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Carotene in Serum (Mass Concentration)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 10, 2026

This test measures the amount of carotenoids, a group of fat-soluble pigments found in certain foods like carrots, leafy greens, and citrus fruits, present in your blood serum.

Quick summary

["Carotenoids in your blood may indicate dietary intake and vitamin A status."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 10, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
14642-3
Short code
CAROT
Synonyms
Carotene SerPl-sCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top serum separator tube (SST) or plain red-top tube; protected from light
Units
N/A
Ref low
0.74
Ref high
3.72
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection
CPT
82380
SNOMED
101313200
Specimen volume
1.0–2.0 mL of serum
Stability
Room temperature: 4 hours; Refrigerated (2–8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days. Protect from light exposure to prevent carotenoid degradation.
Hemolysis max
100
Lipemia max
50
Icterus max
20
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

What Carotene Does in Your Body

Carotenoids like beta-carotene play a role in converting to vitamin A, which supports vision, immune function, and skin health. They also act as antioxidants, helping protect cells from damage.

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may request this test if you have symptoms like vision changes, skin issues, or if you’re at risk for vitamin A deficiency. It can also help assess dietary intake or monitor conditions like cystic fibrosis.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from your arm. The test is quick and typically done in a lab setting.

What the Results Mean

Results show the concentration of carotenoids in your blood. While high levels may suggest healthy dietary intake, low levels could indicate poor absorption, certain medical conditions, or limited exposure to carotenoid-rich foods.

Reference range

Serum carotene levels vary by dietary intake; reference range typically 0.74–3.72 µmol/L (40–200 µg/dL). Beta-carotene: 0.37–2.23 µmol/L. Alpha-carotene: 0.04–0.74 µmol/L.N/A

Specimen: serum

Fasting not strictly required but a fasting specimen is preferred to minimize postprandial lipemic interference. Patients should avoid carotenoid-containing supplements for 24 hours prior to collection.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Serum Carotene Level

Frequently asked questions

What causes carotene levels to be high?
High levels of carotene in your blood are often due to consuming large amounts of foods rich in carotenoids, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, or citrus fruits. It can also occur with certain supplements or genetic conditions that increase pigment absorption.
What does it mean if my carotene levels are low?
Low carotene levels may suggest poor dietary intake of carotenoid-rich foods, malabsorption issues (like celiac disease or cystic fibrosis), or underlying conditions affecting nutrient absorption. It’s important to discuss these results with your healthcare provider to explore potential causes and next steps.
Can carotene levels change with diet?
Yes, carotene levels can fluctuate based on your diet. Eating foods high in carotenoids may temporarily increase your blood levels, but they don’t always reflect long-term vitamin A status. Your provider may recommend dietary changes or other tests if needed.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy