| Field | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mfr No | |
| Detection Method | |
| Product Type | |
| Sample Type(s) | Urine, serum, plasma, cell lysates, tissue lysates and food products (e.g. milk). |
| Shipping | |
| Species | |
| Storage |
Overview
For determination of L-Carnitine in urine, serum, plasma, cell lysates, tissue lysates and food products (e.g. milk). The assay uses FL530/585nm or OD570nm for signal readout. Compatible sample input includes Urine, serum, plasma, cell lysates, tissue lysates and food products (e.g. milk).. Typical stated assay timing is 30 min.
Key elements and design rationale
- Readout format: FL530/585nm or OD570nm supports plate-based signal acquisition and consistent comparison across matched samples.
- Sample compatibility: The stated sample scope includes Urine, serum, plasma, cell lysates, tissue lysates and food products (e.g. milk)., which is useful when aligning matrix type with calibration and control design.
- Analytical range context: The supplied specifications include a stated detection limit of 1 µM for interpreting low-signal samples.
- Feature emphasis: Sensitive. Uses 10 µL samples. Detection range: colorimetric assay 12 – 1000 µM, fluorimetric assay 1 – 100 µM L-Carnitine.
Additional feature notes highlight Convenient. Room temperature “mix-incubate-read” procedure can be readily automated for high-throughput assay of thousands of samples per day. Available format information for this listing includes 100 Tests in 96-well plate.
Biological background
This product is centered on measurement of l-carnitine within the matrices described for the assay. In practice, datasets from this type of format are typically interpreted by comparing relative signal, activity, or abundance across matched control and experimental groups rather than relying on a single value in isolation. Careful alignment of sample matrix, incubation window, and calibration strategy is important when comparing results across plates, operators, or study days.
More details
L-CARNITINEis found in most mammals, plants, and some bacteria. L-Carnitine’s most crucial role is in the transport of long-chain fatty acids from the cytosol into the mitochondria for fatty acid oxidation. BioAssay Systems’ method provides a simple and high-throughput assay for measuring L-Carnitine. In this assay, a multistep reaction produces H2O2which reacts with a specific dye to form a pink colored product. The optical density at 570nm or fluorescence intensity at λex/em = 530/585 nm is directly proportional to the L-Carnitine concentration in the sample.
Detection method
Colorimetric (OD 570 nm) or Fluorescent (FL 530/585 nm).
Detection limit and analytical sensitivity
Reported detection limit: 1 µM.
Procedures and timing
Stated procedure or timing information: 30 min.
Research relevance and current trends
- Plate-based quantification and side-by-side group comparison remain central use cases for this assay format.
- The product notes emphasize multi-sample throughput, making it relevant for screening-oriented and larger batch comparison studies.
- Short assay timing and plate compatibility support time-course or repeated-measure collection plans when handling is kept consistent.
Common research applications
- Quantify l-carnitine in urine, serum, plasma by FL530/585 nm or OD570 nm readout.
- Compare treatment or phenotype groups using matched urine, serum, plasma handling.
- Monitor time-course or pre/post changes in urine, serum, plasma across study conditions.
Interpretation is usually strongest when signal changes are assessed alongside matrix-matched controls, replicate agreement, and the assay's stated analytical window.
Notes for experimental interpretation
- Matrix composition, background signal, and sample handling can influence apparent response; compare like-with-like whenever possible.
- Use appropriate blanks, controls, and replicate wells to distinguish biological differences from plate, reagent, or handling variability.
Why does the cloudy Substrate Mix not interfere with the assay?
The substrate mix components are at the edge of solubility in DMSO, but once diluted in assay buffer, they are completely soluble. Unfortunately, there isn’t a universal solvent that allows for a concentrated solution for all three substrates.
Can this kit be used to study the kinetics of Carnitine Acetyltransferase?
No. Because one of the two substrates for Carnitine Acetyltransferase is included in the Substrate Mix and not separate, it would complicate the downstream reactions to vary the concentration of the substrate mix.
I am having difficulty detecting low levels of L-Carnitine in a biological sample. Is there anything I can do to facilitate the quantification?
You can try using an internal standard with biological matrix you are testing. To do this, you will employ three different wells, one with Sample, one with Sample plus Internal Standard, and one that will be the Sample Blank. The Sample well and the Sample Blank well each receive 10 µL of sample while the Sample plus Internal Standard well receives 10 µL of Sample plus 0.25 µL of 1 mM L-Carnitine. The Sample well and the Sample plus Internal Standard well will receive 90 µL of Working Reagent while the Sample Blank well receives 90 µL of Sample Blank Working Reagent, which has all the components of the Working Reagent minus Enzyme A. See the protocol for the details of the downstream analysis.
For laboratories requiring additional technical capacity, we provide scientific support services including assay execution, method guidance, product sourcing, and customization to align the assay with specific experimental objectives. If you need assistance selecting the appropriate kit configuration, adapting the workflow to your application, or identifying related research services, please click Talk to a Scientist, email support@biohippo.com, or review our Research Services; a member of our scientific team will follow up with recommendations tailored to your study.
