Carotene Test (Beta Carotene)

How Our Beta Carotene Tests Works

For our carotene test, you don’t have to book an appointment. You simply need to place your order online and visit any of our 4,000+ testing facilities spread across the nation at your convenience. Our staff member from your selected center will provide you with the pre-test instructions. For accurate carotene test results, our provider may instruct you not to eat or drink anything for a specified period or anything rich in carotene (vitamin A) for about 48 hours before the test.

The provider will collect a small blood sample in an airtight syringe or a vial from the vein. This part of the process takes only a few minutes, with most patients taking less than half an hour. The drawn sample is taken to a CLIA-certified laboratory for processing, which takes a few hours depending on the complexity of the analysis.

Common Beta Carotene Deficiency Symptoms

Beta-carotene is a fat-soluble nutrient found in some foods and leafy vegetables and fruits like spinach, sweet potatoes, winter squash, carrots, broccoli, lettuce, and cantaloupe. It is broken down in the body to vitamin A. Although its deficiency may have devastating effects on your body, too much of the nutrient can lead to:

• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Headaches
• Diarrhea
• Skin changes

Some Signs of Beta Carotene Deficiency include:

• Weak or underdeveloped teeth and bones
• Poor night vision or night blindness
• Hair loss
• Inflamed or dry eyes due to lacrimal glands’ failure to produce enough tears
• Recurring infections
• Feeling more irritable or short-tempered
• Skin rashes

The carotene test can also help you determine how well your body can absorb fats. Once you experience any of the above symptoms, consult your healthcare provider to establish whether you require a more detailed vitamin A analysis.

How to Interpret Your Results

Carotene test results are used for the diagnosis of carotenoderma and fat malabsorption. We send the results in your email through a secure link within the shortest time possible. We strive to interpret them using the most straightforward language possible alongside reference ranges and flags, often in chart columns, to make them easily understandable. The flag column reports whether your carotene results value ranges within the normal or abnormal range. The reference range shows the threshold above or below which your carotene levels may intrigue deficiency or over-absorption symptoms.

The abnormal carotene results mean you are malnourished or taking too many Vitamin A-rich foods. It can also occur if your digestive system has challenges absorbing fats, possibly due to:

• Small intestine disorder
• Chronic lung disease
• Pancreas problems like inflammation and swelling or failure of organs to produce enough enzymes

Beta-carotene, which readily converts to retinol (vitamin A), is an antioxidant. It keeps the body safe from damaging molecules known as free radicals—these radicals damage body cells through oxidation, resulting in several chronic illnesses. A normal carotene range reduces the risks of developing cancer and heart disease¹. It is prudent to test your carotene levels from a reputable lab service provider dedicated to providing quality services and accurate and reliable results for better health planning.

Why Choose Priority Lab Testing

Priority lab testing hosts more than 4000 testing facilities nationwide with highly qualified and certified professionals who offer safe lab testing services and promise nothing but accurate and reliable results. We offer various test options, from blood testing to immunity to disease to general wellness. You can make your order in the comfort of your home at any center of your convenience.