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Test Name:
Carotene, Total, Serum


  • SBMF No:
    23034
  • Performance Lab Name:
    Hematology
  • Test Mnemonic:
    CAROTENE
  • ABN:
    Not required
  • CPT Code:
    82380
  • LOINC Code:
    2053-7
  • Also Known As:
    Provitamin A
  • Spec Type:
    Serum
  • Spec Container:
    Gold top (SST) or red top (serum) tube
  • Pref Vol:
    2.0 mL
  • Min Vol:
    1.0 mL
  • Fasting:
    No
  • Spec Collect:
    Routine venipuncture
    Label sample tube
    Wrap tube in foil to protect sample from light exposure
    Do not place label over foil wrap
  • Spec Process:
    Clot 30 minutes
    Promptly centrifuge 15 minutes
    Immediately transfer serum to light-protected (amber) plastic tube and freeze
  • Spec Store Transport:
    Refrigerated (24 hours) or frozen
  • Spec Stability:
    24 hours refrigerated (2-8°C)
    Greater than 24 hours, freeze (-20°C) – Do not use frost-free units that undergo repeated freeze/thaw cycles
  • Spec Reject:
    Serum not frozen within 24 hours of collection
  • Methodology:
    Spectrophotometry
  • Use:
    Useful as a screening method for the detection of malabsorption of fat
  • Clinical Significance:
    Carotene or provitamin A determination in serum is the most useful single screening method for the detection of malabsorption of fat. Carotene is a fat-soluble pigment that is slowly absorbed. It is found in leafy vegetables, fruits, and liver. The absorption of carotene requires the presence of dietary lipids; limited amounts of these lipids are stored in the liver. When malabsorption of fats occurs, serum carotene is greatly decreased.Carotene levels are lowest in primary malabsorption. Levels may also be low in enteritis and many diseases associated with steatorrhea. High fever, hepatic disease, and deficient diet may also cause low carotene levels.Carotene values are increased in diabetes, hyperlipemia, carotenemia, and hypothyroidism.
  • Reference Range:
    50-250 µg/dL
  • Additional Test Info:
    Limitations and Interferences:
    Carotene is subject to deterioration from light and air
    This method measures total carotenes and not just ß-carotene
  • Day Run:
    Wed, Sat
  • Time Run:
    8:00 am
  • Time Reported:
    5:00 pm
  • Test Type:
    CHEMISTRY

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