Vitamin A

Vitamin A

Some of the functions of vitamin A are in the body's vision, mucous membranes, cell division, skin maintenance, sperm production, egg development, growth, bone development and cancer prevention. Symptoms indicate a deficiency of vitamin A in the body include poor vision, night blindness, "bumps" on skin, lower disease resistance, stunted growth, pregnancy problems, acne, and xerosis.

Preformed vitamin A is found mainly in animal meats. Beta carotene is composed of two vitamin A molecules and is found in green or orange vegetables, and fruits. These include carrots, squash, spinach, apricots, etc. The RDA for vitamin A is 3000 I.U. per day. A supplemental dose could range from 5000 to 10,000 I.U. A toxic dose may occur at 25,000 to 50,000 I.U. The body will convert beta carotene to vitamin A if the thyroid is functioning properly and the patient does not have diabetes. These two conditions may lead to a high serum beta carotene and low serum vitamin A.

Vitamin A is measured in serum which must be protected from light.

Doctors who wish to order kits, please call our lab directly to set up an account before ordering. 316-684-7784

Process time: 5 to 7 business days

Process method: The methodology is by HPLC.

CPT code: 84590

Special instructions: None

Rejection causes: Gross Hemolysis

Patient prep: None

Specimen volume: 2 mL serum; light protected

Minimum volume: 0.5 mL

Collection container: SST or red-stopper tube

Transport container: Amber plastic transport tube

Transport instructions: Refrigerate or freeze

Collection instructions: Click here for PDF

Normal values: The normal range in our method (HPLC) is 24 to 90 ╡g/dL.