency are unable to utilise fatty acids, and become entirely dependent on carbohydrate as an energy source. They are therefore susceptible to severe hypoglycaemia.
The deficiency may also lead to muscle weakness and myopathy, cardiomyopathy, lipidosis, and the lack of phospholipids may contribute to a variety of abnormalities. Valproate and other related anticonvulsants, renal disease, a poor protein intake and the ketogenic diet can all lead to low free and total carnitine levels. An acylcarnitine profile should be requested if investigating suspected metabolic disease.
The acylcarnitine profile, measured by tandem mass spectrometry, is one of the most important metabolic investigations. It is quick, accurate and relatively cheap. It can be performed on a single blood spot. It is the test of choice for the fatty acid oxidation defects and should be performed on all patients with otherwise unexplained hypoglycaemia, episodic sickness (vomiting, collapse), cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmias, myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. It is also a useful test for some of the more important organic acidemias. It is not usually critical to perform the test when the patient is acutely unwell.
For further information contact the laboratory (ex 22016 or via lablink) or, contact the metabolic physician on-call 09 367 0000
Specimen preferably on ice, separate 0.2ml plasma and freeze specimen immediately. Accept ambient samples up to 4 hours post collection but please note on form.
Send frozen to LabPlus (-70C if possible).