What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, muscle weakness, shortness of breath during exercise, or concerns about your body's ability to produce energy efficiently. It helps identify metabolic disorders, problems with how your cells convert food into energy, and conditions affecting your heart or muscles. Athletes and active individuals also use this test to understand their metabolic efficiency and energy production capacity.

How should I prepare for this test?

While specific preparation instructions aren't provided, blood tests measuring metabolic markers like pyruvic acid typically require fasting for 8-12 hours beforehand for the most accurate results. You should also avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the test, as physical activity can temporarily elevate pyruvate levels. Drink plenty of water and take your regular medications unless your doctor advises otherwise. Contact the lab to confirm any specific preparation requirements.

What's included in this test?

This test measures pyruvic acid (pyruvate) levels in your blood, which is a key marker of cellular energy production and metabolism. Pyruvate is produced when your body breaks down glucose and is essential for generating energy in your cells through aerobic metabolism. Abnormal levels can indicate metabolic disorders, mitochondrial dysfunction, vitamin B deficiencies, heart or muscle problems, or issues with how efficiently your body converts food into usable energy.

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, metabolism, and overall cellular health. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary adjustments, exercise modifications, supplement suggestions, or whether you should follow up with a specialist if levels are abnormal. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your pyruvic acid levels over time using our trends feature to see how interventions or lifestyle changes are affecting your metabolic health.

When will I get my results?

While the exact turnaround time isn't specified for this test, specialized metabolic tests like pyruvic acid typically take 3-7 business days to process. You'll receive an email notification as soon as your results are ready to view in your secure online account. If results show significant abnormalities, you may receive additional follow-up communication. Contact customer support if you have questions about your specific turnaround time.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is valuable for athletes wanting to optimize their metabolic performance, people experiencing chronic fatigue or muscle weakness that hasn't been explained by other tests, and individuals with suspected mitochondrial disorders or metabolic conditions. It's also important if you have a family history of metabolic diseases, symptoms like exercise intolerance or unexplained lactic acidosis, or if your doctor suspects vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency affecting your energy metabolism.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms that may warrant testing include persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, muscle weakness or cramping during or after exercise, shortness of breath with minimal exertion, and difficulty recovering from physical activity. You might also consider this test if you experience brain fog, unexplained weight changes, rapid heartbeat during light activity, or if you have conditions like diabetes where metabolic monitoring is important.

How can I naturally support healthy pyruvate metabolism?

Supporting healthy pyruvate metabolism starts with ensuring adequate B-vitamin intake, especially thiamine (B1), which is crucial for pyruvate processing—foods like whole grains, legumes, nuts, and lean meats are excellent sources. Regular moderate aerobic exercise improves mitochondrial function and metabolic efficiency over time. Staying well-hydrated, getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep, managing stress, and maintaining stable blood sugar through balanced meals with complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats all support optimal energy metabolism.

What is pyruvic acid and why does it matter?

Pyruvic acid (pyruvate) is a molecule your body creates when it breaks down glucose for energy. It sits at a critical crossroads in metabolism—when oxygen is available, it enters your mitochondria to produce large amounts of energy efficiently. When pyruvate levels are abnormal, it can indicate problems with energy production, vitamin deficiencies, mitochondrial dysfunction, or conditions affecting your muscles, heart, or nervous system. Proper pyruvate metabolism is essential for sustained energy, athletic performance, and overall cellular health.

What does high pyruvic acid mean?

High pyruvic acid levels may indicate that your body is producing pyruvate but having trouble processing it efficiently into energy, which can happen with vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency, mitochondrial disorders, or certain metabolic conditions. It can also be elevated after intense exercise, in diabetes with poor blood sugar control, or with liver disease. Persistently high levels may cause fatigue, muscle problems, and require further investigation to identify the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

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.

Energy & Metabolism Test - Check Fatigue Causes

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Every order reviewed by a physicianPhysician reviewed Licensed physician review before testing

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Manage the whole family in one accountFamily accounts Manage everyone together, including under-18

Yes, incl. under-18Yes, incl. under-18

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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]