Vitamin A (Retinol) Test
The vitamin A test measures the concentration of retinol in a blood serum sample, collected after an overnight fast and protected from light. It is used to look at vitamin A status in the context of a person's overall health picture.
About this test
Vitamin A, also called retinol, is measured in a light-protected serum sample using chromatography. Quest describes low concentrations as consistent with fat malabsorption, meaning the body is not absorbing dietary fat and the nutrients carried with it as expected, and notes that low levels are rarely due to diet alone.
A clinician reads the result together with a person's history, diet and any related symptoms.
Test details
| Quest code | 921 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | Chromatography |
| Sample type | 2 mL serum protected from light |
| Patient preparation | Fast overnight before your blood draw. |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
Related tests and panels
Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The test reports a single value: the concentration of vitamin A (retinol) in serum. Retinol is the other name Quest lists for this same test.
Order online and a physician order is included — no doctor's visit and no insurance needed. Your sample is collected at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does the vitamin A test measure?
It measures the concentration of vitamin A, also called retinol, in a blood serum sample using chromatography.
How is the sample collected?
The test uses a 2 mL serum sample, protected from light, from a routine blood draw.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
Fast overnight before your blood draw. This is the preparation Quest publishes for this test; if your clinician gives you different instructions, follow theirs.
What is low vitamin A associated with?
Quest describes low vitamin A levels as consistent with fat malabsorption, and notes that low levels are rarely due to diet alone.
What is high vitamin A associated with?
Quest describes high vitamin A levels as seen with renal failure and as associated with bone fractures. A clinician interprets the result in context.
How much is a Vitamin A test?
$65, paid once at checkout. The price includes the physician's order this test requires and sample collection at a Quest patient service center.