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Choose collection locationVitamins & Minerals · Individual laboratory test
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Retinol is a circulating form of vitamin A. Its measurement can help investigate suspected deficiency or excess in the appropriate clinical setting.
Price for this test on its ownAED 350Test price AED 250
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Blood
- Laboratory turnaround
- 13 to 14 days
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the Vitamin A (Retinol) test measure?
Also called Retinol (Vitamin A)
A clinician may consider retinol testing with symptoms such as impaired night vision, difficulty absorbing fat or exposure to high-dose supplements.
When it may be requested
Checking retinol status
The clinician may request this test when deficiency, impaired absorption or excess intake is suspected.
Reviewing exposures
The amount and timing of supplements and a recent illness can influence how serum retinol is interpreted.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenBlood
Your checklist
Tell the team about multivitamins, retinol, fish liver oils or prescribed retinoids and when you last took them. Follow your clinician's fasting instructions for the complete order and avoid changing supplements just for the test.
A clinician takes a blood sample from a vein. Let them know if you have felt faint during previous blood draws.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
13 to 14 daysLaboratory turnaround
Result guideVitamin A (Retinol)
Reading your result
Serum retinol does not directly measure all the vitamin A stored in the liver. A clinician considers diet, recent illness, supplementation and symptoms.
What can affect it
- One result does not fully reflect the body's vitamin A stores.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testVitamin A (Retinol)
- Specimen
- Blood
- Turnaround
- 13 to 14 days
Open your laboratory report
Look for Vitamin A (Retinol) in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Bring the names and doses of retinol-containing supplements or medicines before making any change in vitamin A intake.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Should I start a high-dose supplement if I am concerned about vitamin A?
Discuss supplementation with your clinician first. Excess vitamin A can be harmful, particularly in pregnancy, and blood retinol alone does not measure all body stores.
Why might my doctor also check zinc or liver function?
Vitamin A is stored in the liver and carried in the blood by a protein that needs zinc to be made. Checking zinc and a liver function test can help explain a low result and guide what to do next.
What does a vitamin A blood test measure?
It measures retinol, the main form of vitamin A circulating in your blood. The result helps show whether you may be low in vitamin A, for example because of poor absorption or diet, or whether the level is raised, usually from high-dose supplements or certain medicines.
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Your next step
Vitamin A (Retinol) test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.