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

The vitamin B1 test, also known as the thiamine test, is a diagnostic assay that measures the levels of thiamine, particularly thiamine diphosphate (TDP), in whole blood. It is crucial for assessing thiamine deficiency and evaluating nutritional status.

The vitamin B1 blood test detects the levels of thiamine, specifically thiamine diphosphate (TDP), in whole blood. This helps in identifying thiamine deficiency and assessing overall thiamine status.

The thiamine blood test reports indicate the concentration of TDP and sometimes free thiamine in whole blood. Values below a certain threshold (typically less than 70 nmol/L for TDP) suggest thiamine deficiency.

Vitamin B1 has a relatively short storage time in the body. Marginal deficiency can occur within 10 days, and more severe deficiency can develop within 21 days if dietary intake is restricted.

Elevated levels of vitamin B1 in the bloodstream can result from recent vitamin supplementation or non-fasting specimens.

The benefits of the thiamine test include accurate assessment of thiamine status, early detection of thiamine deficiency, and guidance for nutritional interventions to prevent or treat thiamine-related disorders.

There is no direct evidence from the referenced sources indicating that thiamine has a significant impact on blood pressure. Thiamine is primarily involved in carbohydrate metabolism, brain function, and peripheral nerve myelination.

The vitamin B1 blood test itself is a blood draw, which carries minimal risks such as bruising, infection, or pain at the needle site. However, there are no specific risks associated with the test procedure beyond those typical of blood sampling.

Symptoms of low thiamine levels include behavioral changes, eye signs, gait disturbances, delirium, encephalopathy, and in severe cases, conditions like Beriberi, Wernicke's encephalopathy, and Korsakoff syndrome.

The vitamin B1 test helps in diagnosing thiamine deficiency-related diseases such as Wernicke's encephalopathy, Korsakoff syndrome, Beriberi, and other neurological and cardiovascular conditions associated with thiamine deficiency.

Yes, medications and supplements, especially those containing thiamine, can affect the vitamin B1 test results. Patients should avoid taking vitamin supplements for at least 12 hours before the test.

Typically, fasting is not required before a vitamin B1 test. However, it is essential to follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or diagnostic center.

Factors that can affect the vitamin B1 test results include recent vitamin supplementation, fasting status, and specimen handling (e.g., exposure to light, improper storage).

The reports for the vitamin B1 blood test are usually available within 3 to 6 days after the sample is received by the laboratory.