Micronutrient, Vitamin A (Retinol)
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Serum
Requires fasting: Yes
Phlebotomy required
Details
Vitamin A is critical for vision, growth and many cell functions. High concentrations of Vitamin A are seen with renal failure, but this is not associated with toxicity and excessive ingestion. High concentrations are associated with bone fractures. Low concentrations of Vitamin A are consistent with fat malabsorption and are rarely due to inadequate diet.
- Vitamin A (Retinol)
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
This test checks the level of Vitamin A in your body, which is essential for good vision, growth, and cell functions. While high levels of Vitamin A can occur in people with kidney problems, it usually doesn't cause harm. However, too much Vitamin A can lead to bone fractures. On the other hand, low Vitamin A levels might indicate issues with absorbing fats or very rarely, not getting enough from your diet.
- Bone pain or fractures
Low Vitamin A Symptoms:
- Poor vision, especially in low light
- Slow growth
- Skin issues
What type of sample is required for this test?
It's important to protect the sample from light.
3–6 business days
>19 years 38-98 mcg/dL
Reference range not available for individuals <18 years for this micronutrient test.
- Fasting before a blood draw means you don't eat or drink anything except water.
- Your doctor should provide any special instructions related to fasting for your test. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:
Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)
- Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
- Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
- Collection Instructions:
- Bring a valid ID.
- Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
- Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
- More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide
Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy
- Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
- Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
- Collection Instructions:
- Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
- Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
- More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
- Preferred Specimen(s): 2 mL serum - protected from light
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 0.7 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
- Transport Container: Amber transport tube
- Transport Temperature: Refrigerated (Cold Packs)
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 24 hours
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 28 days
- Reject Criteria:
- Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic • Received room temperature • Not protected from light • Plasma
Minimum age:
18
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
