CARNITINE, PLASMA OR SERUM
Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS)
	Test Performed At:
		Saint Louis Children’s Hospital
	Specimen Required:
	SUBMIT ONLY 1 OF THE FOLLOWING SPECIMENS:
		Plasma
		Collect 3.0 mL (minimum 1.0 mL) of whole blood in a dark green-top (sodium heparin) tube(s). Plasma gel-tube is NOT acceptable.
		Serum
		Collect 3.0 mL (minimum 1.0 mL) of whole blood in a plain, red-top tube(s). Serum gel-tube is NOT acceptable.
	Laboratory Notes:
		Spin, separate and freeze 0.5 mL (minimum 0.3 mL) of serum or plasma.
		NOTES:	1.	Indicate serum or plasma on aliquot container.
			2.	Reject specimen if hemolyzed (slight hemolysis okay).
			3.	Plasma/serum capillary microtainers are acceptable as long as FULL microtainer is received.
	Reference Values:
		Carnitine Total:			35-80 mcmol/L
		Carnitine Free:			20-65 mcmol/L
		Acylcarnitine Total:			5-30 mcmol/L
		AC/FC Ratio			0.1-0.8
	Day(s) Test Set Up:
		Monday , Wednesday, Friday
	Turn Around Time:
		2-3 days
	CPT Code:
		82379
	Care Manager Order Name:
		Carnitine, Free and Total, Plasma ONCE RTN
	KIDDOS Order Name:
		Carnitine Free and Total Plasma
	Cerner Order Name:
		Carnitine Plas SLC

Last Updated 04/09