Carotene, β
Also known as: Beta Carotene
Use
Confirm the diagnosis of carotenoderma; detect fat malabsorption; depressed carotene levels may be found in cases of steatorrhea.
Special Instructions
Patient preparation is important: fasting for 12 hours and abstaining from alcohol for 24 hours prior to collection is required. For children under six months, blood should be drawn prior to the next feeding. Blood should be collected before breakfast and before any medication. Specimens must be protected from light during collection and transport.
Limitations
This test has limitations including poor sensitivity and lack of specificity at lower values. High serum levels can be influenced by diet and various conditions. While high levels can rule out steatorrhea, the gold standard for diagnosing malabsorption remains fat measurement of a 72-hour stool specimen. Serum levels can be affected by a range of conditions including diabetes, hypothyroidism, and certain liver diseases. Potential confusion with jaundice may occur in cases of carotenemia.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2053-7
- 2053-7
Result Turnaround Time
3-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.7 mL
Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Container
Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube; amber plastic transport tube with amber top.
Collection Instructions
Specimen should be free from hemolysis. Protect from light. Transfer specimen to amber plastic transport tube.
Patient Preparation
Patient should fast for 12 hours and abstain from alcohol for 24 hours prior to collection. For those younger than six months, draw prior to next feeding. Blood should be collected before breakfast in the morning and prior to any medication.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature and protect from light.
Causes for Rejection
Specimen not protected from light; hemolysis; sample type other than serum received
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |