Description
Why It’s Done:
This test is used to:
• Diagnose Vitamin B1 deficiency: To assess if someone has insufficient levels of thiamine, which can lead to conditions such as beriberi, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, or encephalopathy.
• Monitor patients at risk: Individuals with alcoholism, malnutrition, chronic illness, or those who have undergone bariatric surgery may be at higher risk for thiamine deficiency.
• Evaluate thiamine status: In people receiving treatment for conditions related to Vitamin B1 deficiency.
Sample Collection:
• A blood sample is usually drawn from a vein in the arm for this test.
• Alternatively, a urine sample may be used to measure thiamine metabolites.
• Fasting may be required depending on the testing method.
