Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol), Red Blood Cells — Substance Concentration
Measures vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) in red blood cells to help assess vitamin E status and nutritional balance.
["This blood test measures vitamin E stored in red blood cells and may help identify deficiency or excess."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 74513-3
- Short code
- A-Tocopherol Vit E EntSub RBC
- Synonyms
- A-Tocopherol Vit E EntSub RBC
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test measures alpha-tocopherol, the main form of vitamin E, in red blood cells. Red blood cell vitamin E can help provide information about longer-term vitamin E status.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test when vitamin E deficiency or excess is suspected. It may be considered with symptoms of deficiency, poor dietary intake, conditions that affect fat absorption, or use of vitamin E supplements.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected, and the laboratory measures alpha-tocopherol in the red blood cell component. The sample is then analyzed using a validated laboratory method.
How do I prepare for the test?
Special preparation is generally not required, but follow any instructions provided by the laboratory or your clinician. Tell your clinician about vitamin E supplements and other products you take because they may affect the result.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A low red blood cell vitamin E level may reflect inadequate dietary intake, impaired absorption or transport, certain chronic illnesses, or a rare inherited vitamin E deficiency. A high level may occur with excessive supplementation. Results should be interpreted with diet, supplement use, symptoms, and other laboratory findings.
Short name
Vitamin E, Red Blood Cells
Frequently asked questions
What does this test measure?
How is it different from a serum vitamin E test?
Can vitamin E supplements affect the result?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy