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Beta-Carotene
(a.k.a β-carotene)
minimum sample volume required ~ 1ml
Test Code: BCA
Tube type: EDTA
Other acceptable tube types
Lithium heparin (non-gel) or plain clotted sample (red top)
Special instructions
Fasting samples are preferred. If this is not possible, sample should be collected at least 8 hours post treatment for patients receiving oral supplementation or TPN.
Sample MUST be protected from light.
Sent away
to Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Contact Laboratory before requesting
Reference range
90 - 310
Units
µg/L
Turnaround Time
15
days
Department: Biochemistry
Clinical Application
Suspected excess dietary carotene. β-carotene can cause yellow/orange colouration of the skin at high concentrations, so measurement may be useful in the differential diagnosis in some cases of jaundice.
Employed outside UK in the investigation of malabsorption. Not recommended by British Society for Gastroenterology.
Webpage updated: September 2025.
