Tocopherol (Vitamin E) and Cholesterol, Serum/Plasma
Measures vitamin E (tocopherol) and cholesterol in blood to help assess vitamin status and cardiovascular risk factors.
["This test can help identify vitamin E deficiency or imbalance and evaluate blood cholesterol levels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 59250-1
- Short code
- Tocopherols/Cholest SerPl-sRto
- Synonyms
- Tocopherols/Cholest SerPl-sRto
- Category
- lipid
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 5
- Ref high
- 20
- 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
What is this test?
This blood test measures tocopherol, also known as vitamin E, along with total cholesterol. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage, while cholesterol is a substance used by the body to build cells and hormones.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test to assess vitamin E status, particularly in someone with malnutrition, a condition that affects fat absorption, or symptoms that could be related to a vitamin deficiency. Cholesterol may be included as part of an evaluation of cardiovascular risk or the effectiveness of lipid-lowering treatment.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected from a vein and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The laboratory measures the amount of vitamin E and cholesterol in the serum or plasma portion of the blood.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually required for vitamin E measurement. If the test is being used to evaluate cholesterol, your clinician may ask you to fast for several hours beforehand; follow any fasting instructions provided with the test order.
Reference range
NCBI: Vitamin E 5-20 µg/mLN/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.
A low vitamin E level may occur with inadequate intake, impaired fat absorption, or certain medical conditions, although symptoms are not specific to vitamin E deficiency. High or low cholesterol can influence cardiovascular risk assessment, and results should be interpreted alongside diet, medical history, and other lipid measurements.
Short name
Vitamin E and Cholesterol
Frequently asked questions
Does this test show whether I have a vitamin E deficiency?
Is this the same as a standard cholesterol panel?
Do I need to fast before 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy