Schilling test

The injection of Vitamin B-12 may sting.

The Schilling test is performed to evaluate Vitamin B-12 absorption.

Intrinsic factor is produced in the stomach and is required for Vitamin B-12 absorption. If intrinsic factor is not made, the body cannot absorb Vitamin B-12. Low levels of Vitamin B-12 can occur from the lack of intrinsic factor because of pernicious anemia, gastrectomy (partial removal of stomach), inadequate absorption due to bowel disease, bacterial overgrowth in the intestine, pancreatic insufficiency or certain medications. The Schilling test is most commonly used to evaluate patients for pernicious anemia.

The test can be falsely positive. Most of the time this is due to inadequate urine collection. Other reasons include kidney disease or problems with the lining of the small intestine.

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