Total Antioxidant Capacity of Plasma (or Serum)
This test measures the overall ability of your blood plasma or serum to neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage. Antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress, which may contribute to chronic diseases.
["Assessing your body’s antioxidant defenses can help identify potential risks for oxidative damage or inflammation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95698-7
- Short code
- TAHV IgA Spec Ql IA
- Synonyms
- TAHV IgA Spec Ql IA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- CPT
- 82784
- 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 or conditions linked to oxidative stress, such as chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, or metabolic disorders. It may also be used in research or monitoring certain treatments that affect oxidative processes.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm, similar to other blood tests. If you’re taking blood thinners, inform your provider beforehand to ensure safe collection.
How the Results Are Interpreted
Results are usually reported as a single value representing the overall antioxidant capacity, though exact reference ranges vary by lab. Higher values may indicate stronger antioxidant defenses, while lower values could suggest increased oxidative stress.
Common Conditions Monitored or Evaluated
This test is often used to monitor conditions where oxidative stress plays a role, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or certain cancers. It may also help assess the effectiveness of antioxidant supplements or therapies.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Antioxidants and Health
Short name
Total Antioxidant Status (TAS)
Frequently asked questions
What does a low antioxidant capacity mean?
How does diet affect antioxidant levels?
Can stress or illness impact antioxidant test results?
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