What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, muscle weakness, or difficulty recovering after exercise. It helps identify problems with how your cells produce energy and can reveal metabolic issues that affect your stamina, endurance, and overall vitality. Many athletes and active individuals use this test when their energy levels don't match their fitness efforts, or when they suspect something is off with their metabolism.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your pyruvic acid levels mean for your energy production and cellular metabolism. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary adjustments, supplement suggestions for mitochondrial support, or whether you should investigate further metabolic concerns. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your pyruvic acid levels over time using our trends feature to see how your interventions improve your energy efficiency.

What's included in this test?

This test measures pyruvic acid (pyruvate) in your blood. Pyruvic acid is a critical marker of how efficiently your cells convert nutrients into usable energy. Pyruvate sits at a key crossroads in metabolism—it shows whether your body is properly processing carbohydrates and whether your mitochondria are functioning optimally. Abnormal levels can indicate issues with vitamin deficiencies, mitochondrial disorders, or problems with how your body handles physical stress and exercise.

How should I prepare for this test?

While specific preparation instructions aren't provided, metabolic tests like pyruvic acid often work best when fasting for 8-12 hours beforehand and avoiding strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to testing. Drinking water is typically fine. Check with your healthcare provider or the lab for any specific requirements, and inform them of any medications or supplements you're taking, as these can affect results.

When will I get my results?

Results for pyruvic acid testing are typically available within 3-5 business days after the lab receives your sample. Some specialized labs may take up to 7 business days depending on their processing schedule. You'll receive an email notification when your results are ready to view in your secure online account, complete with doctor notes and interpretations.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is valuable for athletes experiencing performance declines, people with persistent fatigue despite adequate rest, or anyone with suspected metabolic disorders. It's also useful for those with family history of mitochondrial disease, individuals with unexplained muscle pain or weakness, and people monitoring treatment for metabolic conditions. Anyone investigating the root cause of chronic low energy should consider this test.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include constant fatigue that doesn't improve with sleep, exercise intolerance or unusual breathlessness during activity, and muscle weakness or cramping. You might also notice brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or feeling like your body can't keep up with physical demands. Some people experience slow recovery after workouts or feel exhausted after normal daily activities that shouldn't be tiring.

How can I naturally support healthy pyruvate metabolism?

Supporting healthy energy metabolism starts with B vitamins, especially B1 (thiamine), which helps convert pyruvate into usable energy. Include whole grains, lean meats, legumes, and leafy greens in your diet. Regular moderate exercise improves mitochondrial function, while adequate sleep and stress management help optimize cellular energy production. Staying hydrated and ensuring sufficient magnesium intake also supports the metabolic pathways that process pyruvate.

What is pyruvic acid and why does it matter?

Pyruvic acid, or pyruvate, is a molecule your cells create when breaking down carbohydrates for energy. It's like a metabolic crossroads—your body can either use it to produce lots of energy in the mitochondria or convert it to lactate when oxygen is limited. Normal pyruvate levels indicate your cells are efficiently processing nutrients, while abnormal levels can signal problems with energy production, vitamin deficiencies, or mitochondrial dysfunction that affects your stamina and vitality.

What does high pyruvic acid mean?

Elevated pyruvic acid often means your body is producing pyruvate normally but having trouble converting it into energy efficiently. This can happen with vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency, mitochondrial disorders, or when cells aren't getting enough oxygen during intense exercise. High levels may also indicate your body is relying more on anaerobic metabolism, which produces less energy and can cause fatigue and poor exercise tolerance.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Pyruvate Blood Test - Energy & Metabolism Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

support@privatemdlabs.com

Blood Test for Fatigue and Low Energy Metabolism

Pyruvic Acid (Pyruvate), Blood

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

How should I prepare for this test?

What's included in this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Blood Test for Fatigue and Low Energy Metabolism

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

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