Lab test requirements · preparation, ID, referral, and timing United States · 15,280 communities
LabRequirements Know what your test requires

Pacific · Vitamin A Deficiency Test

Vitamin A Deficiency Test in Alaska

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 Alaska

Here is what you need before ordering and completing the Vitamin A Deficiency Test in AK. 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 Alaska communities

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

Anchorage292,545Vitamin A Deficiency TestFairbanks64,160Vitamin A Deficiency TestJuneau32,240Vitamin A Deficiency TestBadger19,226Vitamin A Deficiency TestKnik-Fairview18,282Vitamin A Deficiency TestCollege11,797Vitamin A Deficiency TestTanaina10,314Vitamin A Deficiency TestNorth Lakes9,941Vitamin A Deficiency TestWasilla9,098Vitamin A Deficiency TestSitka8,518Vitamin A Deficiency TestKalifornsky8,428Vitamin A Deficiency TestMeadow Lakes8,367Vitamin A Deficiency TestKetchikan8,150Vitamin A Deficiency TestKenai7,452Vitamin A Deficiency TestSteele Creek7,399Vitamin A Deficiency TestSouth Lakes6,421Vitamin A Deficiency TestGateway6,305Vitamin A Deficiency TestBethel6,273Vitamin A Deficiency TestSterling6,016Vitamin A Deficiency TestPalmer5,978Vitamin A Deficiency TestKodiak5,682Vitamin A Deficiency TestChena Ridge5,643Vitamin A Deficiency TestHomer5,531Vitamin A Deficiency TestUtqiagvik5,123Vitamin A Deficiency TestFishhook5,055Vitamin A Deficiency TestSoldotna4,370Vitamin A Deficiency TestUnalaska4,339Vitamin A Deficiency TestNikiski4,232Vitamin A Deficiency TestFarmers Loop4,216Vitamin A Deficiency TestValdez3,966Vitamin A Deficiency TestButte3,857Vitamin A Deficiency TestMill Bay3,719Vitamin A Deficiency TestNome3,685Vitamin A Deficiency TestPetersburg3,259Vitamin A Deficiency TestEielson AFB3,240Vitamin A Deficiency TestKotzebue3,199Vitamin A Deficiency TestBig Lake2,888Vitamin A Deficiency TestNorth Pole2,825Vitamin A Deficiency TestGoldstream2,822Vitamin A Deficiency TestEster2,719Vitamin A Deficiency TestRidgeway2,689Vitamin A Deficiency TestSeward2,614Vitamin A Deficiency TestCordova2,588Vitamin A Deficiency TestFarm Loop2,549Vitamin A Deficiency TestAnchor Point2,288Vitamin A Deficiency TestKodiak Station2,183Vitamin A Deficiency TestWrangell2,162Vitamin A Deficiency TestFritz Creek2,145Vitamin A Deficiency TestDillingham2,133Vitamin A Deficiency TestDeltana2,022Vitamin A Deficiency TestWillow1,965Vitamin A Deficiency TestLazy Mountain1,766Vitamin A Deficiency TestHouston1,739Vitamin A Deficiency TestHaines1,571Vitamin A Deficiency TestCohoe1,557Vitamin A Deficiency TestBear Creek1,524Vitamin A Deficiency TestPrudhoe Bay1,500Vitamin A Deficiency TestMetlakatla1,445Vitamin A Deficiency TestDiamond Ridge1,409Vitamin A Deficiency TestPoint MacKenzie1,364Vitamin A Deficiency Test