Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Test, EDTA Whole blood by HPLC (V0009)

Vitamin B1 is tested to diagnose thiamine deficiency. 
Symptoms of deficiency include dryness, nausea, peripheral neuropathy, encephalopathy, muscle pain, tenderness & congestive cardiac failure in extreme cases. It may also be recommended in cases of malnutrition, celiac diseases, anaemia's and other systemic diseases. 

A collection of eight vitamins known as the B vitamins have distinct roles in maintaining the body's health. They are crucial for preserving cell survival and keeping you energized in particular.

Depending on the B vitamin you are lacking, you may experience different signs of a vitamin B deficiency. Several foods contain usually B vitamins, and some foods are especially rich in one or more B vitamins. Getting all the nutrients the body needs depends on eating a balanced diet.

Thiamin insufficiency is identified by testing for vitamin B1. Dehydration, dizziness, neuropathic pain, encephalopathy, muscle discomfort, tenderness, and, in severe cases, congestive heart failure are signs of insufficiency. Malnutrition, celiac disease, anemia, and other systemic illnesses may also warrant its recommendation.

Vitamin B1 test measures the amount of thiamine (Thiamine Pyro phosphate TPP) in the blood. 

The blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a  little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.  Sample is wrapped in an aluminium foil.

Low Vitamin B1 levels lead to deficiency known as beriberi. Low levels also occur in cases of malnutrition and certain malabsorption syndromes like celiac disease, Crohn's disease, certain anaemia's or conditions like Wernicke's encephalopathy or cardiac conditions. 
High Vitamin B1 levels although rare may occur due to excess vitamin B1 intake in the food or extra supplements.

If you have diabetes, you should consider taking more thiamin. Getting adequate vitamin B1 for six weeks decreases insulin and high levels of blood sugar according to studies. B1 also helps diabetics with high blood pressure and heart problems.

If you are already diabetic, it is advisable to do this test at least once a year or as prescribed by your doctor.

You will be required to fast for some time (without eating or drinking) before a vitamin B1 blood test. If you take any pills, your doctor may urge you to quit accepting them because consuming vitamins may affect your test results.

Based on the findings, your doctor may prescribe further tests to diagnose if you have more critical underlying conditions

Thiamine insufficiency, which can occur within as little as three weeks and impair your heart, brain system, and immune system, can result from not getting enough thiamine. When healthy persons have easy accessibility to thiamine-rich meals, true undernutrition is uncommon.

The normal levels of vitamin B1 in all age groups of all sexes are 70-180nmol/L of blood.

If you already have diabetes, your doctor may recommend that you get this test performed at least once a year. In addition, if you experience one or more of the following symptoms, you should consult your doctor and get tested:

1. Appetite loss.
2. Weariness.
3. Damage to the nerves.
4. Unexplained irritation.
5. Tingling sensation in the legs and arms.
6. Nauseating feeling.
7. Blurry vision.
8. Delirium and disorientation.

Note that the Vitamin B1 deficiency symptoms are easy to overlook as they can be unspecific and ambiguous.

Thiamine Test

Thiamin Test

Vitamin B1 Test