Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Plasma/Serum

Diagnostic Use

Vitamin E is the term for a group of ten closely related substances. About 90% of the vitamin E in the body is a-tocopherol.

Vitamin E is fat soluble and acts as an antioxidant. Deficiency is rare but can occur with extreme malabsorption of fat and in patients with abetalipoproteinaemia, a rare inborn error of metabolism. A high intake of vitamin E can antagonise vitamin K and increase bleeding risks.

Department

Lipids/Trace Metals

Delphic Registration Code

VITE

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

Tocopherol

Turnaround Time

3 weeks

Test Code

3313