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Vitamin A (Retinol), Serum Test

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Vitamin A Test Overview

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin present in various food sources. It is an essential nutrient leading to healthy vision, bone formation, skin, immune system and reproduction. It is not made by the body, hence it is obtained from food and external supplements. Carotene is the form of vitamin A present in the food sorces which is converted to retinol by the liver and stored in the body. Vitamin A test mainly measures the retinol levels in the body.

Among the most important vitamins for your body's general wellness is vitamin A. It is also referred to as retinol, and it is crucial for the development of rhodopsin, a pigment that serves as a photoreceptor in the eye's retina. Additionally, it aids in preserving the epithelial tissues that cover the majority of the body's internal organs, glands, and surfaces. Since the liver stores 80%–90% of the vitamin A consumed by the body, a liver disorder may be the cause of a vitamin A deficit. Therefore, the doctor advises the vitamin A test to check for a deficiency that could possibly result in death, in very severe cases.

To determine the level of vitamin A in the blood, a vitamin A test is used. Vitamin A deficiency can be hazardous to your health. Thus, it is important to maintain the right amounts in your body. If the level of vitamin A is within the usual range (0.30 to 1.20 mg/L of blood), the results of the test will be normal. If the blood level of vitamin A is less than 0.30 mg/L of blood, the test will result in a negative or low result. The doctor will suggest you take vitamin A supplements in such circumstances. And go for a Vitamin A (Retinol), Serum test.

Test Overview

Various food sources include vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin. It is a necessary nutrient for maintaining a healthy immune system, skin, bones, and reproductive system. Because the body cannot produce it, it must be taken through diet and outside supplements. The liver transforms the vitamin A found in food sources, carotene, into retinol, which is then stored within the body. The major outcome of a vitamin A test is an assessment of retinol levels.

Who Should Do the Vitamin A (Retinol), Serum Test?

The clinical justifications for carrying out the Retinol Levels Blood Test are as follows -

  • Night blindness.
  • Dry, flaky skin.
  • The backs of the arms have protruding lumps.
  • Wet eyes.
  • Stunted development and growth.
  • Headache.
  • Fatigue.
  • Hurting joints and bones.
  • Dizziness.
  • Drowsiness.

What Other Tests Are Ordered Along with the Vitamin A (Retinol), Serum Test?

The "gold standard" for liver vitamin A stores is better reflected by other techniques. Giving a modest dosage of retinyl or dehydroretinyl ester and measuring the reaction in the serum after about five hours are the steps in the comparative dose rate and modified proportional dose-response tests, respectively.

Written by: Dr. Shibani R, Medical Writer, Medical Affairs

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Vitamin A (Retinol), Serum Test Price

Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the Vitamin A (Retinol), Serum Test with a clear pricing structure.

The Vitamin A (Retinol), Serum Test Price in Mumbai is ₹ 4,665 .

We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vitamin A  testing is mainly done in patients suspected of vitamin A deficiency, or in cases of general malnutrition. Certain malabsorption syndromes like Celiac diseases, Irritable bowel syndrome, and Crohn's disease may also lead to Vitamin A deficiency 
The typical symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency are poor vision, eye lesions, dry skin and hair, and in certain severe cases even nightblindness.

Vitamin A test measures the retinol levels in the body. 

During vitamin a test blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a  little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

A phlebotomist or medical professional will insert a needle to draw blood from your arm's vein. This is done to collect the required blood sample, which will then be collected in a vial once the needle has been carefully inserted. It is normal for the needle to sting as it enters and leaves your body. But it will all be over in a few minutes or less.

A low vitamin A level indicates vitamin A deficiency which in certain cases may even lead to nightblindness. In certain cases of genereral malnutrition, vitamin A levels are often very low and require supplementation in addition to diet. 
High vitamin A levels are associated with nausea, vomitting, headaches and in severe cases of toxicity may even lead to coma. Too high vitamin A levels during pregnancy may lead to birth defects in children.

Vitamin A deficiency, which in certain circumstances can potentially cause night blindness. The levels of vitamin A are frequently quite low in several types of general malnutrition, necessitating supplementation in addition to the diet.

Elevated vitamin A levels are linked to headaches, nausea, and vomiting. In extreme cases of poisoning, they can even cause coma. Pregnant women who consume too much vitamin A risk having children who are born with congenital abnormalities."

The following clinical arguments are provided for performing the Retinol Levels Blood Test -

  • Blindness.
  • flaky, dry skin
  • There are bulging masses on the rear ends of the arms.
  • moist eyes.
  • growth and development that is slowed.
  • Headache.
  • Fatigue.
  • bones and joints suffering pain
  • Dizziness.
  • Drowsiness.

If you exhibit indications of a vitamin A deficiency or general malnutrition, a vitamin A test may be prescribed. If you have a condition that is linked to nutritional malabsorption, testing might be done on a regular basis.

You will need to fast for at least 12 hours before taking the test. Also, avoid alcohol consumption, and inform your doctor about any medications that you are currently taking.

  • Carotene Levels Blood Test
  • Vitamin A Levels Blood Test
  • Retinol Test
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