Test for vitamin A

Vitamin A is a form of Retinol; it has a number of roles in the immune system, acting as the body's first line of defense. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is necessary for a variety of body processes, including healthy vision, a robust immune system, reproduction, and skin health.

Lack of Vitamin A in the body can cause various health issues, from minor ones like dry skin and eyes to more serious ones like adult night blindness and infant growth retardation. Therefore, it is crucial for those who are more likely to have Vitamin A deficits to get tested for Vitamin A.

What are the uses of the vitamin A (retinol) test?

Vitamin A test is used to:

  • Identifying a vitamin A deficit: Your body becomes deficient in vitamin A when it doesn't receive enough of it. Vitamin A insufficiency can be brought on by a vitamin A-deficient diet and several conditions. Vision problems, including night blindness, are among the symptoms. Taking vitamin A tests can diagnose it. Consuming a lot of vitamin A-containing meals will help you avoid vitamin A deficiency.
  • Determining Vitamin A toxicity: It is possible to become toxic to vitamin A either by using it topically or ingesting it. There are two types of oral vitamin A toxicity- acute (caused by ingesting a lot of vitamin A in a short length of time) and chronic (caused by ingesting vitamin A over an extended period of time). The teratogenicity of systemic retinoids is their most serious side effect. Skin erythema,peeling, and irritation are the most frequent side effects of topical vitamin A. Vitamin A test helps to diagnose toxicity.
  • To detect diseases like Celiac disease and Crohn's disease, which can be due to vitamin deficiencies

Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!

Get A Second Opinion

What is the need of the vitamin A (retinol) test?

The vitamin A test measures the level of vitamin A present in the blood. Vitamin A is a necessary nutrient for growth and also for good skin, the construction of bones, the immune system, and the development of the embryo.

Vitamin A toxicity is often brought on by excessive supplement usage, although it can also result from diets high in vitamin A-rich foods. People who do not consume enough meat, fruits, and vegetables in their diets may get vitamin A deficiency. Night blindness is mostly caused by vitamin A deficiency.

How to prepare for the test ?

To perform the Vitamin A Test Procedure, The process is quick and involves:

  • Preparing for the test: Your doctor may ask you to fast for 12-14 hours before the test and avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
  • Blood collection: A needle is used to draw a small sample of blood, and the sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
  • Results: The lab will measure the amount of Vitamin A in your blood. Normal levels usually range from 20 to 60 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL).

What happens during a Vitamin A test?

During the Vitamin A test, a blood sample will be taken. For which a needle will be used for withdrawing blood from veins, and a little amount will be taken in a test vial. Some patients experience significant pain when the needle is placed to draw blood. Others merely experience a sting or prick. There might be little bruising or pain thereafter but it vanishes off soon.


Who Should Get Tested?

Consider the vitamin A test method​ if you:

  • Have Symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency or toxicity.
  • Suffering from conditions like pancreatitis or intestinal diseases.
  • Are at risk due to a diet low in Vitamin A-rich foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables, meat).

Understanding the results

Normal Results - 20 to 60 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) or 0.69 to 2.09 micromoles per liter (micromol/L) are considered normal levels.

Different laboratories may have somewhat different normal value ranges. Some laboratories test various samples or use various metrics. Ask your doctor what your particular test findings signify.

Abnormal results:When the reports come and the levels are not between the referred levels, it means you don't have enough vitamin A in your blood if the result is lower than usual. This may lead to:

  • Bones or teeth that do not develop correctly
  • Dry or inflamed eyes
  • Irritation
  • Hair loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Night blindness
  • Recurring infections
  • Skin rashes

A higher-than-normal value means you have excess vitamin A in your blood (toxic levels). This may cause:

  • Anemia
  • Bone and muscle pain;
  • Diarrhea
  • Double vision
  • Hair loss
  • Increased pressure in the brain (pseudotumor cerebri)
  • Lack of muscle coordination (ataxia)
  • Liver and spleen enlargement
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea

Vitamin A insufficiency may arise if your body has problems absorbing lipids via the digestive tract. This might happen if you have:

  • Chronic lung disease or cystic fibrosis
  • Pancreas issues, such as pancreatitis, which causes swelling and inflammation, or the organ not releasing enough enzymes (pancreatic insufficiency)
  • Diseases of the small intestine that hinder the absorption of nutrients, such as celiac disease.

Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!

Book an Appointment

Benefits of Vitamin A Test

  • Detects Deficiency: Identifies low Vitamin A levels causing night blindness or dry skin.
  • Monitors Toxicity: Ensures levels aren’t too high, which can harm the liver or cause bone pain.
  • Supports Diagnosis: Helps diagnose malabsorption issues like celiac or Crohn’s disease.
  • Tracks Treatment: Monitors effectiveness of Vitamin A supplementation.
  • Prevents Complications: Early detection avoids long-term issues like vision loss or immune dysfunction.

Risks of having a Vitamin A test

The test is safe, with minimal risks:

  • There are no risks or dangers of having a blood test. 
  • The dimensions of veins and arteries differ from person to person   and from one side of the body to the other.
  • Rarely, minor dizziness during blood collection.
Book Doctor Appointment
Book Free Appointment
Make an appointment just in few minutes - Call Us Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is vitamin A important for the body?

Vitamin A is essential for vision, immune function, skin health, and cellular communication. It plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy eyes, supporting the immune system, and promoting normal growth and development. It also helps in fighting infections and maintaining healthy skin.

What is the need of a vitamin A test?

A vitamin A test helps measure the level of this essential nutrient in the body. It is important for diagnosing deficiencies, which can lead to vision problems, weakened immunity, and skin issues, or excessive intake, which can lead to toxicity.

What is the vitamin A test called?

The vitamin A test is commonly referred to as a serum retinol test. This blood test measures the amount of retinol, the active form of vitamin A, in your bloodstream, helping doctors evaluate whether you have a deficiency or excess of this vitamin.

What is the normal level of vitamin A?

The normal range for vitamin A levels is typically between 20 to 60 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) of blood. However, levels can vary slightly depending on the laboratory, and high or low levels may require intervention or lifestyle adjustments.

Is fasting required for the vitamin A tests?

Fasting is generally not required for a vitamin A test. However, your healthcare provider may recommend fasting if combined with other blood tests. It's always best to follow any specific instructions given by your doctor or the lab performing the test.

Can excess vitamin A cause hair loss?

Yes, excessive vitamin A intake, particularly in the form of supplements, can cause hair loss. This condition, known as hypervitaminosis A, can also lead to other symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and skin irritation, indicating the need to reduce intake.

When should I get tested for vitamin A?

You should get tested for vitamin A if you have symptoms of deficiency such as night blindness, dry skin, or frequent infections. It’s also advisable if you have a poor diet, malabsorption disorders, or are taking certain medications that affect vitamin A levels.

What is the cost of the vitamin A test?

The cost of a vitamin A test ranges from ₹600 to ₹1,500 in India, depending on the lab and location. Medicover Hospitals offers affordable testing and professional consultation for accurate results and diagnosis.

Where can I get the vitamin A test?

You can get the vitamin A test at Medicover Hospitals, which provides accurate testing and consultation. With advanced laboratories and experienced medical staff, Medicover ensures quick and reliable results for optimal health management.

Whats app Health Packages Book an Appointment Second Opinion
Feeling unwell?

Click here to request a callback!

request call back