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HelpTest Code Q10 Coenzyme Q10, Reduced and Total, Plasma
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
Plasma HeparinOrdering Guidance
This test provides both reduced and total coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). For assessment of total only, order TQ10 / Coenzyme Q10, Total, Plasma.
The level of oxidized CoQ10 is affected in specimens with even slight amounts of hemolysis; however, the total Q10 level remains constant. Hemolyzed specimens can be analyzed for total Q10 using TQ10 / Coenzyme Q10, Total, Plasma.
The most reliable test for the diagnosis of primary defects in ubiquinone (ie, CoQ10) biosynthesis is direct measurement of CoQ10 in muscle.
Shipping Instructions
If possible, do not send other tests ordered on same vial of plasma. In doing so, the other tests may have increased turnaround time due to the strict frozen criteria of this assay.
Necessary Information
Patient's age is required.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: Fasting (8 hours)
Collection Container/Tube: Green top (lithium or sodium heparin)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Immediately after collection, place specimen on wet ice. Maintain on wet ice and process within 3 hours of collection.
2. Centrifuge, aliquot plasma into plastic vial, and freeze immediately.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plasma Heparin | Frozen (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Refrigerated | 8 hours |
Reference Values
COENZYME Q10 (CoQ10) REDUCED
<18 years: 320-1376 mcg/L
≥18 years: 415-1480 mcg/L
CoQ10 TOTAL
<18 years: 320-1558 mcg/L
≥18 years: 433-1532 mcg/L
CoQ10 % REDUCED
<18 years: 93-100%
≥18 years: 92-98%
Miles MV, Horn PS, Tang PH, et al. Age-related changes in plasma coenzyme Q10 concentrations and redox state in apparently healthy children and adults. Clin Chim Acta. 2004;34:139-144
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
CPT Code Information
82542
Report Available
3 to 5 daysSpecimen Retention Time
1 monthReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Genetics Test Information
This test is appropriate for the diagnosis of secondary coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency and for some patients with primary CoQ10 deficiency who are not supplemented with CoQ10. It is also used to monitor CoQ10 status in patients with mitochondrial cytopathies, patients receiving statin therapy, or during treatment of various degenerative conditions including Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases.