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DNA Labs India

Vitamin A Retinol Test

DNA Labs India | ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Vitamin A Retinol Test

Short Name: Vitamin A Retinol

Also known as: Retinol test, Serum Vitamin A, Vitamin A blood test

Vitamin A Retinol Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹5,500. Uses High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) on Serum samples. Results in Samples received by Friday 9 am are generally reported by Tuesday.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Blood testAll age groups🏠 Home Collection

✍️ Written By

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Dr Ramarao Paidisetty

Dr Ramarao Paidisetty

Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504

Last reviewed: September 7, 2026

Overview

This assay is useful for diagnosing Vitamin A deficiency & toxicity and for monitoring therapy. It evaluates persons with intestinal malabsorption of lipids. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to blindness whereas chronic intoxication can affect several organs. Known HIV positive patients with Vitamin A deficiency show increased disease progression and mortality.

Test Code
3750
CPT Code
84590
Price
₹5,500
Sample Type
Serum
Result Time
Samples received by Friday 9 am are generally reported by Tuesday.
Fasting Required
Yes
Method
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Step 1

Sample Collection

Overnight fasting is mandatory. Inform your doctor about any vitamin A supplements or medications you are taking.

Method: Venipuncture

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

A blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm. The process usually takes only a few minutes.

Step 3

Report Delivery

You may resume normal diet and activities after the blood draw. If you feel dizzy or faint, inform the lab staff.

Timeline: Samples received by Friday 9 am are generally reported by Tuesday.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:Fasting overnight is required. Avoid vitamin A supplements before the test unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
2
During the Test:A blood sample is drawn from a vein. The sample tube must be wrapped to protect it from light.
3
After the Test:Normal activity can be resumed. You will receive your report through the selected delivery mode.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

This assay is useful for diagnosing Vitamin A deficiency & toxicity and for monitoring therapy. It evaluates persons with intestinal malabsorption of lipids. Vitamin A deficiency can lead to blindness whereas chronic intoxication can affect several organs. Known HIV positive patients with Vitamin A deficiency show increased disease progression and mortality.

How to Prepare

  • 3 mL (1.5 mL min.) serum from 1 Red Top (No Additive) tube.
  • Do not use SST gel barrier tubes.
  • Separate serum within 1 hour of collection.
  • Wrap sample in aluminium foil to protect from light.
  • Ship refrigerated or frozen.

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504

"Retinol is a fat-soluble vitamin; interpretation should consider dietary intake, hepatic function, and inflammatory status. I review serum retinol results together with clinical symptoms to distinguish deficiency from toxicity before deciding on vitamin A supplementation."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeSerum
Sample Volume3 mL (1.5 mL min.)
Container1 Red Top (No Additive) tube
Collection MethodVenipuncture

Sample Stability

Room temperature: Not recommended (NA)
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 12 hours
Frozen: 3 weeks
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Specimen received in SST gel barrier tube
  • Sample not protected from light
  • Serum not separated within 1 hour of collection
  • Inadequate volume less than 1.5 mL
  • Unlabeled or mismatched specimen

Understanding Your Results

The Vitamin A retinol test result should always be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical presentation, dietary history, and other laboratory findings. A single value may not reflect total body stores.
📊

Normal

📊

Deficiency

📊

Toxicity

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

If your result is outside the reference range or if you experience vision changes, severe headache, persistent nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms, contact your doctor promptly.

Limitations

  • ⚠Serum retinol does not directly measure total body or liver vitamin A stores.
  • ⚠A single serum value may not detect marginal deficiency until liver stores are depleted.
  • ⚠Reference ranges vary between laboratories and with patient age.
  • ⚠HPLC method requires special handling; results should always be interpreted with clinical findings.

Risks & Considerations

  • ●Pain or slight bruising at the needle site
  • ●Hematoma formation
  • ●Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • ●Excessive bleeding (uncommon)
  • ●Infection at the puncture site (very rare)

Interfering Factors

  • ●Non-fasting sample or recent vitamin A-rich food intake
  • ●Exposure of the sample to light after collection
  • ●Use of serum separator (SST) gel barrier tubes
  • ●Recent high-dose vitamin A or retinol supplements
  • ●Impaired retinol transport due to liver disease or protein-energy malnutrition

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Vitamin A Retinol Test?
The Vitamin A Retinol Test measures the amount of retinol (vitamin A) in your blood. It helps identify vitamin A deficiency or toxicity and is used to monitor patients on vitamin A therapy.
Why is overnight fasting mandatory for this test?
Overnight fasting is required because food, especially vitamin A-rich meals, can temporarily raise serum retinol levels and affect interpretation. Your doctor may also ask you to avoid vitamin A supplements before the test.
Why must the sample be protected from light?
Retinol is sensitive to light and can break down if exposed. The sample must be wrapped in aluminium foil to ensure accurate measurement.
What are common symptoms of vitamin A deficiency?
Symptoms include night blindness, dry eyes, corneal ulcers, increased susceptibility to infections, poor growth, dry rough skin, and delayed wound healing.
What are common symptoms of vitamin A toxicity?
Headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, vertigo, loss of appetite, and joint pain. Severe toxicity can cause liver damage, coma, and even death.
Who should undergo this test?
It is recommended for people with symptoms of deficiency or toxicity, those at risk due to malabsorption or malnutrition, and patients receiving vitamin A therapy.
Is home sample collection available?
Yes, DNA Labs India offers free home sample collection for online bookings of the Vitamin A Retinol Test in major cities across India.
What is the cost of the test?
The test is available at a special discounted price of INR 5500, which includes the test and free home sample collection in selected locations.
What sample is needed for the test?
A serum sample of 3 mL (minimum 1.5 mL) is collected in a Red Top tube with no additive. The serum must be separated within one hour and protected from light.
When will I get the report?
Samples received by Friday 9 am are generally reported by Tuesday. Report delivery is available online, by email, and via WhatsApp.
What does the result indicate?
Normal serum retinol indicates adequate vitamin A levels. Low levels suggest deficiency, while high levels may indicate toxicity. Your doctor will interpret the result with your clinical history.
Are there any risks in the test?
The test is a simple blood draw. Minor risks include slight pain, bruising, or bleeding at the needle site. Serious complications are rare.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.
For Hospitals & Clinics

Reference Laboratory Services

We serve as a reference laboratory for hospitals and clinics across India. Send samples from your facility with same-day pickup, priority processing, and results delivered through our online portal. Competitive institutional pricing available.

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