Skip to main content

Vitamin A and Carotene

CPT 82380; 84590

Test Details

Methodology

Vitamin A: Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS); Carotene: High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection

Result Turnaround Time

4 - 6 days

Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.

Related Documents

Use

A combination of a low serum carotene level and a low vitamin A suggests inadequate vitamin A nutrition.

Special Instructions

Patients must fast a minimum of eight hours. No foods containing vitamin A or carotene should be ingested in the previous 48 hours by patients older than six months. For those who are younger than six months, the period is 24 hours.

Limitations

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Labcorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen

Serum; beta carotene protected from light

Volume

Two aliquots: 0.8 mL each

Minimum Volume

Two aliquots: 0.4 mL each (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)

Container

Vitamin A can be shipped in red-top tube or gel-barrier tube; beta carotene should be shipped in amber plastic transport tube with amber top. (If amber tubes are unavailable, cover standard transport tubes completely, top and bottom, with aluminum foil. Identify specimens with the patient's name directly on the containers and on the outside of the aluminum foil. Secure with tape.) For amber plastic transport tube and amber-top, order LabCorp No. 23598.

Collection Instructions

Transfer specimens to separate amber plastic transport tubes. Beta carotene should be shipped in amber plastic transport tube with amber top.

Stability Requirements

Temperature

Period

Room temperature

14 days

Refrigerated

14 days

Frozen

14 days

Freeze/thaw cycles

Stable x3

Storage Instructions

Room temperature. Beta carotene should be light-protected.

Patient Preparation

Patient should abstain from alcohol for 24 hours prior to collection. For those who are younger than six months, draw prior to next feeding. Blood should be collected before breakfast in the morning and prior to any medication.

Causes for Rejection

Beta carotene specimen not protected from light; sample type other than serum received

LOINC® Map

Order Code Order Code Name Order Loinc Result Code Result Code Name UofM Result LOINC
001750 Vitamin A and Carotene 001529 Carotene, Beta ug/dL 2053-7
001750 Vitamin A and Carotene 142004 Vitamin A ug/dL 2923-1
Order Code001750
Order Code NameVitamin A and Carotene
Order Loinc
Result Code001529
Result Code NameCarotene, Beta
UofMug/dL
Result LOINC2053-7
Order Code001750
Order Code NameVitamin A and Carotene
Order Loinc
Result Code142004
Result Code NameVitamin A
UofMug/dL
Result LOINC2923-1