C5-DC (Glutarylcarnitine) Analysis

Test Information

Measurement of urine glutarylcarnitine (C5-DC) is available as an additional test for glutaric acidemia, particularly type I. While many patients with GA1 are identified via newborn screening, individuals who are considered low excretors may not be identified by this type of screening and by follow-up diagnostic testing. A low excretor will have normal or only mildly elevated biochemical analytes in the plasma, but will often have more distinctive elevations of C5-DC in the urine. Patients with glutaric acidemia type II will also typically show elevated glutarylcarnitine in urine.

Turnaround Time

10 days

CPT Code(s)

82017 & 82570

Cost

$242

Clinical Information

Glutaric acidemia type 1 (GA1) is an inborn error of lysine, hydroxylysine and tryptophan metabolism caused by the deficiency of glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase (GCDH). GA1 is a neurodegenerative disorder with loss of neurons in the basal ganglia. Clinical features vary, but often include macrocephaly, gait abnormalities, hypotonia, spasms, rigidity and seizures. Retinal or subdural hemorrhages can also occur. Other than possible macrocephaly, patients appear normal at birth. Clinical features are typically preceded by an acute encephalopathic illness with fever before five years of age.

Methodology

Analysis will be done by tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS) with quantitation of creatine and creatinine.

Specimen Requirements

At least 2ml of urine is requested for the analysis.

Transport Instructions

Samples must be frozen and shipped on dry ice via overnight delivery services.

Have Questions? Need Support?

Call our laboratory at 1-800-473-9411 or contact one of our Laboratory Genetic Counselors for assistance.
Robin Fletcher, MS, CGC
Falecia Thomas, MS, CGC
Alex Finley, MS, CGC

Meet The Jones Family

The journey to becoming parents did not start as an easy one for my husband and I. We suffered the heartache of miscarriage and the unimaginable pain of burying our first born child. Our son, sweet 1 lb 1.4 ounce, 12 inches long, teeny, tiny little Joseph “Hamilton” Jones was born with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and a heart defect. It tore our hearts out leaving the hospital without him, knowing our dreams and hope for the future were shattered....

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