Is there a test for carotenemia?

From the Research

Carotenemia can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and blood tests, with the most recent evidence suggesting that a thorough dietary history and physical examination are sufficient for diagnosis in most cases. The primary diagnostic approach involves a doctor examining the yellowish discoloration of the skin, particularly on the palms, soles, and face, while noting that the whites of the eyes remain normal (unlike jaundice) 1. Blood tests can confirm the diagnosis by measuring serum carotene levels, which will be elevated above the normal range of 50-300 μg/dL in cases of carotenemia. These tests are readily available at most clinical laboratories and can be ordered by a healthcare provider. A thorough dietary history is also important for diagnosis, as excessive consumption of carotene-rich foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash is typically the cause.

Diagnostic Approach

The diagnostic approach for carotenemia includes:

• Physical examination to assess the yellowish discoloration of the skin
• Blood tests to measure serum carotene levels
• Dietary history to assess excessive consumption of carotene-rich foods The condition is benign and usually resolves within a few weeks to months after reducing intake of carotene-rich foods, with no specific treatment required beyond dietary modification 1. If carotenemia is suspected but the patient doesn't have a history of high carotene intake, further testing may be needed to rule out other conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders that can occasionally cause similar skin discoloration.

Key Considerations

Key considerations in the diagnosis and management of carotenemia include:

• The condition is usually benign and self-limiting
• Dietary modification is the primary treatment
• Further testing may be needed to rule out other conditions if the patient doesn't have a history of high carotene intake
• The most recent evidence suggests that a thorough dietary history and physical examination are sufficient for diagnosis in most cases 1.