Vitamin A test Health Article

Definition

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. This article describes the test used to measure the amount of vitamin A in the blood.

See also: Beta-carotene test

Alternative Names

Retinol test

How the test is performed

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.

Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.

How to prepare for the test

Do not eat or drink anything for 4 hours before the test.

How the test will feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the test is performed

This test is done to determine if you have too much or too little vitamin A in your blood. However, such conditions are rare in the developed world.

Normal Values

Normal values range from 50 to 200 micrograms per deciliter.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What abnormal results mean

Lower than normal values indicate a vitamin A deficiency, which may be associated with:

• Developmental aberrations of bones or teeth in young children
• Dry or inflamed eyes
• Hair loss
• Inadequate absorption of fats from the intestinal tract
• Loss of appetite
• Malabsorption syndrome (for example, celiac disease, sprue)
• Night blindness
• Recurring infections
• Skin rashes