Active B12 (holotranscobalamin) ELISA (BIOHIT)

Product code: 602290 (96 wells)

Direct active vitamin B12 screening

Active B12 Testing plays a crucial role in accurately diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency. Unlike the total B12 blood test, which measures both active and inactive forms of vitamin B12, the BIOHIT Active B12 ELISA specifically quantifies holotranscobalamin (HoloTC), the active form that can be utilized by the body. This distinction is significant since cobalamin is an essential nutrient for the proper formation of red blood cells and neurological function.

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, and approximately 70% to 90% of circulating vitamin B12 is in an inactive form, which cannot be used by cells. The BIOHIT Active B12 assay uses a highly specific monoclonal antibody to bind HoloTC, enabling precise measurement. This makes it particularly useful for patients with inconclusive results from traditional total B12 blood tests. The test is reliable and minimises interference from intrinsic factor blocking antibodies, which can often skew results in total B12 assays.

This test is particularly suitable for screening patients suspected of having an active vitamin B12 deficiency and can also confirm the vitamin B12 status in many patients who receive indeterminate results from total vitamin B12 tests.

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Key Advantages

Simple technology ideal for any laboratory
Suitable for both automated and manual methods
Avoids interference from Intrinsic Factor Blocking Antibody (IFBA), unlike total B12 kits
Effective for resolving inconclusive total vitamin B12 values

Specifications

ELISA

96 wells

Storage: 2-8 °C

Serum

More Details

Vitamin B12 and digestive disorders

Various types of vitamin B12 deficiencies exist, often stemming from underlying gastrointestinal disorders rather than just inadequate dietary intake. Conditions like pernicious anaemia and atrophic gastritis impair the body’s ability to transport vitamin B12 effectively, leading to deficiencies. This is because pernicious anaemia attacks parietal cells, reducing intrinsic factor production, which is necessary to absorb vitamin B12 in the ileum.

Accurately diagnosing active vitamin B12 deficiency is crucial to identifying its underlying cause. Without a precise assessment of active B12 status, diagnosis becomes challenging. Once deficiency is confirmed, appropriate treatment pathways, such as referral to a haematologist, gastroenterologist or dietitian, can be determined.

While inadequate dietary intake of vitamin B12 is a recognised cause of deficiency, it’s not the most common reason. More frequently, gastrointestinal disorders are to blame, especially those affecting the stomach and intestines. Pernicious anaemia, for instance, occurs when the body’s immune system targets parietal cells in the stomach, hindering the production and secretion of intrinsic factor (IF)—a protein essential for B12 absorption in the ileum. Individuals with pernicious anaemia are unable to absorb vitamin B12 effectively.

Another common cause of active vitamin B12 deficiency is low stomach acid or hypo- or achlorhydria, often resulting from atrophic gastritis or prolonged use of antacid medication (PPIs or H2-blockers). Adequate stomach acid is necessary for releasing vitamin B12 from food sources. Individuals with chronic atrophic gastritis experience reduced gastric acid production due to the loss of parietal cells in the corpus mucosa, either due to autoimmune conditions (as seen in pernicious anaemia) or chronic Helicobacter pylori infection.

Several intestinal conditions can also lead to impaired B12 absorption and subsequent deficiency. These include Crohn’s disease, particularly affecting the terminal ileum, small bowel surgery, bacterial overgrowth, and cancer.

Active Vitamin B12 FAQs

What is the BIOHIT Active Vitamin B12 ELISA test used for?

The BIOHIT Active Vitamin B12 ELISA test is used to quantitatively determine the active form of vitamin B12, known as holotranscobalamin (HoloTC), in human serum.

How does the test detect the active form of vitamin B12?

The test detects the active form of vitamin B12 by utilising a highly specific monoclonal antibody that binds to HoloTC present in the serum sample during the incubation process.

What are the advantages of using the BIOHIT Active Vitamin B12 ELISA compared to other methods?

The BIOHIT Active Vitamin B12 ELISA offers several advantages over other methods, including its ability to specifically measure the active form of vitamin B12, providing more accurate and clinically relevant results.

What is the clinical significance of measuring active vitamin B12 levels?

Measuring active vitamin B12 levels is clinically significant as it reflects the biologically active portion of vitamin B12 that can be utilised by cells in the body, thus offering valuable information about vitamin B12 status and potential deficiency.

Can the test differentiate between active and inactive forms of vitamin B12 in serum?

Yes, the BIOHIT Active Vitamin B12 ELISA is specifically designed to differentiate and quantify the active form of vitamin B12 (HoloTC) in serum samples.

Can the test be used for screening patients with suspected vitamin B12 deficiency?

Yes, the test is suitable for screening patients suspected of having a vitamin B12 deficiency, providing valuable diagnostic information to guide further evaluation and treatment.

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