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 or disease: 
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                         
Synonyms or keywords: 
Retinol, beta-carotene, alpha tocopherol
Units: 
µmol/L
Department: 
Reference Chemistry
Location: 
Blackfriars Hub
Sample type and Volume required: 
Lithium heparin plasma and serum collected into separator tube (SST)
Minimum 0.5mL
Call in advance: 
No
Turnaround time: 
10 days
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.

Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
First class post
Contacts:
Nutristasis Unit at Blackfriars Hub
0204 591 0055
Nutristasis@synnovis.co.uk
Reference Chemistry, 1st Floor Blackfriars Hub
Friars Bridge Court
Blackfriars Road
London
SE1 8NZ

Laboratory opening times
Monday - Friday 09.00 - 17.00
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Nutristasis Unit at Blackfriars Hub

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Last updated: 22/10/2025