Serum or Plasma Mass Concentration of Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol)
This test measures the amount of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant found in your blood. Vitamin E helps protect cells from damage and supports immune function.
["Vitamin E levels help assess your risk of certain health issues, especially those related to oxidative stress."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 36807-6
- Short code
- MRA Should ves-R
- Synonyms
- MRA Should ves-R
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 20
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mr-angio
- CPT
- 85651
- 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms of vitamin E deficiency, such as muscle weakness, nerve problems, or a history of certain genetic disorders. It may also be used to monitor vitamin E levels in people taking supplements or those with conditions like cystic fibrosis or liver disease that affect fat absorption.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it involves drawing blood from your vein. If you’re taking vitamin E supplements, your provider may advise stopping them for a few days before testing to get an accurate result.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis to measure vitamin E levels.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as a mass concentration (e.g., micrograms per deciliter or milligrams per deciliter). Low levels may indicate deficiency, while high levels could suggest over-supplementation or certain medical conditions. Your provider will interpret the results in the context of your overall health.
Reference range
Adult males: 0-15 mm/hr; Females: 0-20 mm/hrN/A
No special preparation required. CRP may be affected by acute illness.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low vitamin E levels can contribute to oxidative stress, increasing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, neurological disorders, or certain cancers. It may also affect immune function and muscle coordination. High levels, while less common, could signal excessive supplementation or underlying metabolic issues that require further evaluation.
Short name
Vitamin E Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink anything before the blood draw?
What if my vitamin E level is outside the normal range?
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