Vitamin B1
| Category | Biochemistry |
|---|---|
| Test background |
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is a water-soluble pro-vitamin of thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), a co-enzyme for several important metabolic enzymes. Mild deficiency results in malaise, weight loss, irritability and confusion. Gross deficiency leads to manifestations of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, with associated cardiovascular and neurological symptoms. A lack of thiamine can be due to malnutrition or malabsorption, with alcoholics and renal dialysis patients at particular risk of deficiency. |
| Clinical Indications |
Suspected deficiency in malabsorption syndromes and in patients on parenteral nutrition. |
| Reference range | See report |
| Sample & container required | EDTA (lavender top); Rush to lab as sample must be frozen as soon as possible - keep in dark |
| Sample volume | 1 mL |
| Turnaround time | Up to 6 weeks |
| Notes | Not currently performed in house; this is a referred test. |