Pathology Handbook

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Vitamin A

Alternative Names:

Retinol

Laboratory:

Clinical Biochemistry

Test Code:

VIT A

Specimen Types:

Blood

Container Types:

Lithium Heparin (with Gel)
SST

Adults Volume or Mass:

5 mL

Minimum/Paediatric Volume or Mass:

2 mL

Collection & Request Instructions:

Protect from light

Transport Instructions between Sites and/or Laboratories:

Protect from Light
Send to lab immediately

Assay Frequency:

Weekly

MBS Rebatable:

Yes

MBS Item No.:

66607

Additional Notes:

Reference Intervals:

0 - 30 days: 0.6 - 1.8 µmol/L

1 m - <7 yrs: 0.7 - 1.5 µmol/L

7 - 13 yrs: 0.9 - 1.7 µmol/L

13 - <19 yrs: 0.9 - 2.5 µmol/L

>19 yrs: 1.0 - 2.5 µmol/L

Vitamin A is measured as retinol by HPLC-PDA. Retinol levels below 0.7 µmol/L are diagnostic of Vitamin A deficiency, while levels of 0.7-1.0 µmol/L are borderline deficient.

Retinol levels above 2.6 µmol/L have been associated with an increased risk of fracture (N Engl J Med 348: 287-294, 2003).

Please note: revised reference intervals from 31/07/2023.