Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

1 mL serum (minimum 0.3 mL).

Specimen must be protected from light.

Fasting is not required. Patients should not take Coenzyme Q10 supplements the morning of the test. They may take other nutritional supplements prior to testing.

1. Gently invert 5x (DO NOT SHAKE). 
2. Let blood clot for 30 min at room temperature.
3. Centrifuge for 10 minutes. 
4. Transfer to amber vial or wrap clear tube aliquot tube in foil.

Refrigerated or frozen.

Room temperature: Unacceptable. Refrigerated 14 days. Frozen: 6 weeks.

Room temperature specimens. Specimens not protected from light. Specimen received thawed. Stability limits exceeded.

Coenzyme Q10.

Quest test code 19826, COENZQ

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat soluble cofacter that is essential for energy producing metabolic pathways and for the proper functioning of the mitochondrial oxidative system. With insufficient CoQ10, the electron transfer activity of the mitochondria decreases, resulting in a net failure to produce the energy necessary to run the cell. Tissues with high energy demand have even greater demands for CoQ10. For example, heart muscle, which continually exerts a pumping action for an entire lifetime, has an immense need for the cofactor. Studies demonstrate the effectiveness of supplemental coenzyme Q10 in cardiomyopathy, myocardial dysfunction, and congestive heart failure. CoQ10 is also a powerful antioxidant like vitamins E and C, and thus serves the role of neutralizing excess free radicals. It is now well established that the control of excessive free radical activity is key in preventing/delaying the progression of degenerative diseases.