What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained muscle weakness, fatigue, low energy, or episodes of low blood sugar that could point to a problem with how your body processes fat for energy. It's often used when there's a family history of metabolic conditions or when earlier newborn screening results raised questions about fatty acid metabolism. It helps identify whether your body has trouble breaking down and using carnitine, a compound your cells need to convert fat into usable energy.

What's included in this test?

This test measures both free carnitine and the various carnitine esters (acylcarnitines) in your blood. Looking at both together matters because a normal acylcarnitine profile alone can sometimes hide a real metabolic problem if carnitine stores are already depleted, so measuring them side by side gives a more complete and accurate picture of your fat metabolism.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with each value's normal range clearly explained so you can see where you stand. If your free or total carnitine levels fall outside the expected range, the report will point you toward simple next steps, such as dietary changes, carnitine supplementation, or retesting after a few weeks to confirm the pattern. You can download a standard lab report straight from your account at any time. If you test again in the future, the trends feature lets you track how your carnitine levels change over time.

How can I naturally support healthy carnitine levels?

Eating more red meat, poultry, fish, and dairy can help since these are the richest natural sources of carnitine. Staying well hydrated and maintaining regular, balanced meals also supports steady energy metabolism. Avoid prolonged fasting or very low-calorie diets, as these can stress your body's fat-burning pathways. If levels are low, a carnitine supplement may be suggested, ideally followed by retesting to see how your levels respond.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your blood draw. Once processed, they're uploaded directly to your secure online account, where you can view each value along with its reference range and download the full lab report.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people with unexplained muscle weakness, chronic fatigue, or exercise intolerance that hasn't been explained by other testing. It's also useful for those with a family history of fatty acid metabolism disorders or organic acidemias, or for anyone whose newborn screening results were inconclusive and needs a more detailed follow-up as an adult or older child.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include unusual muscle pain or weakness, especially after exercise, persistent low energy, episodes of low blood sugar, or poor growth in children. Some people also notice heart rhythm irregularities or liver-related symptoms, since carnitine problems can affect multiple organs that rely on fat for fuel. If these symptoms run in your family or appeared after a metabolic diagnosis, this test can add helpful detail.

What is carnitine and why does it matter?

Carnitine is a natural compound that shuttles fat into your cells' energy-producing centers called mitochondria, allowing your body to burn fat for fuel. Without enough usable carnitine, your muscles and organs can't efficiently convert fat into energy, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other metabolic symptoms. Measuring both free carnitine and its bound forms (esters) gives a fuller picture of how well this process is working.

What does low free carnitine mean?

Low free carnitine can mean your body is using up carnitine faster than it can replace it, often because of an underlying issue with fat metabolism. This can leave your muscles and heart short on usable energy, leading to fatigue or weakness. Simple steps include increasing dietary sources of carnitine, discussing supplementation, and retesting to see if levels improve.

How often should I retest?

If your results are within the normal range and you have no symptoms, retesting isn't usually necessary unless new symptoms appear. If your levels are abnormal or you've started supplementation or dietary changes, retesting after 4-8 weeks is a reasonable way to check progress. Tracking results over time through your account's trends feature makes it easy to see if your levels are moving in the right direction.

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.

Carnitine & Acylcarnitine Test - Fat Metabolism Check

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]

Carnitine and Acylcarnitine Blood Test for Metabolism

Carnitine and Acylcarnitine

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What's included in this test?

What happens after I get my results?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

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Carnitine and Acylcarnitine Blood Test for Metabolism

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say