VB12 test kit FMABT100

pharmacologybloodserum

Three binding proteins are involved in the transport of vitamin B12 around the body – Intrinsic Factor (IF), transcobalamin (TC) and haptocorrin (HC). These binding proteins ensure the efficient uptake of the very small amounts of vitamin B12 available from the diet. When TC and HC bind vitamin B12 the resulting complexes are known as holotranscobalamin (HoloTC) and holohaptocorrin (HoloHC) to distinguish them from the proteins carrying no vitamin. The major fraction in the circulation, HoloHC, represents 70-90% of vitamin B12 in the blood but is biologically inert. HoloTC represents only 10-30% of vitamin B12 in the blood but is the only form of vitamin B12 that can be taken up by cells in the body hence it’s alternative name Active-B12. The TC protein alone transports vitamin B12 from its site of absorption in the ileum to tissues and cells. The vitamin is then internalised as the Active-B12 complex via a specific receptor-mediated uptake. This process delivers vitamin B12 into the cells of the body and provides the vitamin as a co-enzyme for essential cellular functions such as DNA synthesis. The measurement of Total Serum B12 suffers from some limitations; in particular, most of the measured B12 is bound to biologically inert HC. Several studies have been published which conclude that HoloTC would be a better indicator of vitamin B12 status than Total Serum B12. Easy-to-use ELISA technology, compatible with automated systems for improved throughput. Reduced false positive and false negative results associated with Total B12 testing Fewer indeterminate results No interference from Intrinsic Factor antibodies