Beckman Coulter 33000 Access Vitamin B12 Reagent, 100 Determinations

Description

Beckman Coulter 33000 Access Vitamin B12 Reagent for Vitamin B12 Test Specifications:

• Brand: Access
• Manufacturer: Beckman Coulter 33000
• Country of Origin: United States
• Application: Access Vitamin B12 Reagent, Rental
• For Use With: For Access 2, Unicel DXI, Synchron LXI Systems
• Number of Tests: 2 X 50 Tests
• Storage Requirements: Requires Refrigeration
• Test Name: Vitamin B12 Test
• Test Type: General Chemistry

Beckman Coulter 33000 Access Vitamin B12 Reagent: INTENDED USE

The Access Vitamin B12 Reagent assay is a paramagnetic particle, chemiluminescent immunoassay for the quantitative determination of vitamin-B12 levels in human serum and plasma (heparin) using the Access Immunoassay Systems.

Beckman Coulter 33000 Access Vitamin B12 Reagent: SUMMARY AND EXPLANATION

Vitamin-B12 is the name given to any one of a group of substances termed cobalamins. They are composed of a tetrapyrole ring surrounding a central cobalt atom and differ with respect to the side groups attached to the cobalt atom. The predominant form in serum is methylcobalamin while the predominant cellular form is 5′ deoxyadenosylcobalamin. Cyanocobalamin (MW 1355) is the most stable and is used as a reference compound for measuring serum cobalamin concentrations.

Beckman Coulter 33000 Access Vitamin B12 Reagent: Metabolic Functions

Vitamin-B12 is a coenzyme that is involved in two very important metabolic functions vital to normal cell growth and DNA synthesis: 1) the synthesis of methionine, and 2) the conversion of methylmalonyl CoA to succinyl CoA. Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to megaloblastic anemia and ultimately to severe neurological problems. Megaloblastic anemia is characterized by the enlargement and reduction in number of all rapidly proliferating cells of the body, including marrow cells, and is primarily a result of the decreased capacity for DNA synthesis. Because Access Vitamin B12 and folic acid are linked by the reaction pathway for methionine synthesis, a deficiency in either will disrupt this metabolic pathway and lead to the same symptoms and medical problems. It is usually necessary to measure both vitamins in a clinical workup, with the treatment depending on which of the two is deficient.

Beckman Coulter 33000 Access Vitamin B12 Reagent: Vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency can occur for one of several reasons. The most common cause is a defect in the secretion of intrinsic factor, resulting in inadequate vitamin B12 absorption from foods. This condition is called pernicious anemia and is most common in people over age 50. Other causes of vitamin B12 deficiency are gastrectomy, malabsorption due to surgical resections, and a variety of bacterial or inflammatory diseases affecting the small intestine. The amount of vitamin B12 absorbed is directly proportional to the length of functional intestine. Vitamin B12 deficiency due to insufficient dietary intake is rare and can occur only after years of abstinence from all animal products.

Elevated levels of vitamin-B12 have been associated with pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives and multivitamins, and in myeloproliferative diseases such as chronic granulocytic leukemia and myelomonocytic leukemia. An elevated vitamin B12 level in itself has not been known to cause clinical problems.

What is Access Vitamin B12 test all about?

B vitamins are nutrients that your body needs to work well and stay healthy. There are eight different types. Access Vitamin B12 test checks the level of one or more B vitamins in a sample of your blood or urine (pee).

All the B vitamins together are called the “B vitamin complex.” The B vitamins are:

• B1, thiamine
• B2, riboflavin
• B3, niacin (also called nicotinic acid and nicotinamide)
• B5, pantothenic acid
• B6, pyridoxal phosphate
• B7, biotin
• B9, folate (folic acid)
• B12, cobalamin

Each type of vitamin B plays different important roles in your body, such as helping to:

• Maintain normal metabolism (the process your body uses to make energy from food you eat)
• Make healthy blood cells
• Keep your nervous system working properly

You get B vitamins from many foods, including leafy green vegetables, meats and fish, eggs, whole grains, milk, and other dairy products. A lack of vitamin B is rare in the United States, because many foods have added B vitamins. These foods include cereals, breads, and pasta.

But certain diets and health conditions can affect how well your body absorbs vitamin B. And if you lack B vitamins, it can cause serious health problems. For example, a lack of B12 can cause anemia and nerve disorders.

A lack of B vitamins is called a vitamin B deficiency. It’s usually treated with supplements. But it’s important to talk with your health care provider before taking vitamin B supplements. That’s because large amounts of some B vitamins can cause health problems, too. And some B vitamins may affect the way certain medicines work in your body.

Other names: vitamin B testing, vitamin B complex, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxal phosphate (B6), biotin (B7), Access Vitamin B12, folic acid, folate, and cobalamin test

What is it Access Vitamin B12 test used for?

Vitamin B testing is used if you have symptoms that suggest you may not be getting enough of one or more B vitamins. For example, a vitamin-B12 and folate test is often used for symptoms of certain types of anemia.

If you have a condition that increases your risk for a vitamin B deficiency, your provider may check your vitamin B levels even if you don’t have symptoms.

Useful Links

• Beckman Coulter 33000 Data Sheet
• B12 Calibrator: Beckman Coulter 33005 Access Vitamin B12 Calibrator (S0-S5)