What is an acylcarnitine profile?

Also known as: carnitine esters, acylcarnitine profile analysis.

An acylcarnitine profile is a blood test used to check for the presence of genetic disorders related to fatty acid oxidation and several organic acidurieas. If a patient is at risk of having these disorders or is suspected of having it, the doctor may order the test.

Carnitine is a generic name given to a number of compounds formed primarily from the building blocks of proteins (amino acids) by the kidneys and liver which play an important role in converting fats into energy for cell function (metabolism). If the body is deficient in the enzymes that do this, (fatty acid oxidation disorders), either as a “primary “ deficiency associated with genetic abnormalities or “secondary” carnitine deficiency, it can lead to increased amounts of acylcarnitine in the blood which may present with brain dysfunction, a weakened heart, confusion, weakness and other signs and symptoms. A biochemical genetic test for acylcarnitine is used to screen for these disorders.

---

Reviewed by: Parul B Jayakar, MD

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM