Vitamin A

Pathology category

Biochemistry - referred tests

Code

VITA

Referral code

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Test information

Useful in patients with fat malabsorption due to cystic fibrosis and short gut. Vitamin A is required for normal vision and is essential for cell division and differentiation. Symptoms of deficiency include: xeropthalmia, kertomalacia, weight loss, diarrhoea, reduced libido and gum disease Premature and low birth weight infants are often deficient.

Guidelines

Pre-analytical

If possible vitamin supplements should be stopped 2 days prior to collecting samples.

Reference range

(umol/L) Up to 6y 0.7-1.5;7-12y 0.9-1.7; 13-19y 0.9-2.5; Adult female 0.99-3.35; Adult male 0.77-3.95

Tube type

Tube type info

SST or Li Hep

Special requirements

Serum or plasma

Minimum volume

500 uL

Assay frequency

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

TAT Inpatient

4 weeks

TAT GP/Outpatient

4 weeks

Referral lab

Clinical Biochemistry City Hospital Birmingham