Alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E) Serum 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 reduce oxidative stress in the body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 29747-3
- Short code
- Tocopherols SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Tocopherols SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- 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
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 certain genetic conditions. It can also be used to monitor vitamin E levels in people taking supplements or those with conditions affecting fat absorption, such as cystic fibrosis or short bowel syndrome.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your lab uses a specific method, but this is rare for vitamin E. Bring any supplements you take regularly to discuss with your provider.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm by a healthcare professional. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis using a specialized method, often high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
What the Results Mean
Results are reported as a mass concentration of vitamin E in the blood. While reference ranges vary by lab, low levels may indicate deficiency, while very high levels could suggest over-supplementation or certain medical conditions.
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.
Low vitamin E levels can lead to oxidative stress, affecting organs like the brain, lungs, and eyes. Deficiency is rare in healthy individuals but may occur in people with malabsorption disorders, chronic liver disease, or those on certain medications. High levels may require further evaluation to rule out excessive supplementation or rare metabolic disorders.
Short name
Vitamin E Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes vitamin E deficiency?
Can vitamin E supplements affect my test results?
How long does it take to get 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy