Eurofins Biomnis code

BCARO

Synonyms

• Carotene
• Provitamin A

Specialty

Analytical Chemistry

Clinical significance

The carotenes belong to a family of compounds which all contain 8 isoprenoid units. Six main carotenoids have been identified in the blood: beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, zeaxanthine, lutein, lycopene and beta-cryptoxanthin. In terms of quantities, beta-carotene is the most important provitamin although alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin can also be converted into vitamin A. All carotenoids have antioxidant activity. Carotene concentrations in the blood depend on age, sex and diet. No specific syndrome is associated with deficiency but low levels are seen in liver disease, conditions in which intestinal absorption is inhibited and in patients on long-term parenteral nutrition. Hypercarotenemia can be observed in certain metabolic disorders (e.g. hypothyroidism and diabetes), if dietary intake of carotenes is high, and in patients with protoporphyria being given beta-carotene for therapeutic purposes.

Preanalytics

• 1 mL :
• Lithium heparin plasma (stored away from light) (Gel-free separator tubes)
•   FROZEN
• 90 minutes

• A tube specifically for this analysis : Yes

Further information

Sample to be frozen within 90 minutes . Home sampling is not advisable.
1 individual aliquot for this analysis.

Methodology

HPLC - High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Turnaround time

10 days

Caption