Pipecolic Acid, Serum

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB3170, Beaker: Pipecolic Ac, MAYO: PIPA

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect(preferred): One gold top- Serum Separator Tube (SST)

Also Acceptable: One plain Red-top tube.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube and freeze (-20°C/-4°F or below).

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 1.5 mL serum, frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below). (Minimum: 1.0 mL)

Rejection Criteria

Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube and freeze (-20°C/-4°F or below).

Transport: 1.5 mL serum, frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below). (Minimum: 1.0 mL)

Laboratory

Performed

Tuesday
Results available in 3-9 days.

Reference Range

<6 months:	< or =6.0 nmol/mL
6 months-<1 year:	< or =5.9 nmol/mL
1-17 years:	< or =4.3 nmol/mL
> or =18 years:	< or =7.4 nmol/mL

 

Test Methodology

Interpretation

Elevated pipecolic acid levels are seen in disorders of peroxisomal biogenesis; normal levels are seen in disorders with loss of a single peroxisomal function.

Abnormal levels of pipecolic acid should be interpreted together with the results of other biochemical markers of peroxisomal disorders, such as plasma C22-C26 very long-chain fatty acids, phytanic acid, and pristanic acid (POX / Fatty Acid Profile, Peroxisomal [C22-C26], Serum); red blood cell plasmalogens (PGRBC / Plasmalogens, Blood); and bile acid intermediates (BAIPD / Bile Acids for Peroxisomal Disorders, Serum).

CPT Codes

82542

Contacts

Last Updated

10/12/2026