Alpha-Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration
Measures the amount of alpha-tocopherol, the most active form of vitamin E, in blood to help assess vitamin E status.
["This blood test helps determine whether your vitamin E level is adequate, low, or elevated."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1823-4
- Short code
- A-Tocopherol Vit E SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- A-Tocopherol Vit E SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 5
- Ref high
- 20
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test measures alpha-tocopherol, the main form of vitamin E, in serum or plasma. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test to evaluate nutritional status, investigate symptoms of vitamin E deficiency, or monitor vitamin E supplementation. It may also be used in people with fat-malabsorption disorders, some liver conditions, or rare inherited vitamin E deficiencies.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected, and the laboratory measures the concentration of alpha-tocopherol using a validated analytical method. Results are reported as a mass concentration, usually in micrograms per deciliter or milligrams per liter.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions about vitamin E supplements before testing. Recent supplementation can affect the result, and fasting may be requested in some situations, although this test is often performed without fasting.
Reference range
NCBI: Vitamin E 5-20 µg/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A low alpha-tocopherol level may reflect inadequate vitamin E intake, impaired absorption of dietary fats, or certain liver and inherited disorders. A high level may occur with excessive supplementation or repeated use of vitamin E preparations. Results should be interpreted with diet, supplement use, symptoms, and other laboratory findings because no single value is appropriate for every person.
Short name
Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol)
Frequently asked questions
What does a low vitamin E level mean?
Does taking vitamin E supplements affect the result?
Do I need to fast before this test?
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