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Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) in serum/plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

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.

Quick summary

["Vitamin E supports cell health and immune function; low levels may indicate deficiencies or certain health conditions."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
61543-5
Short code
Vit E PhenX
Synonyms
Vit E PhenX
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
phenx
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 frequent infections. It may also be used in research or specialized clinical settings to assess antioxidant status or metabolic health.

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 blood draw if instructed. Avoid taking vitamin E supplements for 24 hours before testing, as this could affect results.

What to Expect During the Test

A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but the process is quick and typically painless. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using HPLC to measure vitamin E levels.

What the Results Mean

Results are compared to a reference range, but exact values can vary by lab. Low levels may suggest dietary deficiencies, malabsorption issues, or certain genetic conditions. High levels might indicate over-supplementation or rare metabolic disorders.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Vitamin E Level

Frequently asked questions

What Are Common Causes of Low Vitamin E Levels?
Low vitamin E levels can result from poor diet (e.g., limited intake of leafy greens, nuts, or seeds), malabsorption disorders (like celiac disease or Crohn’s), or certain medications that interfere with absorption. Rarely, genetic disorders may also cause deficiencies.
What Are Common Causes of High Vitamin E Levels?
Elevated vitamin E levels are less common but may occur with overconsumption of supplements, liver disease, or rare genetic conditions. Always discuss results with your provider to rule out underlying causes.
How Often Should I Get This Test?
Your provider will determine frequency based on your health status. Routine screening for vitamin E deficiency is not standard unless you have risk factors (e.g., chronic liver disease, malabsorption, or certain medications).
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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