Professional
Technical
IVT
C8-acylcarnitine
An octanoyl carnitine ester elevated in medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.
Full Definition
C8-acylcarnitine (octanoyl carnitine) is a specific metabolite that accumulates when medium-chain fatty acid oxidation is impaired. It serves as the primary marker for medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) in newborn screening. Elevated C8 levels require rapid follow-up to prevent potentially fatal hypoglycemic episodes during periods of fasting or illness.
Usage
Usage note: The 'C8' notation refers to the 8-carbon fatty acid chain length.
In Context
- "C8-acylcarnitine was markedly elevated at 4.2 μmol/L, indicating possible MCADD." — Laboratory result
- "The C8-acylcarnitine cutoff has been lowered to improve sensitivity for MCADD detection." — Program modification notice
Also known as
octanoyl carnitine
Don't confuse with
C6-acylcarnitine
C10-acylcarnitine