Expected Turnaround Time
4 - 7 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
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum, β-Carotene protected from light
Volume
Two aliquots: 0.8 mL each
Minimum Volume
Two aliquots: 0.4 mL each
Container
Vitamin A and Vitamin E samples can be shipped in red-top tube or gel-barrier tubes; 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 item ID 23598.
Collection
If red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube. Beta carotene should be shipped in amber plastic transport tube with amber top.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature. Beta Carotene should be light-protected.
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Room temperature | 7 days |
Refrigerated | 14 days |
Frozen | 14 days |
Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x6 |
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
Test Details
Use
Assess hyper-vitaminosis or vitamin deficiency. See individual test descriptions for more information.
Limitations
These tests were developed, and their performance characteristics determined, by LabCorp. They have not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Methodology
Beta Carotene: High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC); Vitamin A and E: Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS)
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 144057 | Vitamin A, E, Beta Carotene | 001529 | Carotene, Beta | ug/dL | 2053-7 | |
| 144057 | Vitamin A, E, Beta Carotene | 142004 | Vitamin A | ug/dL | 2923-1 | |
| 144057 | Vitamin A, E, Beta Carotene | 070141 | Vitamin E(Alpha Tocopherol) | mg/L | 1823-4 | |
| 144057 | Vitamin A, E, Beta Carotene | 070142 | Vitamin E(Gamma Tocopherol) | mg/L | 63370-1 |
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