What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, muscle weakness, or poor exercise performance despite eating well and staying active. It helps identify problems with how your cells produce energy from food, which can reveal metabolic disorders or mitochondrial dysfunction. Athletes and active individuals also use this test to optimize their energy metabolism and performance.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your pyruvic acid levels mean for your energy production and cellular metabolism. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary adjustments, supplement suggestions for metabolic support, or whether you should investigate further metabolic testing. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your pyruvate levels over time using our trends feature to see how lifestyle changes or treatments are affecting your energy metabolism.

How should I prepare for this test?

For the most accurate results, you should fast for 8-12 hours before your blood draw, drinking only water during this time. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the test, as physical activity can significantly affect pyruvate levels. Check with your healthcare provider about whether to continue any medications or supplements, as some can influence results.

When will I get my results?

Test results are typically available within 5-7 business days after your sample reaches the lab. You'll receive an email notification when your results are ready to view online. Complex metabolic tests like pyruvic acid require specialized analysis, which is why the turnaround time may be slightly longer than routine blood work.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is valuable for athletes looking to optimize performance, people experiencing chronic unexplained fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, or individuals with suspected metabolic disorders. It's also useful for those with family histories of mitochondrial disease, people with neurological symptoms like muscle weakness, or anyone whose doctors are investigating why they have persistent low energy despite normal thyroid and iron levels.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with sleep, muscle weakness or cramping during or after exercise, difficulty recovering from workouts, and feeling exhausted even with minimal physical activity. You might also experience brain fog, dizziness, rapid heart rate with exertion, or unexplained lactic acid buildup during exercise. These symptoms may suggest your cells aren't efficiently converting nutrients into usable energy.

How can I naturally support my cellular energy production?

Supporting healthy energy metabolism starts with eating regular balanced meals that include complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats to provide steady fuel for your cells. B vitamins (especially B1, B2, and B3) are crucial for energy production, found in whole grains, lean meats, and leafy greens. Coenzyme Q10, magnesium, and L-carnitine supplements may help optimize mitochondrial function, while regular moderate exercise and adequate sleep support healthy cellular metabolism.

What is pyruvic acid and why does it matter?

Pyruvic acid, or pyruvate, is a key molecule your body produces when breaking down carbohydrates for energy. It sits at a critical crossroads in metabolism, where your cells decide whether to use oxygen to produce lots of energy efficiently, or switch to a less efficient process when oxygen is low. Abnormal pyruvate levels can indicate problems with how your mitochondria produce energy, vitamin deficiencies, or metabolic disorders affecting your stamina and overall vitality.

What does high pyruvic acid mean?

High pyruvic acid levels typically mean your body is producing pyruvate normally but struggling to process it efficiently into energy. This can happen with vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency, mitochondrial disorders, liver disease, or when tissues aren't getting enough oxygen. It may also indicate lactic acidosis, where your cells are relying too heavily on less efficient energy production pathways, causing fatigue and muscle issues.

How often should I retest my pyruvic acid levels?

If you're being treated for a metabolic disorder or mitochondrial dysfunction, your doctor may recommend retesting every 3-6 months to monitor how well treatments are working. Athletes optimizing performance might test every 6-12 months during training cycles. If your initial results are normal but symptoms persist, consider retesting in 3-6 months, especially if you've made dietary changes or started supplements that support energy metabolism.

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.

Pyruvate Test - Energy & 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]

Blood Test for Fatigue and Low Energy Metabolism

Pyruvic Acid (Pyruvate), Blood

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

How should I prepare for 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.

Blood Test for Fatigue and Low Energy Metabolism

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

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