Carotene (Mass Concentration) in Serum
This test measures the amount of carotenoids, a group of fat-soluble pigments found in certain foods like carrots, leafy greens, and fruits. It helps assess your body’s absorption and storage of these nutrients.
["Carotenoids support vision, immune function, and skin health; low levels may indicate dietary deficiencies or absorption issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1370-6
- Short code
- CARO-POLY
- Synonyms
- Carotene p 15000 U BC QDx3 Ser-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum collection tube (no anticoagulant) or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 500
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection
- CPT
- 84590
- SNOMED
- 102734006
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Serum carotene is stable for 7 days at 2-8°C, and up to 3 months at -20°C. Protect from light.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Carotene Measures
Carotene levels reflect your intake of vitamin A precursors (e.g., beta-carotene) and how efficiently your body converts them into usable vitamin A. This test is often used alongside vitamin A status assessments.
How Carotene Works in Your Body
Carotenoids like beta-carotene are absorbed in the small intestine and stored in tissues. Your liver converts some into vitamin A, while others remain as pigments. Low levels may suggest poor dietary intake or malabsorption conditions.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
Elevated levels may occur with high carotenoid-rich diet intake, while low levels can result from limited exposure to plant-based foods, certain digestive disorders, or liver disease.
When This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like vision changes, frequent infections, or if you’re at risk for vitamin A deficiency (e.g., due to malabsorption or limited diet).
Reference range
Post-carotene loading test: Expected significant increase in serum carotene levels (typically >500 ug/dL) after 3-day oral loading dose of 15,000 units carotene, indicating normal intestinal absorption.N/A
Patient must receive 15,000 units of carotene orally once daily for 3 consecutive days (Qdx3). On day 3 (post-loading), serum sample should be collected for carotene measurement. No fasting required prior to final blood draw, but should be drawn approximately 24 hours after the last dose.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Carotene levels indirectly indicate vitamin A status, which is critical for immune function, night vision, and cell growth. While not a direct measure of vitamin A, low carotene can signal potential deficiencies that may require dietary or medical intervention.
Short name
Serum Carotene Level
Frequently asked questions
Why might my carotene test be done?
What do my results mean?
Can I change my diet to affect 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy