Vitamin A (Retinol) levels: what's normal, high and low
A fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immune function, and skin health.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
The short answer
Vitamin A (Retinol) is measured with a standard blood draw after an 8–12 hour fast. A typical reference range is 38.0 – 98.0 mcg/dL. At TestWell it's $44.99 all-in as Vitamin A (Retinol), results in 3–5 business days, drawn at Quest. An out-of-range result is a prompt to look closer, not a diagnosis.
- Units
- mcg/dL / ug/dL
- Sample
- Blood draw
- Fasting
- 8–12 hours
- Results
- 3–5 business days
- Price
- $44.99
- Labs
- Quest
Vitamin A (Retinol) Reference Range
These are the typical adult reference ranges used by major US labs. Your report will include the specific range used by the lab that processed your sample.
| Population | Range |
|---|---|
| age 18+ | 38.0 – 98.0 mcg/dL |
Reference ranges are educational. Always interpret your result with the specific range printed on your lab report and discuss anything outside the range with a clinician.
What your Vitamin A (Retinol) result may mean
Usually reflects supplement excess. Toxicity can cause headaches, liver damage, and birth defects.
What a high Vitamin A (Retinol) means: causes, symptoms, next steps →Can reflect malabsorption, liver disease, or inadequate dietary intake.
What a low Vitamin A (Retinol) means: causes, symptoms, next steps →Educational only — not a diagnosis. Many factors can influence a single result. Discuss anything that concerns you with a healthcare provider.
How do you get a Vitamin A (Retinol) test?
Order online, a licensed physician reviews the requisition, and you walk into a nearby lab for the draw. Vitamin A (Retinol) is available on its own or inside these panels — panels cost less per marker when you want the fuller picture.
| Option | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A (Retinol) | This marker only | $44.99 |
Quest vs. Labcorp for Vitamin A (Retinol): which lab should you pick?
Both are CLIA-certified national labs and the result is clinically equivalent, so pick whichever location is closer. Your report will print that lab's own reference range, which can differ slightly from the table above.
| Lab | Available | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Quest Diagnostics | Yes | $44.99 |
| Labcorp | No | — |
| BioReference (NY & NJ) | No | — |
Need help choosing a location? Use the lab finder to see draw sites near your ZIP.
Related Vitamins & Nutrients biomarkers
Markers commonly tested alongside Vitamin A (Retinol).
Frequently asked
Usually reflects supplement excess. Toxicity can cause headaches, liver damage, and birth defects. A single result above the reference range is a prompt to look closer with a clinician — often a repeat test and related markers — not a diagnosis on its own.
Ready to test your vitamin a (retinol)?
Order in two minutes, get physician-approved, and visit a lab the same day. Starts at $44.99.