Pathology Handbook

Recent changes for Carotenes
Date	Field	Changed From	Changed To
21st May 2026	Request Group	Suggest Vitamin A	Carotene
	Preferred Specimen Type	Serum	Blood
	Optional Container Type		Lithium Heparin (with Gel)
	Collection & Request Instructions		Fasting Sample Protect from light
	Collection & Request Instructions		Must be approved by Chemical Pathologist. Vitamin A testing may be more appropriate.

Alternative Names:

beta Carotenes

Laboratory:

Clinical Biochemistry

Test Code:

Carotene

Specimen Types:

Blood

Container Types:

SST
Lithium Heparin (with Gel)

Adults Volume or Mass:

5 mL

Minimum/Paediatric Volume or Mass:

2 mL

Collection & Request Instructions:

Fasting Sample
Protect from light

Must be approved by Chemical Pathologist.

Vitamin A testing may be more appropriate.

Transport Instructions between Sites and/or Laboratories:

Protect from Light

Assay Frequency:

Weekly

External Laboratory:

NSW Health Pathology, (SSWPS) - RPA

MBS Rebatable:

Yes

MBS Item No.:

66605

Additional Notes:

Reduced in malabsorption. Raised in hypothyroidism, hypercarotenaemia, anorexia nervosa.