What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained muscle weakness, low energy, poor growth, or episodes of low blood sugar that don't have a clear cause. It helps check whether your body is having trouble breaking down fats for energy, which can point to a metabolic or fatty acid disorder. It's also useful if there's a family history of metabolic conditions or if you've had unusual symptoms after fasting or illness.

What's included in this test?

This test measures a panel of acylcarnitine compounds in your blood, which reflect how well your body is processing fats for energy. Looking at multiple acylcarnitine types together helps distinguish between different fatty acid or organic acid processing issues, since each type can point to a different pattern. A low overall carnitine level is also checked, since it can sometimes hide an underlying problem.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with each acylcarnitine value explained alongside its normal range. If something is out of range, the report will outline simple next steps, such as dietary adjustments, avoiding long periods without food, or retesting after a few months to see if levels have changed. If any value is significantly abnormal, the report will note when it's important to seek medical care right away. You can also download a standard lab report and track your levels over time using the trends feature in your account.

How can I naturally support healthy fat metabolism?

Eating regular, balanced meals that include healthy fats, proteins, and complex carbs helps keep your energy metabolism steady and avoids long fasting stretches that stress your system. Foods like red meat, fish, and dairy naturally contain carnitine, which supports normal fat breakdown. Staying hydrated and avoiding excessive alcohol also helps your body process fats more efficiently. If you have ongoing symptoms, retesting after making these changes can help you see if they made a difference.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your blood draw. Once processed, they'll be uploaded directly to your secure online account, where you can view each value along with what it means. You'll get a notification as soon as your report is available.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people with unexplained muscle pain, fatigue, or low blood sugar episodes, especially if these symptoms worsen with fasting or illness. It's also useful for those with a family history of metabolic or fatty acid disorders. Anyone who has had unusual reactions to prolonged exercise or missed meals may also benefit from checking their acylcarnitine levels.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include unexplained muscle weakness or pain, extreme tiredness, poor growth in children, and episodes of low blood sugar or lethargy, especially after fasting or during illness. Some people also notice symptoms that worsen with exercise or after skipping meals. If these patterns sound familiar, this test can help identify whether a fat metabolism issue is involved.

What is carnitine and why does it matter?

Carnitine is a natural substance that helps your body carry fats into cells so they can be turned into energy. When carnitine or the acylcarnitines it forms are out of balance, your body may struggle to use fat properly for fuel, especially during fasting, illness, or exercise. This matters because your muscles, heart, and brain rely on steady energy production to function well.

What does a high acylcarnitine level mean?

A high level of one or more acylcarnitines usually means your body is having difficulty fully breaking down certain fats, causing partial byproducts to build up in your blood. This pattern is often linked to organic acid disorders or fatty acid oxidation issues. Simple next steps include avoiding long fasting periods, eating balanced meals, and retesting to monitor the pattern over time.

What causes abnormal acylcarnitine results?

Abnormal results can be caused by inherited metabolic conditions that affect how your body processes fats, prolonged fasting, certain medications, or a diet very low in carnitine-rich foods. Illness or intense physical stress on the body can also temporarily shift these levels. Identifying the pattern of which acylcarnitines are affected helps narrow down the likely cause.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Acylcarnitine Plasma Test - Fat Metabolism Screening

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]

Acylcarnitine Plasma Test for Fat Metabolism Disorders