Acylcarnitine Profile, DBS

The preferred specimen is dried blood spots (DBS) because the long-chain acylcarnitine's are absorbed on the surface of the red cells so that the normal levels are much higher for DBS than in plasma. Therefore, the elevations of these in some milder forms of long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders may not be as reliably detected in the plasma as they are in the DBS. Serum levels are acceptable.

Transport temperature: DBS - room temperature or cold packs depending on how the specimen was stored prior to transport.

Air-dry for 4-6 hours and store individually until transport in glassine envelope.

All specimens must be labeled with at least two patient identifiers that match the test requisition. All specimens will be rejected if they are received without two matching patient identifiers.

Use indelible ink or gummed labels to label specimens.

As per CLIA and CAP regulations, all specimens must be submitted with a complete test requisition.

Place specimens inside a specimen transport bag and the associated documents inside the pouch in the specimen transport bad. Do NOT place the documentation inside the specimen transport bag with the specimen.

• Laboratory Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (CST).
• Always ship Monday-Thursday using an overnight trackable courier.
• No Saturday deliveries accepted.

• For STAT analysis, please contact the CLIA Director, Erland Arning, Ph.D. CC (NRCC)
(Erland.Arning@BSWHealth.org)
• Only critical results are reported immediately by telephone and fax.
• Preliminary results are available by telephone, fax or email within the turnaround time specified.
• Result reports are faxed to the submitter and physician (if provided).

The IMD does not bill patient, Medicare, Medicaid or insurance.

Please contact client services at (214) 820-4533 with question about test price, CPT codes, billing or invoicing.

SHIPPING ADDRESS:
Institute of Metabolic Disease
ATTN: Sample Processing
3434 Live Oak Street
Dallas, TX 75204