Carotene, β

Casandra

Casandra Test Code LC92269Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab LabcorpLab Test ID 001529CPT Code 82380

Also known as: Beta Carotene

Clinical Use

Order Test

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.

Test Details

Methodology

Other

Biomarkers

Carotene, β

Analyte

Carotene, Beta • Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

LOINC Codes

Order Codes

2053-7

Result Codes

2053-7

Result Turnaround Time

3-6 days

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.