Vitamin A (Retinol)

Test Code
921


CPT Codes
84590

Preferred Specimen
2 mL serum - protected from light


Patient Preparation
Overnight fasting is required

Minimum Volume
0.7 mL


Instructions
Allow blood to clot at room temperature for 30 minutes. Centrifuge to separate serum from the cells within 24 hours of collection and immediately pour serum into a plastic transport tube.


Transport Container
Plastic transport tube - light protected


Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 24 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic sera • Serum unseparated from the clot • Serum in serum separator tube not separated from the gel • Received room temperature • Received not light protected • Plasma


Methodology
Chromatography

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule
Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 3-4 days


Limitations
Results may be elevated in women on oral contraceptives.


Reference Range
1-6 Years 20-43 mcg/dL
7-12 Years 26-49 mcg/dL
13-19 Years 26-72 mcg/dL
Adult 38-98 mcg/dL


Clinical Significance
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.




The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.