Carotene, Beta

Test ID:

702824

CPT code:

82380

Synonyms:

Beta Carotene

Clinical Use:

Confirm the diagnosis of carotenoderma; detect fat malabsorption; depressed carotene levels may be found in cases of steatorrhea.

Additional Test Information:

Vitamin A serum levels do not correlate well with liver stores. Carotenemia may be confused with jaundice. It is also reported high with some cases of diabetes mellitus, myxedema, chronic nephritis, nephrotic syndrome,1,2 liver disease, hypothyroidism, type I, IIA, and IIB hyperlipoproteinemia, and in a group of amenorrheic hypogonadotropic women. An inverse relationship between serum β-carotene and the risk of bronchogenic squamous cell carcinoma is reported. The highest carotene levels are found in the serum of faddists ingesting large amounts of vegetables.Oral leukoplakia responds well to β-carotene therapy. Low β-carotene levels are associated with oral contraceptives and smoking.

Specimen Type:

Serum, protected from light

Requested Volume:

0.7 mL

Minimum Volume:

0.4 mL

Container Type:

Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube; amber plastic transport tube with amber top.

Patient Preparation:

Patient should fast for 12 hours and abstain from alcohol for 24 hours prior to collection. For those who are younger than six months, draw prior to next feeding. Blood should be collected before breakfast in the morning and prior to any medication.