Lab test requirements · preparation, ID, referral, and timing United States · 0 communities

New England · Vitamin A Deficiency Test

Vitamin A Deficiency Test in Massachusetts

This page explains the vitamin a deficiency test, what it measures, and how to order it. This blood test measures vitamin A levels to help evaluate for a deficiency. It is typically ordered when symptoms suggest low vitamin A or when a person has risk factors.

Sample typeBlood and/or urine at a collection lab
ReferralIncluded — no referral from your own doctor needed

Lab requirements in Massachusetts

Here is what you need before ordering and completing the Vitamin A Deficiency Test in MA. Review each item and confirm the details with the collection lab.

Physician's order
Included. A physician's order is required for lab testing and is provided for you by our partner's physicians — no referral from your own doctor is needed.
Fasting
Some tests require fasting or avoiding certain foods or drinks beforehand. You will be informed when you order — confirm the details with the collection lab.
Preparation
Preparation instructions can vary, so follow the specific directions provided by the collection lab. Typically, no special preparation is needed, but the lab will confirm any requirements.
Sample & visit
A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
Identification
Bring the lab requisition form from your account. The collection lab may also ask for a government-issued photo ID.
Turnaround
1-3 business days
Availability
Our partner lab does not serve ND, RI, NY, NJ, MD or HI. Confirm availability for your location with the collection lab.

Before you go

  • Order your test before visiting a lab, then use the requisition form in your account.
  • Print the requisition form, or fax it to the lab directly from your account.
  • No scheduling is needed — visit the collection lab during its normal business hours.
  • A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID in case the lab requests it.
  • Results are posted to your secure account within 1–3 business days.

Requirements are summarized from our partner lab's published policies. Preparation and availability can change — confirm current instructions with the collection lab before your visit.

What this test is

The vitamin A deficiency test is a blood test that measures the amount of retinol, the primary form of vitamin A, in the blood. It helps assess whether vitamin A stores are adequate for normal vision, immune function, and skin health.

What it measures

  • Retinol — reflects circulating vitamin A levels
  • Retinol-binding protein — indicates vitamin A transport capacity
  • Total vitamin A — may include other retinoid forms

What the test involves

A healthcare professional collects a blood sample, usually from a vein in your arm, using a standard blood draw. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Why it is often ordered

A clinician may order this test if you have symptoms such as night blindness, dry eyes, or frequent infections that could indicate low vitamin A. It may also be ordered for individuals with conditions that affect nutrient absorption or those with limited dietary intake.

Preparation

Preparation instructions can vary, so follow the specific directions provided by the collection lab. Typically, no special preparation is needed, but the lab will confirm any requirements.

How results are reported

Results are reported as a numerical value that your clinician interprets. Reference ranges can differ between laboratories, so the lab's own range should be used for context.

Before you go

  • Whether fasting is required before the blood draw
  • Any medications or supplements that might affect results
  • The expected turnaround time for results

Cities

Vitamin A Deficiency Test in Massachusetts communities

Choose your city for local context and to order this test.

Boston4,208,580Vitamin A Deficiency TestSpringfield620,494Vitamin A Deficiency TestWorcester573,573Vitamin A Deficiency TestNew Bedford158,353Vitamin A Deficiency TestLeominster118,190Vitamin A Deficiency TestCambridge116,892Vitamin A Deficiency TestLowell114,804Vitamin A Deficiency TestBrockton104,216Vitamin A Deficiency TestQuincy100,544Vitamin A Deficiency TestLynn100,233Vitamin A Deficiency TestFall River93,339Vitamin A Deficiency TestNewton88,647Vitamin A Deficiency TestLawrence87,798Vitamin A Deficiency TestSomerville80,608Vitamin A Deficiency TestFramingham72,089Vitamin A Deficiency TestHaverhill67,093Vitamin A Deficiency TestMalden65,602Vitamin A Deficiency TestWaltham64,655Vitamin A Deficiency TestRevere60,720Vitamin A Deficiency TestMedford60,708Vitamin A Deficiency TestTaunton59,076Vitamin A Deficiency TestChicopee55,636Vitamin A Deficiency TestPeabody54,200Vitamin A Deficiency TestMethuen Town52,536Vitamin A Deficiency TestEverett48,368Vitamin A Deficiency TestAttleboro46,146Vitamin A Deficiency TestSalem44,452Vitamin A Deficiency TestPittsfield43,890Vitamin A Deficiency TestBeverly42,448Vitamin A Deficiency TestFitchburg41,796Vitamin A Deficiency TestMarlborough41,505Vitamin A Deficiency TestWoburn40,967Vitamin A Deficiency TestWestfield40,922Vitamin A Deficiency TestChelsea40,025Vitamin A Deficiency TestHolyoke38,480Vitamin A Deficiency TestWatertown Town35,171Vitamin A Deficiency TestGloucester29,814Vitamin A Deficiency TestMelrose29,567Vitamin A Deficiency TestNorthampton29,379Vitamin A Deficiency TestGardner21,183Vitamin A Deficiency TestNewburyport18,282Vitamin A Deficiency TestNorth Adams13,024Vitamin A Deficiency TestSouth Yarmouth11,696Vitamin A Deficiency TestMiddleborough Center7,790Vitamin A Deficiency TestMansfield Center7,689Vitamin A Deficiency TestWhitinsville7,329Vitamin A Deficiency TestWest Concord7,003Vitamin A Deficiency TestCochituate6,966Vitamin A Deficiency TestEast Falmouth6,739Vitamin A Deficiency TestPinehurst6,653Vitamin A Deficiency TestWest Yarmouth6,124Vitamin A Deficiency TestYarmouth Port5,872Vitamin A Deficiency TestBliss Corner5,529Vitamin A Deficiency TestNorth Scituate5,519Vitamin A Deficiency TestEast Harwich5,519Vitamin A Deficiency TestRaynham Center5,072Vitamin A Deficiency TestSmith Mills4,846Vitamin A Deficiency TestNorth Westport4,835Vitamin A Deficiency TestThe Pinehills4,724Vitamin A Deficiency TestMillis-Clicquot4,653Vitamin A Deficiency Test