Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Sign In

22621 Fatty Acid Profile, Peroxisomal (POX)

Fatty Acid Profile, Peroxisomal (POX)
Test Code: FAPPXSO
Synonyms/Keywords
​Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), Adrenomyeloneuropathy, C22-C26, Fatty Acid Profile, Peroxisomal, Cerebrohepatorenal Syndrome, Long-Chain Fatty Acids (LCFA), Peroxisomal, Fatty Acid Profile, Phytanic Acid, Phytanic Acid Oxidase Deficiency, Pristanic Acid, Refsum Disease, Very Long Chain Fatty Acids (VLCFA), X-ALD (X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy), X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), Zellweger Syndrome
Useful For

Evaluating patients with possible peroxisomal disorders, single-enzyme defects of peroxisomal metabolism such as X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy or peroxisomal biogenesis disorders (Zellweger syndrome spectrum) using serum specimens

Aiding in the assessment of peroxisomal function

Specimen Requirements
Fasting Required Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)
Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
​Yes Serum​ ​Serum Separator Tube (SST) Red Top Tube (RTT)​
0.5 mL​ 0.15 mL​
Collection Processing Instructions
​1. Fasting-overnight (12-14 hours). If fasting is not possible for babies or infants, collect specimen prior to next feeding.
2. Patient must not consume any alcohol for 24 hours before the specimen is drawn.
3. Spin down.
4. Submit sample in a plastic vial.
Additional Information: 
1. Patient's age and sex is required.
2. Include information regarding treatment, family history, and tentative diagnosis.
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum​ ​ Frozen (preferred)​ 92 days​
Refrigerated ​ 15 days
Rejection Criteria
Gross lipemia
Interference

​In rare instances, patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) may have only minimally elevated values; 15% to 20% of women heterozygous for X-ALD have normal plasma very long-chain fatty acid levels.

False-positive results may occur with nonfasting specimens.

Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
Mayo Clinic Laboratories
Monday through Friday​
4-7 days​
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Stable Isotope Dilution Analysis​
Reference Lab
Test Information

Peroxisomes are organelles present in all human cells except mature erythrocytes. They carry out essential metabolic functions including beta-oxidation of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFA), alpha-oxidation of phytanic acid, and biosynthesis of plasmalogen and bile acids. Peroxisomal disorders include disorders of peroxisomal biogenesis with defective assembly of the entire organelle and single peroxisomal enzyme/transporter defects where the organelle is intact but a specific function is disrupted. Peroxisomal beta-oxidation of VLCFA is impaired in all disorders of peroxisomal biogenesis and in selected single enzyme deficiencies, particularly X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), resulting in elevated concentrations of VLCFA in plasma or serum.

Peroxisomal biogenesis disorders (PBD) include the Zellweger syndrome spectrum disorders that are clinically diverse and range in severity from neonatal lethal (Zellweger syndrome) to more variable clinical courses in neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy and infantile Refsum disease. Affected children typically have hypotonia, poor feeding, distinctive facial features, seizures, and liver dysfunction. Other features can include retinal dystrophy, hearing loss, developmental delays, and bleeding episodes. Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata is another PBD. It is characterized by rhizomelic shortening, chondrodysplasia punctata, cataracts, intellectual disability, and seizures, although it can have a milder phenotype with only cataracts and chondrodysplasia. The typical biochemical profile shows normal VLCFA and elevated phytanic acid.

X-ALD is a neurologic disorder affecting the white matter and adrenal cortex. It can present between ages 4 and 8 as a childhood cerebral form with behavioral and cognitive changes, associated with neurologic decline. Other forms include an "Addison disease only" phenotype with adrenocortical insufficiency without initial neurologic abnormality and adrenomyeloneuropathy associated with later-onset progressive paraparesis. X-ALD is an X-linked condition that primarily affects males; however, some females who are carriers can develop later-onset neurologic manifestations. In 2016, X-ALD was added to the US Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP), a list of conditions that are nationally recommended for newborn screening by the Secretary's Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children.  

Refsum disease is a peroxisomal disorder characterized by anosmia, retinitis pigmentosa, neuropathy, deafness, ataxia, ichthyosis, and cardiac abnormalities. The classic biochemical profile of Refsum disease is an elevated plasma or serum phytanic acid level.

Biochemical abnormalities in peroxisomal disorders include accumulations of VLCFA, phytanic, and pristanic acid. The differential diagnosis of these disorders is based on recognition of clinical phenotypes combined with a series of biochemical tests to assess peroxisomal function and structure. These include measurements and ratios of VLCFA, pipecolic acid (PIPA / Pipecolic Acid, Serum; PIPU / Pipecolic Acid, Urine), phytanic acid and its metabolite pristanic acid. In addition, confirmatory testing for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (XALDZ / X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy, Full Gene Analysis, Varies) via molecular genetic analysis is available at Mayo Clinic Laboratories.

Reference Range Information
See report
Interpretation

Reports include concentrations of C22:0, C24:0, C26:0 species, phytanic acid and pristanic acid, and calculated C24:0/C22:0, C26:0/C22:0, and phytanic acid:pristanic acid ratios. When no significant abnormalities are detected, a simple descriptive interpretation is provided.

A profile of elevated phytanic acid, low-normal pristanic acid, and normal very long-chain fatty acids is suggestive of Refsum disease (phytanic acid oxidase deficiency); however, serum phytanic acid concentration may also be increased in disorders of peroxisomal biogenesis and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of peroxisomal disorders.

If results are suggestive of hemizygosity for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, we also include the calculated value of a discriminating function used to more accurately segregate hemizygous individuals from normal controls.

Positive test results could be due to a genetic or nongenetic condition. Additional confirmatory testing would be required to differentiate between these causes.

Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)
Quantity Description Comments
​82726
Synonyms/Keywords
​Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), Adrenomyeloneuropathy, C22-C26, Fatty Acid Profile, Peroxisomal, Cerebrohepatorenal Syndrome, Long-Chain Fatty Acids (LCFA), Peroxisomal, Fatty Acid Profile, Phytanic Acid, Phytanic Acid Oxidase Deficiency, Pristanic Acid, Refsum Disease, Very Long Chain Fatty Acids (VLCFA), X-ALD (X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy), X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), Zellweger Syndrome
Ordering Applications
Ordering Application Description
If the ordering application you are looking for is not listed, contact your local laboratory for assistance.
Specimen Requirements
Fasting Required Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)
Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
​Yes Serum​ ​Serum Separator Tube (SST) Red Top Tube (RTT)​
0.5 mL​ 0.15 mL​
Collection Processing
​1. Fasting-overnight (12-14 hours). If fasting is not possible for babies or infants, collect specimen prior to next feeding.
2. Patient must not consume any alcohol for 24 hours before the specimen is drawn.
3. Spin down.
4. Submit sample in a plastic vial.
Additional Information: 
1. Patient's age and sex is required.
2. Include information regarding treatment, family history, and tentative diagnosis.
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum​ ​ Frozen (preferred)​ 92 days​
Refrigerated ​ 15 days
Rejection Criteria
Gross lipemia
Interference

​In rare instances, patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) may have only minimally elevated values; 15% to 20% of women heterozygous for X-ALD have normal plasma very long-chain fatty acid levels.

False-positive results may occur with nonfasting specimens.

Useful For

Evaluating patients with possible peroxisomal disorders, single-enzyme defects of peroxisomal metabolism such as X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy or peroxisomal biogenesis disorders (Zellweger syndrome spectrum) using serum specimens

Aiding in the assessment of peroxisomal function

Reference Range Information
See report
Interpretation

Reports include concentrations of C22:0, C24:0, C26:0 species, phytanic acid and pristanic acid, and calculated C24:0/C22:0, C26:0/C22:0, and phytanic acid:pristanic acid ratios. When no significant abnormalities are detected, a simple descriptive interpretation is provided.

A profile of elevated phytanic acid, low-normal pristanic acid, and normal very long-chain fatty acids is suggestive of Refsum disease (phytanic acid oxidase deficiency); however, serum phytanic acid concentration may also be increased in disorders of peroxisomal biogenesis and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of peroxisomal disorders.

If results are suggestive of hemizygosity for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, we also include the calculated value of a discriminating function used to more accurately segregate hemizygous individuals from normal controls.

Positive test results could be due to a genetic or nongenetic condition. Additional confirmatory testing would be required to differentiate between these causes.

For more information visit:
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
Mayo Clinic Laboratories
Monday through Friday​
4-7 days​
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Stable Isotope Dilution Analysis​
Reference Lab
For billing questions, see Contacts
Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)
Quantity Description Comments
​82726
For most current information refer to the Marshfield Laboratory online reference manual.