Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal-5'-phosphate), EDTA Whole Blood

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Includes 1 Parameter
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Rs.4000
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Sample Type
  • Blood
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Test Code
#AL049
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Fasting
No
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Report within
5 Days

The Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal-5'-Phosphate or PLP) test measures the active form of Vitamin B6 directly from EDTA whole blood. Vitamin B6 is crucial for nerve and brain function, energy metabolism, red blood cell production, hormone regulation, immune function, and protein and amino acid metabolism.

Low Vitamin B6 may lead to nerve pain, irritability, fatigue, mood changes, and skin issues.

At Torrent Diagnostics, the Vitamin B6 test is run using Global Standard biochemical techniques for reliable early detection of deficiency.

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Why is the Vitamin B6 Test Done?

Detecting Vitamin B6 Deficiency

Vitamin B6 deficiency can result from:

  • Poor diet
  • Chronic diseases
  • Malabsorption
  • Certain medications
  • Alcohol dependence
Early detection prevents neurological and metabolic complications.  

Assessing Nerve & Brain Function

Vitamin B6 is essential in neurotransmitter synthesis:

  • Serotonin
  • Dopamine
  • GABA

Doctors may order this test for patients with:

  • Tingling or numbness
  • Burning sensations
  • Mood swings
  • Confusion or irritability
  • Seizures (in infants or severe deficiency)

Evaluating Metabolic & Hormonal Balance

  • PLP plays a role in hormonal regulation and metabolism:
  • Detoxification pathways
  • Amino acid conversion
  • Immune cell production
  • Hemoglobin synthesis
Low levels can lead to anemia, fatigue, and hormonal imbalance.
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Who Should Get a Vitamin B6 (P5P) Test?

Symptoms That Indicate Testing

A Vitamin B6 test is recommended if you experience:

  • Persistent fatigue
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Irritability or mood changes
  • Cracked or sore lips
  • Skin rashes
  • Muscle weakness
  • Headaches
  • Seizure-like symptoms (rare but severe deficiency)

High-Risk Groups

Testing is beneficial for:

  • Elderly individuals
  • People with chronic alcohol use
  • Pregnant women
  • Individuals with kidney disease
  • People on long-term medications (isoniazid, hydralazine, oral contraceptives)
  • Patients with autoimmune or inflammatory diseases
  • Individuals with poor nutrient absorption

Monitoring Treatment & Recovery

Repeat Vitamin B6 testing helps:

  • Track recovery after supplementation
  • Adjust treatment plans
  • Evaluate metabolic therapy
  • Monitor neurological symptom improvement
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How to Read Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal-5'-Phosphate) Test Results?

Normal PLP Levels

(Ranges vary by lab method)
Category Reference Range (approx.)
Normal 20-125 nmol/L
Borderline 0-20 nmol/L
Low / Deficient lt; 10 nmol/L
(Torrent Diagnostics' reference values may vary with calibration.)

Low Vitamin B6 Levels May Indicate

  • Nutritional deficiency
  • Alcohol dependence
  • Kidney disease
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Long-term medication use
  • Malabsorption disorders
  • Hormonal imbalances

Additional tests may include:

  • CBC
  • Vitamin B12
  • Folate
  • Homocysteine
  • Liver function tests

Factors Influencing Vitamin B6 Levels

May reduce levels:

  • Chronic illness
  • Kidney disorders
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Hormonal medications
  • Alcohol
  • Stress

May increase levels:

  • Recent Vitamin B6 supplements
  • High-dose multivitamins
A doctor must interpret results in clinical context.
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What to Ask the Doctor?

  • Do my symptoms point to Vitamin B6 deficiency?
  • Should I take supplements or adjust my diet?
  • Are my medications affecting Vitamin B6 levels?
  • Should I check other B-vitamin levels too?
  • How often do I need follow-up testing?
  • What foods will help increase my Vitamin B6 naturally?
How our test process works!
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STEP 01
Identity Verified at Every Step
Verified identity at every step to eliminate sample mix-ups
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STEP 02
Sterile, Barcoded Collection
Sterile, barcoded collection to maintain sample integrity
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STEP 03
Expert-Led Sample Collection
Trained professionals ensuring safe, accurate, and comfortable collection

FAQs To Help You Know Better

What is the Vitamin B6 (PLP) test for?
It measures the active form of Vitamin B6 to detect deficiency affecting nerves, metabolism, and immunity.
Do I need to fast for the test?
Yes, fasting for 8-12 hours is recommended.
Why is EDTA whole blood used?
PLP is found mainly inside red blood cells, and EDTA samples preserve the active form
What are symptoms of Vitamin B6 deficiency?
Fatigue, numbness, mood changes, cracked lips, skin inflammation, and irritability.
How long does it take to get results?
Typically, same-day reporting.
Can supplements affect results?
Yes, avoid supplements for 24-48 hours before testing unless advised otherwise.
Who is at risk for low B6?
Elderly individuals, pregnant women, diabetics, alcohol-dependent individuals, and patients with kidney disease.
Is Vitamin B6 deficiency serious?
Severe deficiency can cause nerve damage and seizures, but early detection helps prevent complications.
How is a deficiency treated?
Diet changes and supplements-your doctor will guide your dosage.
Can I book the Vitamin B6 test online?
Yes. You can book the Vitamin B6 (PLP) test online with home sample collection.
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