Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin which is necessary for growth and differentiation of epithelial tissue, bone, and other cells, and plays a role in the function of the retina. Vitamin A may be measured to assess for vitamin A toxicity or deficiency.
Vitamin A deficiency is the most common, preventable cause of blindness in the world. Deficiency may occur due to inadequate dietary intake, or reduced absorption, storage, or transport of vitamin A.
Vitamin A toxicity can result in dry skin, vomiting, hypercalcemia, bone demineralisation, and increased intracranial pressure. Vitamin A can be teratogenic in excess.
Lipids/Trace Metals
VITA
1 x plain or lith hep. Wrap in foil.
Vitamin A and E are performed together on the same sample.
Wrap in foil to protect from light or use an amber tube.
Gross haemolysis reject, gross lipemia reject, gross icterus OK
Ambient 7 days, frozen 28 days, light protected
Retinal
Retinoic acid
Retinol
3 weeks
3310