Retinol binding protein

ChemistryAlso known as: RBPAlso known as: Retinol-binding proteinmg/dL

Measures the liver protein that transports vitamin A in the bloodstream.

Normal Range
2.6 – 7.6 mg/dL
mg/dL
Abnormal Levels
< 1.5 mg/dL
> 6.7 mg/dL
Specimen Type
Blood

Why This Biomarker Matters

RBP indicates vitamin A nutritional status and liver-kidney function. Abnormal levels can reveal vitamin A deficiency, malabsorption, or organ disease requiring further evaluation.

Understanding Your Results

Normal Range

2.6 – 7.6 mg/dL

Optimal Ranges

Clinician-defined 4-point reference thresholds (mg/dL)

Default Range

1.5
1.5
6.7
6.7
Low
1.5 mg/dL
Borderline Low
1.5 mg/dL
Optimal
6.7 mg/dL
Borderline High
6.7 mg/dL

Overview

Retinol binding protein (RBP) is produced by the liver and transports vitamin A (retinol) through the bloodstream to tissues. An RBP test measures this protein in blood to assess vitamin A status and liver function. Low RBP suggests vitamin A deficiency, malabsorption, or liver dysfunction. Elevated RBP may indicate kidney disease (as kidneys filter RBP) or liver disease. Since RBP reflects both vitamin A status and liver health, abnormal levels warrant further investigation. This test is useful for evaluating nutritional status, assessing causes of vision problems, and screening for organ dysfunction.

Research & Evidence

17 publications

Sort:

Research data from MEDLINE/PubMed · 17 articles

Technical Information (LOINC Codes)

Standardized laboratory codes for this biomarker

1836-6Primary
Retinol binding protein [Mass/volume] in Serum or Plasma
mg/dL
18362-4
Retinol binding protein [Mass/time] in 24 hour Urine
mg/(24.h)
33782-4
Retinol binding protein [Mass/volume] in Urine
mg/L
96406-4
Retinol binding protein [Mass/volume] in 24 hour Urine
ug/L

Available Lab Tests

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