Butyrylcarnitine is primarily used in medical diagnostics, particularly in newborn screening for metabolic disorders via tandem mass spectrometry. It serves as a biomarker for identifying conditions like short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (SCADD), a rare genetic disorder affecting fatty acid metabolism. Elevated levels of butyrylcarnitine in blood or urine samples can indicate metabolic imbalances, aiding in early detection and management of such conditions. Additionally, it is utilized in research studies to understand fatty acid oxidation processes and their role in energy production. This compound is also relevant in developing therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases.