Vitamin A, Serum
Use
Diagnosing vitamin A deficiency or toxicity as part of a profile. Monitoring vitamin A therapy as part of a profile. The level of vitamin A in the plasma or serum is a reflection of the quantities of vitamin A and carotene ingested and absorbed by the intestine.
Special Instructions
Only orderable as part of a profile. Vitamin A plays an essential role in the retina function, tissue differentiation, immune function, and growth. Deficiency can lead to visual impairment and skin changes, while excess can cause toxicity including liver damage and birth defects.
Limitations
Testing of nonfasting specimens or the use of vitamin supplementation can result in elevated serum vitamin concentrations. Acute alcohol ingestion may result in increased serum vitamin A levels. Patients should abstain from alcohol for 24 hours prior to collection.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2923-1
- 2923-1
Result Turnaround Time
2-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Container
Amber vial
Collection Instructions
Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into light protected plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
Fasting for 12 hours required; infants should have specimens collected before next feeding. No alcohol consumption for 24 hours prior to specimen collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis: OK; Gross lipemia: OK; Gross icterus: OK
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |