Vitamin A Blood Test
From Health Facts
Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-21 (EDT)
| See Also | Lab Tests |
|---|
The vitamin A or retinol test is generally used to detect vitamin A deficiency or toxicity. [1], [2]
Discussion
- This test measures the amount of retinol in the blood.
- Retinol is the primary form of vitamin A in animals.
- Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that is required for healthy vision, skin growth and integrity, bone formation, immune function, and embryonic development.
- It is required to produce photoreceptors in the eyes and to maintain the lining of the surface of the eyes and other mucous membranes.
- Deficiencies in vitamin A can lead to impaired night vision, cause eye damage, and in severe cases lead to blindness.
Patient Preparation
- Fasting is required.
Clinical Implications
High levels indicate:
Low levels indicate:
- Malnutrition
- Celiac disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Crohn disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Alcoholism
- Liver disease
Associated Tests
- Complete blood count (CBC), CMP, Vitamin B12 Blood Test and Folate, Vitamin D Blood Test, Iron, Retinol-binding protein
References
- ↑ Pagana Kathleen D, Pagana Timothy J (2006) Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, Mosby.
- ↑ Weatherby Dicken, Ferguson Scott (2002) Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis: Clinical Laboratory Testing from a Functional Perspective, Bear Mountain.
