Retinol and Retinoic Acid Levels in Serum
This test measures the levels of retinol (a form of vitamin A) and retinoic acid (a biologically active metabolite) in your blood serum. These compounds play key roles in vision, immune function, and cell growth.
["Understanding your vitamin A metabolism can help assess nutritional status and potential health risks."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 87673-0
- Short code
- Retinal+retinol+retinoic acid Spec-mCnt
- Synonyms
- Retinal+retinol+retinoic acid Spec-mCnt
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 38
- Ref high
- 98
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 like night blindness, dry skin, frequent infections, or if you have conditions such as liver disease, malabsorption issues, or certain genetic disorders. It may also be used to monitor treatment responses in patients with vitamin A deficiencies or metabolic disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically required for this test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you are on blood thinners or have bleeding disorders, let your provider know before the test.
What the Results Mean
Retinol and retinoic acid levels can vary based on diet, liver function, and overall health. Abnormal results may indicate vitamin A deficiency, excess intake, or underlying health conditions affecting metabolism.
Common Conditions Linked to Abnormal Results
Low levels of retinol or retinoic acid might suggest deficiencies, liver disease, or malabsorption problems. High levels could indicate overconsumption of vitamin A supplements or certain metabolic disorders.
Reference range
NCBI: Vitamin A 38-98 µg/dLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test helps identify whether vitamin A metabolism is functioning properly, which can inform treatment plans for conditions like night blindness, immune dysfunction, or genetic disorders affecting vitamin A processing.
Short name
Vitamin A Metabolites
Frequently asked questions
What does a low level of retinol or retinoic acid mean?
Can diet affect these test results?
Are there any risks or side effects from this blood 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy