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

Mid-Atlantic · Vitamin A Deficiency Test

Vitamin A Deficiency Test in Maryland

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 Maryland

Here is what you need before ordering and completing the Vitamin A Deficiency Test in MD. 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, including MD. 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 Maryland communities

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

Baltimore2,205,092Vitamin A Deficiency TestBel Air South222,834Vitamin A Deficiency TestHagerstown194,602Vitamin A Deficiency TestFrederick175,032Vitamin A Deficiency TestWaldorf119,442Vitamin A Deficiency TestSalisbury108,982Vitamin A Deficiency TestColumbia105,086Vitamin A Deficiency TestGermantown90,235Vitamin A Deficiency TestSilver Spring82,472Vitamin A Deficiency TestEllicott City74,432Vitamin A Deficiency TestEldersburg70,639Vitamin A Deficiency TestGlen Burnie69,739Vitamin A Deficiency TestGaithersburg68,827Vitamin A Deficiency TestRockville67,095Vitamin A Deficiency TestDundalk66,426Vitamin A Deficiency TestBethesda66,294Vitamin A Deficiency TestTowson59,014Vitamin A Deficiency TestBowie58,113Vitamin A Deficiency TestSevern53,955Vitamin A Deficiency TestAspen Hill53,850Vitamin A Deficiency TestWheaton51,836Vitamin A Deficiency TestNorth Bethesda50,695Vitamin A Deficiency TestPotomac46,891Vitamin A Deficiency TestOdenton43,488Vitamin A Deficiency TestCatonsville42,789Vitamin A Deficiency TestWoodlawn42,053Vitamin A Deficiency TestEssex40,710Vitamin A Deficiency TestAnnapolis40,581Vitamin A Deficiency TestClinton39,925Vitamin A Deficiency TestSeverna Park39,108Vitamin A Deficiency TestChillum36,428Vitamin A Deficiency TestOlney35,815Vitamin A Deficiency TestRandallstown35,641Vitamin A Deficiency TestOwings Mills35,170Vitamin A Deficiency TestCollege Park34,961Vitamin A Deficiency TestMontgomery Village34,489Vitamin A Deficiency TestPikesville33,549Vitamin A Deficiency TestPasadena31,583Vitamin A Deficiency TestBel Air North30,969Vitamin A Deficiency TestParkville30,783Vitamin A Deficiency TestMilford Mill30,685Vitamin A Deficiency TestMiddle River30,606Vitamin A Deficiency TestCarney29,873Vitamin A Deficiency TestCrofton29,812Vitamin A Deficiency TestLaurel29,438Vitamin A Deficiency TestPerry Hall29,165Vitamin A Deficiency TestSouth Laurel27,998Vitamin A Deficiency TestReisterstown27,917Vitamin A Deficiency TestIlchester27,513Vitamin A Deficiency TestClarksburg27,354Vitamin A Deficiency TestLochearn26,995Vitamin A Deficiency TestSuitland26,375Vitamin A Deficiency TestFort Washington25,840Vitamin A Deficiency TestFairland25,324Vitamin A Deficiency TestArnold25,056Vitamin A Deficiency TestEdgewood25,004Vitamin A Deficiency TestGreenbelt24,602Vitamin A Deficiency TestLandover24,508Vitamin A Deficiency TestNorth Potomac24,449Vitamin A Deficiency TestNorth Laurel24,233Vitamin A Deficiency Test