Vitamin A, Plasma/Serum

Diagnostic Use

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.

Department

Lipids/Trace Metals

Delphic Registration Code

VITA

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

1 x plain or lith hep. Wrap in foil.

Registration

Vitamin A and E are performed together on the same sample.

Separating

Wrap in foil to protect from light or use an amber tube.

Laboratory

Gross haemolysis reject, gross lipemia reject, gross icterus OK

Test Adds

Ambient 7 days, frozen 28 days, light protected

Synonyms

Retinal
Retinoic acid
Retinol

Turnaround Time

3 weeks

Test Code

3310