Carnitine, Blood

Serum carnitine analysis is useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with carnitine deficiency (either primary or secondary).

Carnitine is a compound that is made up of amino acids and can be found in almost every cell in the body. It is produced in the liver and kidneys. It plays a vital role in the conversion of fats to a source of energy that the body can use. If a person does not have enough carnitine, they will not be able to use fats as a form of energy, and will only be able to use glucose. This can lead to the development of diseases such as muscle weakness, liver disease, cardiomyopathy and low blood glucose levels. This is a simple blood test to measure the amount of carnitine in the blood in the event of a suspected Systemic primary or secondary carnitine deficiency.

This test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Muscle necrosis
• Myoglobinuria
• Lipid-storage myopathy
• Hypoglycemia
• Fatty liver disease
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Cardiomyopathy

Also Known As: Carnitor, Levocarnitine