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Test ID: Retinol (vitamin A)
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Retinol (vitamin A)
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Retinol (vitamin A)
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Useful For
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The investigation of vitamin A status
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Method name and description
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High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection
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Clinical information
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Vitamin A comprises a group of related lipid-soluble compounds, of which retinol is the primary circulating form in humans. It has major roles in maintaining vision and immunity, and hypovitaminosis A can therefore result in night blindness and recurrent infections. Low vitamin A can be due to a variety of causes, often related to a lack of dietary intake or absorption. Associated diseases includes cystic fibrosis, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, and coeliac disease. Chronic hypervitaminosis A has been associated with bone fragility, hepatomegaly, nausea, and abdominal pain.
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Specimen type / Specimen volume / Specimen container
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Specimen type: Blood (serum)
Specimen volume: 1.5 mL serum sample and must be covered against light.
Specimen container: gel tube (yellow top) or red top tube and must be covered against light.
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Collection instructions / Special Precautions / Timing of collection
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Sample must be protected against light.
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Relevant clinical information to be provided
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Presenting clinical signs and symptoms
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Storage and transport instructions
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Blood samples can be transported at ambiant temperature as quickly as possible and must be covered against light.
Separated serum samples may be stored for up to 24 hours at 2-8°C and must be covered against light.
Samples should be transported according to their storage conditions.
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Specimen Rejection Criteria
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Insufficient specimen quantity.
Specimen is not protected against light.
Wrong collection container.
Grossly hemolyzed.
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Biological reference intervals and clinical decision values
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Age
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Reference Range
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Newborn (0-24 hrs.)
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0.4 – 1.0 µmol/L
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Infants (1 day to 1 year)
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0.5 – 1.4 µmol/L
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Children (1 to 10 years)
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0.7– 1.7 µmol/L
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Adolescents (11 years – 19 years)
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1.0 – 2.1 µmol/L
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Adultes (> 19 years)
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1.0 – 2.1 µmol/L
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Factors affecting test performance and result interpretation
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Acute phase reactions, concurrent zinc deficiency and liver disease may lower circulating vitamin A concentrations.
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Turnaround time / Days and times test performed / Specimen retention time
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Turnaround time: 5 working days.
Days and times test performed: once a week.
Specimen retention time: 48 hours.
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