Pyruvate (Pyruvic acid)
Pyruvate (Pyruvic acid)
Pyruvate is a molecule which is involved in the energy production pathways of our body, helping in the production of energy, in the form of ATP or adenosine triphosphate. Pyruvate test is used for determining the level of pyruvate or pyruvic acid in the blood. Pyruvate levels can help doctors assess problems like genetic defects in the machinery involved in energy production, such as the mitochondria. Pyruvate levels can also indicate issues with enzymes involved in producing or processing pyruvate such as pyruvate dehydrogenase or pyruvate carboxylase
What is the Pyruvate (Pyruvic acid) Test Used For?
This test checks the level of pyruvate in the blood and doctors may also recommend other tests such as lactate/pyruvate ratio test to help diagnose disorders such as
Mitochondrial disorders both genetic or due to other health conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, Diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease etc
Pyruvate metabolism disorders due to enzymes such as pyruvate dehydrogenase and pyruvate carboxylase not working properly
Symptoms of Mitochondrial disorders
Mitochondrial disorders interfere with energy production affecting parts of the body requiring the most energy for their function such as the brain, muscles, heart, liver, etc. Some of the symptoms of mitochondrial disorders are
Muscle Weakness
Hearing or vision problems
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Constipation
Slower growth and development of the body
Seizures
Headaches or Migraines
Breathing issues
Fatigue
Difficulty in swallowing
Dizziness or Fainting
Preparation for Test
Before the test, please let your general physician know of any medication, supplements or treatments that you are undergoing. The doctor may ask you to fast for 4 hours before the test sample is collected
Interpretation of Test Results
The normal levels of pyruvate in the blood is 0.7-1.4 milligrams per decilitre or 0.08-0.16 millimole per litre.
Doctors also recommend a lactate level test along with pyruvate level tests. Pyruvate level, lactate level and Lactate to Pyruvate (L:P) ratio can together help in diagnosing mitochondrial disorders or pyruvate metabolism disorders.
A high L:P ratio (more than 20), meaning a high lactate level, may point towards mitochondrial dysfunction, which may be due to genetic reasons or other organ disorders. Doctors would recommend other tests for confirmation of this diagnosis.
A low L:P ratio (below 10) may be due to pyruvate metabolism disorder like pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency
FAQs
How is the sample collected for the Pyruvate (Pyruvic acid) test?
A blood sample is collected from a vein in your arm. You may be asked to fast for atleast 4 hours before the blood sample is collected.
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for Pyruvate (Pyruvic acid) test?
The tests results should come within 4-8 days after the sample is taken. This time would depend on the diagnostic laboratory that has taken the sample for analysis
What other tests would be asked along with pyruvate test?
Doctors may recommend lactate level test for blood and cerebrospinal fluid which is present in the spinal cord and the brain
Are all mitochondrial disorders detected using this test?
Not all mitochondrial disorders can be detected using the pyruvate test. Other laboratory and imaging investigations for neurological conditions, like MRI, may also be used for confirming mitochondrial disorders
Can the L:P ratio be elevated for reasons other than mitochondrial disorders ?
If a patient is severely ill, their L:P ratio may be high. Irregularity in the L:P ratio or the Pyruvate levels may happen due to lack of precaution in blood sample collection
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