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Test Code Soft Z0026 (FCARO) Carotene, Beta

Additional Codes

Mayo code FCARO
SoftLab code Z0026
Epic code LAB20388
Epic name Beta carotene-serum

 

Secondary ID

75178

Useful For

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

Method Name

High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)

Reporting Name

Carotene, Beta

Specimen Type

Serum


Specimen Required


Supplies: Sarstedt 5 mL Aliquot Tube (Amber) (T915)

Specimen Type: Serum

Container/Tube: Red

Specimen Volume:1 mL

Collection Instructions: Draw blood in a plain, red-top tube(s). (Serum gel tube is acceptable.)

Spin Down and send 1 mL of serum ambient in an amber vial to protect from light.

 

Note:

1. Protect from light within 1 hour of collection.

2. Patient must be fasting overnight (12 hours). Blood should be collected before breakfast in the morning and prior to any medication.

3. Abstain from alcohol for 24 hours prior to collection.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

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: Mild reject; Gross reject
Thawing: Warm OK; Cold OK
Other: Specimen other than serum Red or SST, or if not light protected.

Reference Values

3 - 91 ug/dL

Interpretation

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.

Day(s) Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Report Available

5 to 10 days

Performing Laboratory

LabCorp Burlington

CPT Code Information

82380

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
FCARO Carotene, Beta 2053-7

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
FCARO Carotene, Beta 2053-7