Carnitine Palmitoyl Transferase

Also known as: CPT I&II.

What is a carnitine palmitoyl transferase test?

Carnitine is a compound in the body that helps your body digest fats for energy. People with carnitine palmitoyl transferase deficiency (CPT I or CPT II) may have trouble using fats for energy and have a number of complications as a result. A carnitine palmitoyl transferase test is a blood test that measures the amount of carnitine in the blood and is used in the diagnosis of carnitine palmitoyl transferase deficiency.


What happens during the procedure?

A routine blood draw is required in order to perform the carnitine palmitoyl transferase test. The blood sample is then taken to a laboratory for testing and analysis.


Is any special preparation needed?

In most cases, no special preparation is needed for the test.


What are the risk factors?

Infection, bleeding and damage to surrounding organs and tissues are potential risks of the test.

Reviewed by: Paul Cardenas, MD

This page was last updated on: March 26, 2019 12:26 PM