Vitamin B3 and Metabolites, Plasma
Use
This test is useful for assisting in the diagnosis of suspected vitamin B3 deficiency or toxicity. Vitamin B3, known for a group of closely related water-soluble pyridine derivatives, plays a crucial role in energy release from carbohydrates and fats and supports numerous biological processes like DNA repair and hormone synthesis. Deficiency of Vitamin B3 affects tissues with high energy needs, such as the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and brain, leading to pellagra if untreated. It's essential for individuals at risk, such as those with inadequate dietary intake or liver disease, to monitor their Vitamin B3 levels.
Special Instructions
Patient preparation involves fasting for four hours which is preferred but not required. It is important to process the specimen by centrifuging and aliquoting plasma into a plastic vial within two hours of collection to ensure accuracy of the results.
Limitations
Testing of non-fasting specimens might result in elevated plasma Vitamin B3 concentrations, especially in those using dietary supplements or niacin treatment. Furthermore, the severity of deficiency symptoms can vary with dietary intake and other individual health conditions, potentially affecting the interpretation of results.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 102102-1
- 18244-4
- 56961-6
- 72306-4
Result Turnaround Time
2-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
1.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.75 mL
Container
Plastic vial, Preferred: Lavender top (K2 EDTA); Acceptable: K3 EDTA
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot plasma into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Patient Preparation
Fasting: 4 hours, preferred but not required
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 21 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |