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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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VITAMIN A (RETINOL)

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB3253    Geisinger Epic ID:  47650

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 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):  84590
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: 

Vitamin A (retinol).


Methodology: 
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Synonyms: 

Retinol, Quest code 921, VITAA


Clinical significance: 

Vitamin A is critical for vision, growth, and many cell functions. High concentrations of Vitamin A are seen with renal failure, but this is not associated with toxicity and excessive ingestion. High concentrations are associated with bone fractures. Low concentrations of Vitamin A are consistent with fat malabsorption and are rarely due to inadequate diet.


Review Date:  12/17/2024

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