Vitamin E, Serum
Use
This test is useful for assessing vitamin E status and monitoring vitamin E supplementation or treatment. Vitamin E is a critical antioxidant and its deficiency, although rare, can lead to conditions such as hemolytic anemia, peripheral neuropathy, myopathy, retinopathy, and immune deficiency, especially in patients with extreme fat malabsorption or abetalipoproteinemia. Excessive vitamin E intake can potentially increase bleeding risks; hence monitoring is essential.
Special Instructions
Ship specimen in amber vial to protect from light. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a General Request form with the specimen. The test can also indicate deficiencies related to fat malabsorption disorders.
Limitations
Testing of nonfasting specimens or the use of vitamin supplementation can result in elevated serum vitamin concentrations. Reference values were established using specimens from individuals who were fasting. Elevated concentrations of vitamin E above the normal range might indicate excessive intake.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 1823-4
- 1823-4
Result Turnaround Time
3-5 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 a light protected plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
Fasting: 12 hours, required; infants should have specimen collected before next feeding.
Causes for Rejection
Gross lipemia
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 44 days |
| Frozen | 44 days |