Carotenoids

Pathology category

Biochemistry - referred tests

Code

CARO

Referral code

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Test information

Carotenoids (beta,alpha carotene, lycopene) roughly quantitated Useful in patients (mainly children) who ingest large quantities of carotenoid rich processed food, and can appear jaundiced due to carotenoid deposition in the skin. Carotenes have been used as aalabsorption 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.

Guidelines

Pre-analytical

Reference range

a Carotene <0.25 umol/Lb Carotene 0.19-0.89 umol/L

Tube type

Tube type info

Plain or Li hep

Special requirements

Serum or plasma 0.5mL

Minimum volume

500uL

Assay frequency

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

TAT Inpatient

2 weeks

TAT GP/Outpatient

2 weeks

Referral lab

Clinical Biochemistry City Hospital Birmingham