Test Database

Vitamin A and E

Description
We use Ultra Performance Convergence ChromatographyTM (UPC2) (the new generation of supercritical fluid chromatography) coupled to the Xevo TQSmicro mass spectrometer (MS) to determine Vitamin A and E concentrations in plasma/serum. Due to the relocation of the Nutristasis service to the Blackfriars Hub site, this test is not currently accredited by UKAS to ISO15189
Clinical details
A vitamers such as retinol and beta-carotene can be found most abundantly in vegetables. Vitamin A is known to play important roles in various physiological processes including vision, maintenance of mucosal barriers, haematopoiesis, bone development, and immunocompetence. The mode of action is believed to be via its antioxidant properties. The antioxidant properties of vitamin E are essential for the prevention of the peroxidation of phospholipids, particularly in cell membranes. The mechanism by which it exerts its protective effect is the absorption of peroxyl radicals which results in the termination of the free radical chain reaction. Vitamin E also stimulates the immune system and is antiatherogenic. Measurement of vitamins A and E can be used to diagnose deficiency or give a useful early warning of deficiency prior to the appearance of symptoms. Similarly measurement of vitamin A is useful in cases of vitamin A toxicity.
Related condition
Vitamin A deficiency; Vitamin E deficiency
Reference range
  •  Age (years)         Vit A (µmol/L)            Vit E (µmol/L)                                                                                                                                       
  •    0-2                       0.49-1.43                     0.0-25.0   
  •    3-5                       0.56-1.47                     7.0-30.1
  •    6-8                       0.66-2.00                    10.0-34.8 
  •    9-11                     0.77-2.06                    13.9-32.5  
  •  12-13                     0.84-2.20                    10.9-34.8
  •  14-15                     0.94-2.65                    13.9-32.5
  •  16+                       1.40-3.84                     11.6-41.8                         
Units
µmol/L
Synonyms
Retinol, beta-carotene, alpha tocopherol
Testing site
Synnovis : Reference Services : Blackfriars Hub
Laboratory
Nutristasis Unit
Sample type and volume required
Lithium heparin plasma and serum collected into separator tube (SST) Minimum 0.5mL
Call in advance
No
Special sample instructions

Vitamin A is stable for up to 4 days at room temperature in plasma whilst  Vitamin E is stable for up to 3 days in the same storage conditions.  Plasma/serum should be frozen at -20C if not transported within one day following separation from red cells.

Storage and transport
First class post
Turnaround time
10 days
Patient description
Vitamin A (retinol) and E (a-tocopherol) are both measured in serum or plasma by the same HPLC assay with UV detection
Contacts

Nutristasis Unit at Blackfriars Hub
Phone: 0204 591 0055
Email: Nutristasis@synnovis.co.uk
Nutristasis
Floor 1, Synnovis Hub
Friars Bridge Court
41-43 Blackfriars Road
London
SE1 8NZ

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