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HelpTest Code LAB6111 Carotene, Beta
Additional Codes
Mayo test code: FCATB
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation:
1. Fasting: 12 hours, required
a. Blood should be collected before breakfast in the morning and prior to receiving any medication
b. Infants younger than 6 months, collect specimen before next feeding.
2. Patient must not consume any alcohol for 24 hours before specimen collection.
Supplies: Amber Frosted Tube, 5 mL (T915)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Amber vial
Specimen Volume: 0.7 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Within 1 hour of collection, centrifuge and aliquot 0.7 mL of serum into an amber vial to protect from light.
2. Ship ambient.
Secondary ID
75927Useful For
Confirming the diagnosis of carotenoderma
Detecting fat malabsorption
Method Name
High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)
Reporting Name
Carotene, BetaSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Ambient (preferred) | 14 days | LIGHT PROTECTED |
| Frozen | 14 days | LIGHT PROTECTED | |
| Refrigerated | 14 days | LIGHT PROTECTED |
Reject Due To
| Hemolysis | Reject |
| Specimen not protected from light | Reject |
| Specimen other than serum | Reject |
Reference Values
3-91 ug/dL
Interpretation
Depressed carotene levels may be found in cases of steatorrhea.
Day(s) Performed
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Report Available
5 to 10 daysPerforming Laboratory
LabCorp BurlingtonCPT Code Information
82380
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| FCATB | Carotene, Beta | 2053-7 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| FCATB | Carotene, Beta | 2053-7 |
Clinical Information
Vitamin A serum levels do not correlate well with liver stores. Carotenemia may be confused with jaundice. It is also reported high with some cases of diabetes mellitus, myxedema, chronic nephritis, nephrotic syndrome,(1,2) liver disease, hypothyroidism, type I, IIA, and IIB hyperlipoproteinemia, and in a group of amenorrheic hypogonadotropic women.(1) An inverse relationship between serum beta-carotene and the risk of bronchogenic squamous cell carcinoma is reported.(3) The highest carotene levels are found in the serum of faddists ingesting large amounts of vegetables.(4) Oral leukoplakia responds well to beta-carotene therapy.(5) Low beta-carotene levels are associated with oral contraceptives and smoking.(6)
Cautions
High levels are useful to rule out steatorrhea but lower values lack specificity. There is poor sensitivity.
High levels are found in the serum of individuals ingesting large amounts of vegetables.
Clinical Reference
1. Kemmann E, Pasquale SA, Skaf R. Amenorrhea associated with carotenemia. JAMA. 1983;249(7):926-929
2. McNeely MD. Gastrointestinal function. In: Sonnenwirth AC, Jarett L, eds. Gradwohl's Clinical Laboratory Methods and Diagnosis. 8th ed. St Louis, Mo: Mosby-Year Book Inc;1980:517-536
3. Menkes MS, Comstock GW, Vuilleumier JP, Helsing KJ, Rider AA, Brookmeyer R. Serum beta-carotene, vitamins A and E, selenium, and the risk of lung cancer. N Engl J Med. 1986;315(20):1250-1254
4. Gerard SK. Serum carotene: A screening test for malabsorption. Pathologist. 1986;36-37
5. Garewal HS, Meyskens FL Jr, Killen D, et al. Response of oral leukoplakia to beta-carotene. J Clin Oncol. 1990;8(10):1715-1720
6. Palan PR, Romney SL, Vermund SH, Mikhail MG, Basu J. Effects of smoking and oral contraception on plasma beta-carotene levels in healthy women. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1989;161(4):881-885