What does positive Schilling test mean?
If the results of this test are normal, it means you lack intrinsic factor, and you most likely have pernicious anemia. If the results are abnormal, your doctor will perform stage 3.
How is a Schilling test performed?
The patient is given radiolabeled vitamin B12 orally, followed by an intramuscular (IM) dose of unlabeled vitamin B12 one hour later. The injection is given to ensure that none of the radioactive B12 binds to any vitamin B12 depleted tissues, for example, the liver.
What is a good vitamin B12 test result?
Understanding the Results But a normal level of vitamin B12 in your bloodstream is generally between 190 and 950 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Between 200 to 300 pg/mL is considered borderline and your doctor may do more testing. Below 200 pg/mL is low and more testing is needed.
Is Schilling test a blood test?
The Schilling test is no longer used to diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency. Nowadays, doctors diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency anemia through blood tests. These are sometimes called Cobalamin tests. From your blood sample, your doctor will assess the number and appearance of your red blood cells.
When is Schilling test done?
Also, the classic Schilling test can be performed at any time, even after full B12 repletion and correction of the anemia, and it will still show if the cause of the B12 deficiency was intrinsic-factor related.
What is high methylmalonic acid?
Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is a substance that is created when your body digests protein. The amount of vitamin B12 in your body controls how much MMA your body makes. A high amount of MMA typically means you have a vitamin B12 deficiency.
What does high methylmalonic acid indicate?
High MMA levels can be a sign of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to serious health problems including anemia, a condition in which your blood has a lower than normal amount of red blood cells.
What is a dangerously low B12 level?
Values of less than 160 pg/mL (118 pmol/L) are a possible sign of a vitamin B12 deficiency. People with this deficiency are likely to have or develop symptoms. Older adults with a vitamin B12 level less than 100 pg/mL (74 pmol/L) may also have symptoms.
Is Schilling test still used?
A Schilling test is also known as a Vitamin B12 absorption test. It was formerly used to determine whether a person was absorbing vitamin B12 normally. If not, then the test could pinpoint the cause of any vitamin B12 deficiency. Schilling tests are no longer used today.