PulseExploreJournal ClubDebatesTrendingResearchersJournals
Instagram
HomeExploreJournal ClubTrending
Synapse
⌘+K
Synapse
February 8, 2026Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis0 citationsOpen Access

Discordant Vitamin B12 Results in an IgA Nephropathy Patient

View Full Paper
OPOytun PortakalHacettepe UniversityNINazende IşlakHacettepe UniversityMBMuhammed Ş. BiniciHacettepe University

Key Points

  • To highlight the impact of immunoassay interferences on Vitamin B12 results in a patient with IgA nephropathy.
  • Detailed patient case analysis of a 76-year-old male with IgA nephropathy.
  • Testing for Vitamin B12 levels using multiple analytical platforms.
  • Polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation to analyze Vitamin B12 recovery.
  • Use of blocking reagents to confirm immunoassay interference.
  • Elevated total Vitamin B12 levels despite no supplement use and normal clinical parameters.
  • PEG precipitation showed significantly reduced recovery indicating macro-VitB12 presence.
  • Confirmed interference from heterophilic antibodies and discrepancy between testing platforms.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Discordant Vitamin B12 results can result from immunoassay interferences, potentially leading to unnecessary diagnostic procedures and misdiagnoses if not properly recognized. Case Presentation A 76‐year‐old male with a history of IgA nephropathy, hypertension, and other comorbidities presented with unexpectedly elevated total Vitamin B12 levels despite no supplement use and normal hematological and biochemical parameters. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation demonstrated markedly reduced recovery, indicating the presence of macro‐VitB12. Pretreatment with blocking reagents and exclusion of heterophilic antibodies confirmed the interference. The discrepancy observed between analytical platforms further supported this finding. Conclusion Vitamin B12 results should always be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation is a cost‐effective and accessible method for detecting macro‐VitB12, particularly in cases where analytical results are inconsistent with the clinical presentation.

Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper

Cite This Study

Portakal et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/698828850fc35cd7a88481b7https://doi.org/10.1002/jcla.70143
Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper