Test Directory

Confirm the diagnosis of carotenoderma; detect fat malabsorption; depressed carotene levels may be found in cases of steatorrhea.

Specimen Type: Serum, protected from light

Collection Container: Gold Top, Serum Separator

Alternate Collection Container: Red Top, Plain

Desired Specimen Volume: 0.7 mL

1. Collect a gold top, serum separator tube via venipuncture.

1. Separate serum from cells.
2. Transfer 0.7 mL of serum to an amber aliquot tube.
3. If amber tubes are unavailable, cover standard transport tube completely, top and bottom, with aluminum foil. Identify specimen with patient's name directly on the container and on the outside of the aluminum foil. Secure with tape.

Patient should fast for 12 hours and abstain from alcohol for 24 hours prior to collection. For those who are younger than six months, draw prior to next feeding. Blood should be collected before breakfast in the morning and prior to any medication

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated.

• Specimen not protected from light
• Hemolysis
• Sample type other than serum received

See patient report.

High levels are useful to rule out steatorrhea but lower values lack specificity. There is poor sensitivity. High in the serum of those ingesting large amounts of vegetables. The gold standard for confirmation of a diagnosis of malabsorption remains fat measurement of a 72-hour stool specimen.

• Carotene, β
• Carotene, Beta