Vitamin B2 Riboflavin EDTA Whole Blood

Vitamin B2 test may be done as part of routine screening for assessing the nutritional status or in case of suspected deficiency diseease like Pellagra. It is most commonly affected in cases of malnutrition. It may also be done in cases of malabsorption syndromes where the vitamin is not utilized by the body effectively. These may include chronic alcoholism, liver disorders, critical illnesses and other systemic causes.

• A blood test for vitamin B2 may be conducted as a part of regular screening to determine nutritional status or if a deficient disease like pellagra is suspected.
• The test can also be done when a person has a malabsorption syndrome, which prevents the body from properly utilizing the vitamin.
• Chronic alcoholism, liver conditions, life-threatening illnesses, and other systemic reasons may be some of the reasons why Vitamin B2 test is done.

Vitamin B2 test measures level of riboflavin vitamin component 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 levels of vitamin B2 lead to Pellagra which may present as: mucosal lesions of the skin and mouth like cheilitis, angular stomatitis, corneal lesions, dermatitis, sore throat and normocytic normochromic anaemia.  
High vitamin B2 levels which may occur due to excessive dietary intake are usually not harmful, but at times may lead to vitamin B2 toxicity.

If your doctor suspects a deficiency, he may request a vitamin B2 riboflavin whole blood test. Check out for signs and symptoms listed above.

Your doctor may order a vitamin B2 riboflavin whole blood test if he/she suspects deficiency. Here are some typical warning signs and symptoms you might watch out for if you wish to test yourself for vitamin B2 deficiency:

• Angular cheilitis, often known as mouth cracks, is a disorder that affects people of all ages.
• Repeatedly chapped lips.
• Skin that feels so parched.
• Inflammation of the mouth's lining.
• Tongue inflammatory condition.
• Infections in the mouth.
• Lips that appear too red.
• Discomfort in the throat.
• Scrotal dermatitis.
• Fluid-filled mucous membranes.
• Iron deficiency.
• Increased sensitivity to bright lights in the eyes or severe itching.

If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you might consider getting this test done.

Before the test, the patient should fast for a maximum of 10 to 12 hours. Blood must be drawn before the following meal if the test is performed on an infant. A shirt with half sleeves or one without sleeves is preferable. One does not need to be ready for a urine sample collection.

Water-soluble vitamin B2, often known as riboflavin, is most frequently present in the body as the flavoenzymes flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), with the latter being the most prevalent.

When something contacts your skin and triggers an allergic response or irritant, contact dermatitis results. These responses can progress into more rashes that flare, sting, scratch, or blister.

The purpose of all B vitamins is to aid in digestion and the energy release from the food you eat. They accomplish this by transforming the nutrients found in proteins, lipids, and carbs into usable energy. Every cell in your body requires vitamin B2 to function properly.

Depending on the results, your doctor may also test for a total vitamin profile among other things.

• Vitamin B testing
• Vitamin B complex

Riboflavin (B2)

• Riboflavin Test

The Vitamin B2 test, also known as the riboflavin test, measures the levels of riboflavin and its active coenzymes (FAD and FMN) in whole blood. It assesses the body's riboflavin status, which is critical for various metabolic processes.

The Vitamin B2 test detects the levels of riboflavin and its coenzymes (FAD and FMN) in whole blood, helping diagnose riboflavin deficiency and assess the body's ability to utilize riboflavin for metabolic processes.

The test reports indicate the levels of FAD in whole blood, reflecting the body's riboflavin status. Low levels suggest a deficiency, while levels within the reference range indicate adequate riboflavin levels.

If the test reports indicate low levels of riboflavin (below the reference range), it suggests a riboflavin deficiency. Treatment typically involves dietary adjustments or supplements to correct the deficiency.

The benefits of the Vitamin B2 test include early detection of riboflavin deficiency, monitoring patients at risk of deficiency, and assessing the effectiveness of treatment or dietary changes aimed at correcting riboflavin levels.

Riboflavin deficiency can be caused by a poor diet lacking riboflavin-rich foods, malabsorption syndromes, chronic diseases, alcoholism, and increased demand during pregnancy or lactation.

The Vitamin B2 test is a blood test and carries minimal risks associated with blood sampling, such as minor pain, bruising, or infection at the puncture site. These risks are temporary.

While the Vitamin B2 test itself does not diagnose specific diseases, low riboflavin levels can be associated with various health issues, including pellagra, cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy complications, cognitive impairment, and skin disorders.

Certain medications, such as anticonvulsants and some antibiotics, can affect riboflavin levels or the body's ability to utilize riboflavin. Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking before the test.

Fasting may not be required for test. You should follow any specific directions provided by your healthcare provider.

Factors that can affect the test results include recent dietary intake of riboflavin, use of certain medications, presence of chronic diseases or malabsorption syndromes, and exposure of the sample to light.

The turnaround time for the Vitamin B2 test reports can vary but is typically within 2-5 days, depending on the laboratory.