Test Category: Specialist Biochemistry
Investigation Name:Beta Carotene
Alias or Abbreviation:Carotenes, Carotenoids
Intro:
The determination of carotenoids is useful in patients (mainly children) who ingest large quantities of carotenoid rich processed food e.g. carrot puree in baby foods, coloured fruit drinks, and can appear jaundiced due to carotenoid deposition in the skin (carotenoderma).It is not possible to become vitamin A toxic from ingesting large doses of carotenes since transformation of carotenes into vitamin A is determined by the existing concentration of vitamin A, with excess carotene being excreted.
Carotenes have been used as a malabsorption screen because it appears ubiquitously in the diet and is absorbed with intestinal fat. As there are no stores of carotenoids in the body, dietary deficiency can deplete serum carotenoid levels in 3-4 weeks.
Pathology Laboratory:Mass Spec Laboratory
Requestable Seperately?Yes
Units:µmol/L
Minimum Sample Volume:Preferred: 500 µL serum/plasma,
absolute minimum: 225 µL (may also be used for measurement of vitamins A and E)
Expected Turnaround Time:14 working days.
Urgent analysis where clinically indicated may be arranged directly with the laboratory.
Sample Type:
Serum or lithium heparin plasmaComplex Reference Range:0.19-0.89 µmol/L
Collection Conditions / Other Information:There is no need to protect samples from light, e.g., wrap in foil.
Please note that we no longer offer alpha-carotene analysis
Referred to Another Laboratory?No
Storage Requirements:Store separated plasma/serum at 4 °C prior to dispatch
Posting Address / Requirements:1st class post at ambient temperature
Sandwell Health Campus
Specialist Chemistry Laboratory
Pathology Department
Lyndon,
B71 4HJ
NPEX / PDF Reporting Available:yes
EQA Scheme:UK NEQAS for Vitamin Assays
Lead Contact Details:Helen Duce, Principal Clinical Scientist, >br/> Email: h.duce@nhs.net
Email Address For Chasing Results:rwh-tr.bcpsspecialistchemistryenquiries@nhs.net
Methodology:High-performance liquid chromatography
Site Sample Tested:Sandwell Health Campus
Cost:Please email: bcpspathology.info@nhs.net for further details
Contact Number:Tel: 0121 507 5162
