A review of radioisotope techniques in the study of vitamin B12 absorption

The five in vivo tests in common use for the study of vitamin B12 absorption, namely, 1) faecal excretion method, 2) urinary excretion method, 3) plasma radioactivity method, 4) hepatic uptake method, and 5) whole-body counting method, are described. The merits, disadvantages and limitations of each method are considered in a clinical context. Whole-body counting is regarded as the method of choice where appropriate facilities are available and when the delay of about 7 days in obtaining the result is acceptable. The plasma radioactivity method can provide concurrently a rapid assessment. (author)