Why is this procedure done?
This test is done to find out how much vitamin E is in your blood. This vitamin is found in some foods, added to some foods, or may be taken as a pill. ‚
Having the right amount of vitamin E is vital to helping your nerves and muscles work well. Not having enough vitamin E in your diet can cause poor growth or other health problems. ‚
The doctor may order a vitamin E level to: ‚
- Check your health and nutrition status
- Check for problems with your nerves or muscles
- Learn if the food you eat is helping your body to work well or if your body has a problem taking in nutrients like vitamin E
- See how well your treatment is working
- Go along with other tests
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What will the results be?
- Normal vitamin E levels can mean that your signs are due to some other problem.
- High vitamin E levels may mean you have problems with your liver or some other illness.
- You may also be taking too much vitamin E supplement.
- Low vitamin E levels may mean you have problems taking in the vitamin from your diet. This may be due to an illness or health problem.
- The doctor will look at the results of your test and may learn that you have signs of an illness that needs treatment.
- Your doctor may order other tests to confirm the problem.
What happens before the procedure?
- Ask your doctor if you need to stop eating or drinking before your test. Also talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking, including vitamins and herbal drugs
- 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 E 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 when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your vitamin E level. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
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. ‚