|
Carnitine plays an important role in the
transport of long chain fatty acids into the mitochondria as well as the
formation of acylcarnitines. Measurement of free and total carnitine levels are
important for determining the validity of acylcarnitine profiles as well as
following patients under carnitine supplementation.
Specimen requirements:
Blood should be collected in a sodium heparin blood tube. Plasma
should be removed and frozen prior to shipment. Blood spots should not be used.
Transport:
Frozen samples should be sent overnight express.
Standard of Analysis:
Analysis will be done by tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS).
Turn around time:
Analysis will be complete within five days.
Special request:
Any type of special request must be made directly with the laboratory at the
time the specimen is submitted.
Report: Written
reports with interpretation will be mailed and, when abnormalities exist, the
report will be made by telephone. Results may be sent by fax when requested.
|
