Vitamin A Blood Test - More Information

The vitamin A test, also known as a vitamin A blood test, retinol blood test and a vitamin A lab test, checks the vitamin A blood level.

Vitamin A as a term represents a group of nutrients that are important for vision health, immunity and growth processes in the body. Sometimes known by its components (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid and beta-carotene), vitamin A can be found in different types of foods.

Low vitamin A levels, also known as vitamin A deficiencies, can occur from inadequate intake, poor absorption or external interference from chemicals. Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency include poor night vision and damage to structures of the eye in addition to weakening the immune system. Vitamin A deficiencies can be improved by taking vitamin A supplements. Vitamin A can also be toxic to the body at high levels. Excessive vitamin A, or vitamin A toxicity, can cause bone fractures and birth defects in pregnant women as well as vomiting, hair loss, stomach pain and dry skin. Vitamin A levels are typically higher in women who are taking oral contraceptives.

Getting a vitamin A lab test near you is a straightforward process at a Quest Diagnostics lab. After you order online, simply get your blood drawn and you will be able to download your electronic results when available. As can be seen on the sample vitamin A lab report above, your vitamin A blood levels will be reported in mcg/dL and can be compared against the reference range provided by the lab to get a sense as to whether your vitamin A levels are high, normal or low.

The vitamin A test is part of the advanced vitamin panel and the comprehensive vitamin panel.