of cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency.
Vitamin B12 is found only in animal products so individuals consuming a vegetarian diet are at risk for developing B12 deficiency. In addition, for normal absorption of B12 a protein, intrinsic factor, produced in the stomach is required. Hence, people lacking that protein can develop B12 deficiency even though they may eat a nutritious diet and take a daily multivitamin since they cannot normally absorb B12.
COST:
$70. Discounts are available for screening or research studies.
Less expensive than other labs. Mayo Medical Labs 2003 test catalog lists the UMMA test for $184.80.
WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY:
Roach, et al. “80 to 90 percent of untreated patients will develop disorders of the nervous system.”
24
Pruthi and Tefferi. “Because of the difficulties in diagnosing cobalamin (Cbl) deficiency, alternatives to measuring Cbl have been sought. Determining the UMMA level is a less invasive, more practical,
and possibly, more sensitive method.”
41
Panke “Serum MMA suffers from falsely high values in patients with renal insufficiency and/or patients with intravascular volume depletion. .. routine reliance on serum vitamin B12 levels to confirm early deficiencies is not sufficient to detect all cases. Especially where there are neuropsychiatric symptoms, one should order UMMA levels.”
72
Murray. “Of these three tests (serum B12, UMMA, and Hcys), the UMMA assay is perhaps the best test because it is sensitive, noninvasive, and relatively convenient for the patient.”73
Hvas et.al. “Our results suggest that plasma [i.e. serum or S] creatinine must be taken into consideration when interpreting S-MMA……
In the light of our study, we agree with others who state that we do not know how confidently we can exclude Cbl deficiency disease when S-Cbl is low and S-MMA is normal.”
34
Carmel et. al. “Because low cobalamin concentrations can occur in the absence of deficiency, the term ‘cobalamin deficiency’ should probably be reserved for those cases with accompanying clinical or metabolic evidence supporting the diagnosis.”
2
Martin et. al…”Cobalamin therapy may lead to cognitive recovery in some patients… The window of opportunity for effective intervention may be as short as one year from the onset of medical symptoms…Clinicians should remain vigilant in screening for B12 deficiency, especially in patients with the recent onset of mental changes.”
25
Halliday et. al…”Neuropsychiatric disturbances due to cobalamin deficiency in the absence of anemia should not be overlooked. The failure to make an early diagnosis will delay an effective therapy and result in possible irreversible neurologic deficits.”
67
Donaldson. “The UMMA assay is effective for identifying early metabolic cobalamin deficiency.”
5
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
NORMAN
CLINICAL LABORATORY, INC.
1044 Sunwood Court
Cincinnati, OH 45231-2546
Phone/FAX: 1-800-397-7408 and 1-513-521-8378 (TEST).
www.b12.com E-mail: B12tester@aol.com E-Mail for test kits and info.
Purpose:
Norman Clinical Laboratory, Inc. (NCL) was established in 1985 to provide a highly accurate, noninvasive, relatively inexpensive test for the detection of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Licenses and Accreditations:
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services (CLIA): 36D0347081
Medicare Provider: 36L000113
College of American Pathologists (CAP) Proficiency Testing Program: 37453-01-01
Specimen Handling Requirements:
No special handling is required. Use 1 ml of a random, spot urine specimen.
Mail NCL test kit with 49 cents postage or use your vial and send by overnight mail.
Turn-around time is 1-3 days.
Client Billing:
Cost is $70, net 30 days. Discounts available for screening or research.
Hospitals, clinics, labs, and physician offices will be billed monthly.
Medicare assignment is accepted. NCL is not a Medicaid provider and does not bill insurance companies directly.
NCL accepts payment from patients and requests a check be enclosed with the specimen or credit card # and expiration date be listed on the lab request form.
NORMAN CLINICAL LABORATORY, INC.
Since 1985 -- the first commercial laboratory to provide the UMMA test.
Consider NCL a part of your team.