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What is the Schilling test?

The Schilling test was a medical procedure used to determine whether you were absorbing vitamin B12 properly. Due to recent advances in laboratory techniques, the Schilling test is not currently used. .

How long does it take to get a Schilling test?

How the Schilling test is administered. The Schilling test has four stages. After you’ve taken enough supplements to restore a healthy level of vitamin B12 in your system, your doctor may advise you to undergo the test. This takes several weeks.

Why does Schilling test give false positives?

The Schilling test may sometimes give a false-positive result. A poor urine collection is usually the cause of this. However, it may also happen due to kidney disease or problems with the lining of your small intestine. You may have to take the test again if your doctor suspects you have a false-positive result.

How long before a schilling test can you drink water?

You can’t receive any intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 for 3 days before your test. Though you may drink water, you’ll need to avoid food for 8 hours before the test. You can then eat normally after the test.

What is the purpose of the Schilling test?

The purpose of the test is to determine how well the patient is able to absorb B12 from their intestinal tract. It is named for Robert F. Schilling.

Why is the Schilling test stopped?

Many labs have stopped performing the Schilling test, due to lack of production of the cobalt radioisotopes and labeled-B 12 test substances . Also, injection replacement of B 12 has become relatively inexpensive, and can be self-administered by patients, as well as megadose oral B 12. Since these are the same treatments which would be administered for most causes of B 12 malabsorption even if the exact cause were identified, the diagnostic test may be omitted without damage to the patient (so long as follow-up treatment and occasional serum B 12 testing is not allowed to lapse).