Carotene
Test Summary
Beta Carotene, a fat soluble nutrient, is a precursor to vitamin A. Deficiencies may lead to vitamin A deficiency. Excessive vitamin A intake may lead to headaches, loss of appetite, nausea and diarrhea, skin changes, and potential birth defects.
Aliases
- N/A
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
2 mL serum - protected from light
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Instructions
Separate from cells as soon as possible after clotting. Send serum in an amber tube. If amber tube is not available, wrap tube in aluminum foil to protect from light.
Patient Preparation
Overnight fasting is required
Storage
Plastic screw-cap vial, protected from light
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: 72 hours
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 30 days
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
N/A
Unacceptable Specimens
Room temperature • Not protected from light (room temperature and refrigerated)
Order Code
CAROTN
EPIC (Premier) Code
LAB086
Includes
N/A
CPT Code
- 82380
Billing Code
- 670623
CPT Statement
Methodology
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA has determined that such clearance or approval is not necessary. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.
Physician Attestation of Informed Consent
N/A
Testing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly VA, 20153
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly VA, 20153
Department
Reference Testing
Reference Range
| 0-8 months | Not established | |
| 9 months-6 years | 5-80 mcg/dL | |
| 7-17 years | 9-190 mcg/dL | |
| Males ≥18 years | 4-51 mcg/dL | |
| Females ≥18 years | 6-77 mcg/dL | |
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Monday - Saturday; Report available: 3 - 4 days
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
2 mL serum - protected from light
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Instructions
Separate from cells as soon as possible after clotting. Send serum in an amber tube. If amber tube is not available, wrap tube in aluminum foil to protect from light.
Patient Preparation
Overnight fasting is required
Storage
Plastic screw-cap vial, protected from light
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: 72 hours
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 30 days
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
N/A
Unacceptable Specimens
Room temperature • Not protected from light (room temperature and refrigerated)
Result Information
Methodology
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Testing Laboratory
N/A
Reference Range
| 0-8 months | Not established | |
| 9 months-6 years | 5-80 mcg/dL | |
| 7-17 years | 9-190 mcg/dL | |
| Males ≥18 years | 4-51 mcg/dL | |
| Females ≥18 years | 6-77 mcg/dL | |
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Monday - Saturday; Report available: 3 - 4 days