Carnitor Injection is the only approved treatment for DCD. Read More.

Carnitine Tests

Different types of carnitine assays are:

To qualify for Medicare coverage, you will need to have carnitine, free measured.

There are multiple assays used to determine free carnitine levels. The reference ranges for the different carnitine assay techniques can vary. For this reason Medicare based their definition on the results of validated methods submitted to the FDA.

Reported values can vary. The Medicare policy is based on micromol/liter (µmol/L). Reported values in other units must be converted to µmol/L for comparison.

The blood sample collected to measure free carnitine must be drawn pre-dialysis. Plasma must be separated for free carnitine determination.

Testing Patients for DCD

  1. Determine if your clinic's laboratory offers carnitine testing.
  2. To ensure that the results of the carnitine testing are optimal, review the laboratory directions for handling the blood samples and if the analytical method has been fully validated. Follow the directions as closely as possible.
  3. Directions for sample preparation must be followed meticulously.
  4. Test patients for DCD.
  5. Obtain test results. Patients with free carnitine levels <40 µmol/L may qualify for coverage of Carnitor® Injection.
  6. If you have questions about your test results please contact Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Medical Information at (800) 447-0169.