Test Code C4U C4 Acylcarnitine, Quantitative, Random, Urine
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
UrineOrdering Guidance
This second-tier test is used specifically to evaluate a newborn screening elevation of iso-/butyrylcarnitine and must not be ordered with either C5OHU / C5-OH Acylcarnitine, Quantitative, Random, Urine or C5DCU / C5-DC Acylcarnitine, Quantitative, Random, Urine.
For general screening for metabolic disorders, see OAU / Organic Acids Screen, Random, Urine; ACRN / Acylcarnitines, Quantitative, Plasma; and AAQP / Amino Acids, Quantitative, Plasma.
Necessary Information
Include patient's age, family history, clinical condition (asymptomatic or acute episode), diet, and drug therapy information.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: If clinically feasible, discontinue L-carnitine supplementation at least 72 hours before specimen collection.
Supplies: Urine Tubes, 10 mL (T068)
Collection Container/Tube: Clean, plastic urine collection container
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic, 10 mL urine tube
Specimen Volume: 5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect a random urine specimen.
2. Freeze specimen immediately.
Specimen Minimum Volume
1 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Urine | Frozen (preferred) | 7 days |
Refrigerated | 24 hours |
Reference Values
<3.00 millimoles/mole creatinine
Day(s) Performed
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
CPT Code Information
82017
Clinical Information
An isolated elevation of iso-/butyrylcarnitine (C4) in plasma or newborn screening blood spots is related to a diagnosis of either short chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (SCAD) deficiency or isobutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase (IBD) deficiency. Diagnostic testing by acylcarnitine analysis, including the evaluation of C4 excretion in urine, is necessary to differentiate the 2 clinical entities.(1) Patients with IBD deficiency excrete an abnormal amount of C4 acylcarnitine in urine, whereas patients with SCAD deficiency can have a normal excretion of this metabolite.
Report Available
2 to 5 daysReject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Method Name
Flow Injection Analysis-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (FIA-MS/MS)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Biochemical Genetics Test Request (T798) with the specimen.