Very Long Chain Fatty Acids Test
Short Name: VLCFA Test
Also known as: VLCFA Test, Very Long Chain Fatty Acid Profile, Peroxisomal Metabolite Panel
Very Long Chain Fatty Acids Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹35,000. Uses Gas Chromatography / Tandem Mass Spectrometry on Serum samples. Results in Samples received by the 7th of the month will have reports available after 2–3 weeks.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Ramarao Paidisetty
Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
Very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), phytanic acid and pristanic acid are metabolised by peroxisomes. Defects in these pathways result in accumulation of one or more metabolites in tissues and body fluids. This assay measures docosanoic (C22:0), tetracosanoic (C24:0), hexacosanoic (C26:0) acids, their ratios, and phytanic/pristanic acids for differential diagnosis of peroxisomal disorders, including Zellweger spectrum disorders, X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), X-linked Adrenomyeloneuropathy (X-AMN), Refsum disease and 2-methylacyl-CoA racemase deficiency.
- Test Code
- 3731
- Price
- ₹35,000
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Samples received by the 7th of the month will have reports available after 2–3 weeks.
- Fasting Required
- Yes (8 hours)
- Method
- Gas Chromatography / Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Sample Collection
Avoid alcohol 24 hours prior to sample collection. Overnight fasting is mandatory for adult patients. For pediatric patients, fasting is not required but sample collection should occur prior to the next meal or scheduled feeding. Duly filled Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35) is mandatory.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A small sample of blood is drawn from a vein in the arm by a trained phlebotomist.
Report Delivery
The blood sample is refrigerated or frozen and sent to the laboratory. No special after-test precautions are required unless advised by your doctor.
Timeline: Samples received by the 7th of the month will have reports available after 2–3 weeks.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
Very long chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), phytanic acid and pristanic acid are metabolised by peroxisomes. Defects in these pathways result in accumulation of one or more metabolites in tissues and body fluids. This assay measures docosanoic (C22:0), tetracosanoic (C24:0), hexacosanoic (C26:0) acids, their ratios, and phytanic/pristanic acids for differential diagnosis of peroxisomal disorders, including Zellweger spectrum disorders, X-linked Adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), X-linked Adrenomyeloneuropathy (X-AMN), Refsum disease and 2-methylacyl-CoA racemase deficiency.
How to Prepare
- Overnight fasting is mandatory for adult patients.
- Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before blood collection.
- Pediatric patients do not require fasting; collect before the next meal or scheduled feeding.
- Submit the duly filled Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35).
- Use 1 Red Top (No Additive) tube. Do not use SST gel barrier tubes.
- Ship refrigerated or frozen.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Ramarao Paidisetty — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504
"I commonly order this blood test when I suspect a peroxisomal disorder. For abnormal profiles, I always confirm with molecular genetic testing before genetic counselling."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample received in SST gel barrier tube
- Missing duly filled Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35)
- Sample not refrigerated or frozen within the required time
Understanding Your Results
Consult a physician, neurologist or clinical geneticist if you notice developmental delays, seizures, visual or hearing impairment, jaundice, liver dysfunction, hypotonia, facial dysmorphism, or a family history of peroxisomal disorder.
Limitations
- ⚠Results should be interpreted in the context of clinical symptoms and other investigations.
- ⚠The test does not identify the specific peroxisomal genetic mutation; confirmatory molecular genetic testing is often required.
Risks & Considerations
- ●Mild pain or bruising at the needle site
- ●Dizziness or lightheadedness during blood draw
- ●Rare infection or hematoma at the puncture site
Interfering Factors
- ●Alcohol consumption within 24 hours before sample collection
- ●Non-fasting sample for non-paediatric patients
- ●Use of SST gel barrier tube for sample collection
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Very Long Chain Fatty Acids Test | VLCFA Metabolite Test | Peroxisomal Genetic Panel | Fibroblast Oxidation Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Very Long Chain Fatty Acids Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
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