Serum or Plasma Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol) Concentration
This test measures the amount of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant found in your blood. Vitamin E helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
["Vitamin E supports immune function and may help reduce oxidative stress in your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 36805-0
- Short code
- MRA Should ves
- Synonyms
- MRA Should ves
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mr-angio
- 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for vitamin E deficiency, especially if you have symptoms like muscle weakness, nerve problems, or a history of certain health conditions that affect fat absorption. It can also be part of a broader evaluation for malnutrition or conditions like cystic fibrosis.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for a few hours before the blood draw if your test involves serum. If you’re taking vitamin E supplements, your provider may advise stopping them for a certain period before testing to get an accurate result.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample will be sent to a lab to measure the vitamin E levels in your blood, either in serum or plasma.
What Are Possible Results?
Results will show the concentration of vitamin E in your blood. While reference ranges can vary by lab, low levels may indicate deficiency, while very high levels might suggest overconsumption of supplements.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low vitamin E levels can lead to health issues like oxidative stress, weakened immune function, or neurological problems. High levels may not always cause symptoms but could indicate excessive supplementation. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Short name
Vitamin E Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes vitamin E deficiency?
How long does it take to get results?
Can vitamin E supplements 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy