Vitamin B6
How to prepare
You can eat and drink normally before the test.
No special preparation needed.
Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.
Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.
How it works
About this test
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) helps the body use protein, make red blood cells and keep nerves healthy. This test measures its active form in blood.
Why is this test done?
- Investigate tingling or numbness
- Check deficiency in people on TB medicine (isoniazid)
- Check for too much B6 from supplements
Symptoms — when should you get tested?
- Tingling or burning in hands and feet
- Cracks at mouth corners
- Sore tongue
- Low mood or confusion
Normal range
Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.
If your result is high
High B6 usually comes from taking large doses of supplements for a long time and can itself damage nerves.
Common reasons- High-dose B6 or multivitamin supplements
If your result is low
Low B6 can cause nerve problems, anaemia and skin changes.
Common reasons- TB medicine isoniazid without B6
- Alcohol
- Kidney disease or dialysis
- Poor diet
How is the test done?
- 1Book online
Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.
- 2Blood sample taken
A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.
- 3Tested in our lab
Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.
- 4Report on WhatsApp
A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.
Frequently asked questions
No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.
Your report is usually ready in 24-48 hrs after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.
Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.
This test needs a blood sample. No special preparation needed.