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Center for Inherited Disorders of Energy Metabolism

 

CARNITINE Total & Free

 

Indications: The Carnitine Total & Free test is recommended for detection of primary or secondary carnitine deficiency and monitoring of patients being treated with carnitine. Candidates include patients with failure to thrive, cardiomyopathy, weakness, or possible metabolic disorders.

Method Description: HPLC/ESI/MS/MS quantification of total and free carnitine.

Specimen
Specimen Requirements
Shipping Requirements
Plasma

Collect 0.5-1ml blood in an EDTA tube (lavender top), mix gently, and centrifuge as soon as possible after collection. Then transfer the plasma into a polypropylene tube and freeze.

Minimum Amt Required: 150 µl
(microliters)

Ship sample on dry ice.
Urine

Thoroughly wash the patient's perineal area and then collect urine in a clean container. Transfer 1-5ml of urine to a tightly stoppered polypropylene tube and freeze.

Minimum Amt Required: 200 µl
(microliters)

Ship sample on dry ice.
Heart, Liver, or Skeletal Muscle

After a biopsy/autopsy, the heart should be immediately quick-frozen in liquid nitrogen.

If avoidable, tissue should not be embedded in wax. We have to use PBS to melt the wax away which may compromise sample integrity.

Minimum Amt Required: 20 mg

Ship on dry ice. Prior to shipment, samples need to be stored at -70°C or colder.

Samples Accepted: Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Turn-Around-Time: 5 business days

CPT Code(s): 82379

Specimens can be sent via Federal Express, DHL, or UPS.

Special Instructions: Ship using Priority Overnight service.

 

 

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CIDEM | University Hospitals Case Medical Center | 11100 Euclid Avenue, WEARN Rm 649
Cleveland, Ohio 44106 | Phone: 216.844.1286 | Fax: 216-844-8005

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