Test Category: Specialist Biochemistry
Investigation Name:Beta Carotene
Alias or Abbreviation:Carotenes, Carotenoids
Intro:
Please note that from 1st September 2025, BCPS is no longer offering beta carotene analysis in-house. Please discuss clinical indications for testing with duty biochemist before taking sample.The determination of carotenoids may be 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.
Requestable Seperately?Yes
Minimum Sample Volume:Preferred: 500 µL serum/plasma,
absolute minimum: 300 µL
Expected Turnaround Time:21 working days.
Sample Type:
Serum or lithium heparin plasmaComplex Reference Range:90-310 µg/L
Collection Conditions / Other Information:Please note that we no longer offer alpha or beta-carotene analysis
Reference Laboratory Details:Scottish Trace Element and Micronutrient Diagnostic and Research Laboratory
Referred to Another Laboratory?Yes
Storage Requirements:Separate sample, store frozen before sending via first class post
Lead Contact Details:Helen Duce, Principal Clinical Scientist,
Email: h.duce@nhs.net
Methodology:High-performance liquid chromatography
