Skip to main content

Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

  or
  or
  or

VITAMIN E (TOCOPHEROL)

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB3259    Geisinger Epic ID:  47648

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Serum


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

2 mL serum; minimum 0.7 mL.


Special notes: 

Specimen must be centrifuged, POURED INTO AN ALIQUOT TUBE, AND PROTECTED FROM LIGHT.


Patient preparation: 

Overnight fasting is preferred.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Separate from cells as soon as possible after clotting. POUR SERUM INTO ALIQUOT and send in an amber tube. If amber tube is not available, wrap tube in aluminum foil to protect from light.


Transport temperature: 

Aliquot. Refrigerated. Protect from light.


Specimen stability: 

Room temperature: 24 hours. Refrigerated: 7 days. Frozen: 28 days.


Rejection criteria: 

Received in serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube (no gel) collection tube (not in aliquot tube) • Received room temperature • Not light protected • Plasma • Grossly hemolyzed or heavily lipemic sera.



TEST DETAILS
CPT code(s):  84446
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Alpha-Tocopherol and Beta-Gamma-Tocopherol.


Methodology: 
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Synonyms: 

Tocopherol, Quest code 931, VITAE


Clinical significance: 

Deficiency of vitamin E may cause extensive neuropathy in young children and, in addition, is suspect as a possible cause of motor and sensory neuropathy in older children and in adults. One likely cause of vitamin E deficiency is intestinal malabsorption, resulting from bowel disease, pancreatic disease, or chronic cholestasis. Other causes of malabsorption of vitamin E include celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, and intestinal lymphangiectasia.


Review Date:  12/17/2024

Performing Locations