Vitamin B6, Pyridoxal Phosphate Test

Pyridoxal Phosphate belongs to the family of 6 vitamers and is determined as the biologically active form of Vitamin B6 due to its role in number of enzymatic reactions. Pyridoxal is also involved in amino acid metabolism, hemoglobin synthesis, nervous system, and immune system. The main sources of vitamin B6 complex are fish, chicken, pork, legumes, bananas, etc. The deficiency of Pyridoxal Phosphate can lead to burning mouth syndrome. It is also considered to be the leading factor for carpal tunnel and tarsal tunnel syndrome. The deficiency can also lead to weakness and depression.

The nurse will draw the blood sample from your arm. The first step will involve checking for the visible vein from which blood would be drawn. The nurse will then wrap an elastic band on your upper arm to lower the blood supply and make the vein more visible. This makes it easy to spot the vein. The nurse will then clean the area to be injected with an antiseptic and inject the needle. The blood will be filled in sufficient quantity into the vial.

Vitamin B6 Pyridoxal Phosphate is essential for major enzymatic reactions of our body. It is involved in the functioning of the nervous system and immune system. Therefore, deficiency of this vitamin can deteriorate the performance of major systems in our body. The test is useful to detect: Chronic or progressive nerve compression disorders. Scaling of skin. Severe gingivitis. Peripheral neuropathy. Seizures.

In children: Diarrhea, Anemia, Seizures.

The health care professional will ask you to fast before the night of the test. The fasting period should be at least 12 hours to 14 hours. In case of infants the test is carried out prior to next feeding. Your doctor might also ask you to avoid taking any vitamin supplements 24 hours before the test as this might boost the vitamin level and can potentially interfere with the test. On the day of test you will have to be present at the clinic. The test requires blood sample for evaluation. The nurse will draw the blood sample from your arm. The process takes not more than 15 minutes.