Source	Blood
Mnemonic	VITE
Specimen Requirements	1 x 3.5 mL gold top SST tube 0.5 mL serum Minimum Whole Blood Volumes for Micro-Collections using Microtainers Specimen drawn following an overnight fast (> 8 hours). Patient should not consume alcohol, foods or nutritional supplements containing Vitamin E for 24 hours prior to draw. Protect from light by wrapping tubes in foil immediately after collection. Specimens not protected from light will be rejected.
Specimen Handling	PSC & RRL: Centrifuge and pour off serum. Protect from light by using amber aliquot tube and lid, or wrap tubes in foil. Transport serum on ice to DSC. Extra-regional: Centrifuge and pour off serum. Protect from light by using amber aliquot tube and lid, or wrap tubes in foil. Freeze serum before transporting to DSC. DSC: Freeze specimens upon receipt in lab; ensure frozen specimens do not thaw.
Additional Information	Some foods containing vitamin E include vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals.
Testing Location	Analytical Toxicology
Testing Frequency	Weekly
Alternate Name(s)	alpha-Tocopherol
Reference Interval	0 - 12 months: 5 to 20 µmol/L 1 - 6 years: 7 to 21 µmol/L 7 - 12 years: 10 to 21 µmol/L ≥ 13 years: 12 - 45 µmol/L