Schilling test – Stage 2
1. An
oral dose of Co57 labeled vitamin B12 plus IF
is given.
2. Two hours later a flushing dose of
vitamin B12 is given
3. A 24 hr. urine collection is
performed and tested for
presence of radioactivity (Co57
labeled
B12)
If
radioactivity detected: >7%
Confirms
pernicious anemia
If
no radioactivity detected: <7%
Malabsorption
of unknown etiology
Note: Schilling test must be last
diagnostic procedure
performed as injected B12 will begin to correct anemia quickly.