Vitamin A (Retinol)
Also known as: Retinol
Use
This test measures the amount of vitamin A (retinol)—the primary form circulating in blood—to assess both deficiency and excess. Vitamin A supports vision (especially in low light), immune function, skin and tissue health, and mucous membranes. Deficiencies may cause vision changes, increased infection risk, or skin/tissue issues, often in malabsorption conditions like celiac disease or IBD. Excess levels, typically from supplements, may result in adverse effects like headaches, blurred vision, nausea, or dizziness.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Not provided.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
Vitamin A (retinol)
Analyte
Result Turnaround Time
4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Container
Amber transport tube (protected from light)
Collection Instructions
Allow blood to clot ~30 minutes; centrifuge and separate serum within 24 hours; protect from light; if amber tube not available, wrap in foil
Patient Preparation
Overnight fasting required
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis; grossly lipemic sera; serum unseparated from clot; serum in SST not separated from gel; received room temperature; not light protected; plasma
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |
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