Vitamin B3
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Serum
Requires fasting: No
Phlebotomy required
Details
Nicotinic acid occurs naturally in plants and animals and is also added to many foods as a vitamin supplement.
- Nicotinamide
- Vitamin B3 (Nicotinic Acid)
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
Vitamin B3 Test
This test measures the levels of Nicotinic acid, a vital nutrient found naturally in plants and animals, and often added to foods as a supplement. It's essential for maintaining good health.
This test measures the levels of Nicotinic acid, a vital nutrient found naturally in plants and animals, and often added to foods as a supplement. It's essential for maintaining good health.
What patients is this test right for?
This test may be recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms of Vitamin B3 deficiency or to ensure adequate Vitamin B3 levels for those at risk.
What type of sample is required for this test?
1 mL frozen serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel) - protected from light.
Proper collection and handling are crucial for accurate results.
Proper collection and handling are crucial for accurate results.
Test Resources
Information on how to prepare for the test and understand the results can be found through healthcare provider consultations.
2–5 business days
Nicotinamide
Nicotinamide is a metabolite of nicotinic acid. Due to the large variability in the metabolism of nicotinic acid, plasma concentrations of this metabolite are variable. In one study, fasting plasma concentrations were reported to be approximately 40 ng/mL. In another study it was reported that the administration of a single 1000 mg of extended-release tablet of nicotinic acid resulted in a mean peak nicotinamide concentration of 400 ng/mL between 5 and 10 hours post dose, decreasing to about 100 ng/mL by 16 hours post dose.
Nicotinic Acid
Due to the large variability in the metabolism of nicotinic acid, the dosing preparation used (immediate-release vs. extended release), and the mg doses used, the serum concentrations may range from less than 20 ng/mL to about 30,000 ng/mL. After oral administration of an immediate-release tablet, peak plasma concentrations occur in 4 to 5 hours. The plasma half-life of nicotinic acid is about one hour. In one study, fasting plasma concentrations were reported to be less than 20 ng/mL. In another study, it was reported that the administration of a single 1000 mg extended-release tablet resulted in mean nicotinic acid concentrations of less than 50 ng/mL.
Nicotinamide is a metabolite of nicotinic acid. Due to the large variability in the metabolism of nicotinic acid, plasma concentrations of this metabolite are variable. In one study, fasting plasma concentrations were reported to be approximately 40 ng/mL. In another study it was reported that the administration of a single 1000 mg of extended-release tablet of nicotinic acid resulted in a mean peak nicotinamide concentration of 400 ng/mL between 5 and 10 hours post dose, decreasing to about 100 ng/mL by 16 hours post dose.
Nicotinic Acid
Due to the large variability in the metabolism of nicotinic acid, the dosing preparation used (immediate-release vs. extended release), and the mg doses used, the serum concentrations may range from less than 20 ng/mL to about 30,000 ng/mL. After oral administration of an immediate-release tablet, peak plasma concentrations occur in 4 to 5 hours. The plasma half-life of nicotinic acid is about one hour. In one study, fasting plasma concentrations were reported to be less than 20 ng/mL. In another study, it was reported that the administration of a single 1000 mg extended-release tablet resulted in mean nicotinic acid concentrations of less than 50 ng/mL.
Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:
Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)
- Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
- Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
- Collection Instructions:
- Bring a valid ID.
- Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
- Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
- More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide
Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy
- Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
- Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
- Collection Instructions:
- Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
- Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
- More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
Specimen
- Preferred Specimen(s): 1 mL frozen serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel) - protected from light
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
Storage and shipping instructions
- Transport Container: ACD (yellow-top) tube; Amber transport tube
- Transport Temperature: Frozen
- Specimen Stability:
- Frozen: 30 days
- Reject Criteria:
- Serum separator tube (SST)
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
