Why is this procedure done?
This test is done to find out how much vitamin A is in your blood. Vitamin A is also called retinol. Having the right amount of vitamin A is very important. It is found in some foods or you may take it as a pill. Your body cannot make vitamin A, but it often has a large amount stored in the liver and fat tissues. Vitamin A is important for your vision. It also helps with your skin and bone growth. Too much vitamin A can be bad for your body. ‚
The doctor may order a vitamin A level to: ‚
- Check your general health and nutritional status
- Check for problems with your skin or eyes
- Check if your body has a problem absorbing nutrients, such as vitamin A.
- See how well your treatment is working
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What will the results be?
- If the results are normal, it means you likely have enough vitamin A. The test cannot tell how much vitamin A your body has stored in the liver and fatty tissues.
- If you have a low vitamin A level, it means your body needs more.
- If you have a high vitamin A level, your body is not able to store any more vitamin A. This could be dangerous.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- You may need to stop eating and drinking for 4 to 6 hours before your test.
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) for 24 hours before this test .
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have any bleeding problems
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood to see how much vitamin A is in it. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Put pressure with your other hand where the needle was. This will help with bruising and bleeding.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities after the test. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
- This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your vitamin A. Together you can make a plan for more care.
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/vitamin-a/tab/test/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚