Why it is performed
- Investigate a suspected deficiency because of symptoms, diet, malabsorption, surgery, pregnancy or medication.
- Monitor a known deficiency and adjust treatment while avoiding both under-treatment and excess.
- Complement evaluation of anaemia, bone health, fatigue or other problems when clinically reasonable.
How it is performed
Each analyte and required tube is selected. Askabide uses ichroma™ II fluorescence immunoassay for the specific assays it has active and validated; remaining tests are sent to a partner laboratory. The final website will advertise only the genuinely operational menu.
Preparation
- Report supplements, high-dose biotin and the date/time of the last dose; these can alter or complicate some immunoassays.
- Do not stop prescribed treatment or supplements without advice.
- For follow-up, try to keep method, sampling time and conditions comparable.
How Askabide processes it
Combined pathway
Fluorescence immunoassay or another validated method depending on the analyte. ichroma™ II supports different assays through specific cartridges; owning the instrument does not mean every analyte in the manufacturer catalogue is active at each centre.
Part is performed at Askabide and another phase or confirmation is processed externally.
Results and indicative intervals
Intervals vary by method, analyser, reagent, units, age, sex, pregnancy, menstrual-cycle phase and reference population. The valid interval is the one printed on the laboratory report.
| Parameter or result | Indicative reference | How it is interpreted |
|---|---|---|
| 25-OH vitamin D | Método e indicación específicos | Deficiency and target thresholds depend on guideline, risk and method; use the report and clinical judgement. |
| Vitamin B12 | Intervalo del laboratorio | A borderline value may require methylmalonic acid, homocysteine or clinical assessment. |
| Folate | Intervalo del laboratorio | Interpret with diet, supplements, CBC and clinical context. |
| Ferritin | Intervalo por sexo/edad y método | Can rise with inflammation and is not solely a marker of iron stores. |
Important limitations
- Intervals and targets depend on method, population and reason for testing.
- A single value does not by itself explain non-specific symptoms such as fatigue.
- Unindicated supplements can mask problems, interfere with tests or cause toxicity.
- On-site availability must be confirmed before the appointment.