Vitamin B7 (Biotin) Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry / Bioassay Blood Serum
What is this test?
Vitamin B7 blood test is used to measure the levels of vitamin B7 in blood. This test is used to diagnose the vitamin B7 deficiency. Vitamin B7 deficiency is caused due to malnutrition or malabsorption disorders like celiac disease (small intestine gets damaged), cystic fibrosis (damage of lungs and small intestine), etc. Taking an overdose of vitamin B7 supplements may interfere with some laboratory tests. They lead to either false positive or false negative test results causing misdiagnosis. This may lead to serious conditions. This test is performed during pregnancy because pregnant women tend to have low levels of vitamin B7.
What is Vitamin B7?
Vitamin B7 is also known as biotin or vitamin H. It is a water-soluble vitamin which helps in the metabolization of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Vitamin B7 cannot be produced in the body, hence daily intake is necessary. It is found in small quantities in milk, eggs, bananas, etc. It acts as a coenzyme in synthesizing fats and amino acids. It is useful in hair loss, brittle nails, nerve damage and used for healthy skin. Vitamin B7 deficiency may lead to hair fall, loss of hair color, red scaly rashes around mouth, nose, eyes or genital areas, tiredness, tingling of arms and legs, lack of interest, hallucinations, etc. Vitamin B7 deficiency can be usually seen in pregnant women, malnourished individuals, who have undergone rapid weight loss, who have been on tube-feeding for a long time or if your body is unable to absorb vitamin B7 in conditions like malabsorption disorders. In chronic smokers also there might be chances of vitamin B7 deficiency.
Why this test is performed?
This test may be recommended to you if you experience symptoms like hair fall, muscle aches, tiredness, brittle nails, red rash around your eyes, nose, mouth or genital areas, etc. This is also ordered during pregnancy. If you have lost weight rapidly then this test may be recommended. Your doctor asks you to undergo this test if you have inherited disorders or malabsorption disorders like celiac disease, cystic fibrosis. This test may be performed along with other vitamin tests.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Vitamin B7 (Biotin) Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry / Bioassay Blood Serum. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Vitamin B7 (Biotin) Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry / Bioassay Blood Serum.
There is no specific preparation for this test.
Understanding your test results
The normal reference range may vary depending upon your age, gender, other medical conditions, etc.
If your test results are below the normal reference range, then it may indicate that you may have vitamin B7 deficiency.
If your test results are higher than the normal reference range, it may be due to an overdose of biotin supplements.
If you get abnormal test results, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may recommend other tests depending on your test results.
Precautions: Smoking prior to the test may lead to high levels of vitamin B7 in the body and interfere with the results.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | 0.05−0.83 ng/mL |