Carotene (Serum/Plasma Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of carotenoids, a group of natural pigments found in certain foods like fruits and vegetables, in your blood.
["Carotenoids in your blood can help your body produce vitamin A and may support eye and skin health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2053-7
- Short code
- CAROT
- Synonyms
- Carotene SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum tube (no anticoagulant) or serum separator tube (SST); protect from light
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 60
- Ref high
- 200
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) or Spectrophotometry
- CPT
- 82380
- SNOMED
- 3024000
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Serum stable for 4 hours at room temperature; 1 week at 2-8°C; 1 month at -20°C. Protect from light exposure to prevent carotenoid degradation.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Carotene Measures
Carotene levels in your blood reflect your dietary intake of carotenoid-rich foods, such as carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, and citrus fruits. Your body converts some carotenoids into vitamin A, which is essential for vision, immune function, and skin health. This test is often used to assess overall nutrient status or to monitor dietary intake, especially in cases where vitamin A deficiency is suspected.
Why It Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like vision problems, frequent infections, or unusual skin changes. It may also be used in research or specialized studies focusing on carotenoid metabolism or antioxidant levels in the body.
Common Reasons for Testing
Carotene testing is less common in routine medical checkups but could be part of a broader evaluation for conditions linked to vitamin A deficiency or specific dietary concerns. It may also be included in studies on carotenoid absorption or as part of nutritional assessments.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically required. You may provide a blood sample during a regular doctor’s visit or at a lab. If you’re taking medications that affect nutrient absorption, let your provider know.
Reference range
Serum carotene (beta-carotene): 60-200 µg/dL (1.12-3.72 µmol/L). Reference values may vary by laboratory and analytical method.N/A
Fasting is not strictly required but is preferred for accurate assessment. Patient should avoid excessive vitamin A or beta-carotene supplementation for 24-48 hours prior to collection. Dietary intake of carotenoid-rich foods (carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens) should be considered.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Carotene Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Can diet affect my carotene levels?
Is this test used to diagnose vitamin A deficiency?
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