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General
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Clinical Use:
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Niacin (nicotinic acid, nicotinamide) derivatives include nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), which are coenzymes in oxidation-reduction reactions. They are vital in cell metabolism. Because dietary tryptophan can be metabolized to niacin, foods rich in tryptophan (e.g., protein rich foods) can compensate for inadequate dietary niacin.
Diagnosis of niacin deficiency is often based on patient history and physical examination. Pellagra is the clinical syndrome resulting from severe niacin deficiency. Primary pellagra results when the diet is extremely deficient in niacin-rich foods, secondary pellagra may be due to other diseases or conditions interfere with its absorption and/or processing. Clinical diagnostic symptoms include the "three Ds": localized pigmented rash (dermatitis); gastroenteritis (diarrhoea); and widespread neurologic deficits, including cognitive decline (dementia). Other findings may include anaemia, hypoproteinemia, abnormal LFTs and increased serum porphyrins.
Niacin (nicotinic acid) in large amounts is sometimes used to lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels and to increase HDL cholesterol levels. Immediate release niacin is associated with flushing of the skin, increased blood glucose and gastrointestinal symptoms. Whereas there is an increased risk of hepatotoxicity with sustained-release niacin. |
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Availability:
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Samples are batched and tested once a week. |
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Aliases/Synonyms:
| B3, Niacin, Nicotinic Acid, |
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Code:
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VB3 |
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Handling Instructions (to laboratory):
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Send sample chilled. |
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Hyperlink:
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Unit of Measure:
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umol/day |
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Reference Interval:
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Vitamin B3 metabolite - MCP (1-methyl-5-carboxylamide-2-pyridone) = 25 - 110 umol/day
Vitamin B3 metabolite - NMN (N-1-methylnicotinamide) = 10 - 75 umol/day
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Collection Requirements
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Container:
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UR24-HCL (UR24HCL), |
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Sample Type:
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24hr Urine |
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Minimum Collection Volume:
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N/A |
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Collection Instructions:
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Sample must be kept refrigerated during collection.
24hr urine HCL bottles can be requested from:
QEII - 6152 2830
FSH - 6383 4114 |
Processing Requirements
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Alternate Containers:
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Processing Instructions:
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Refer to local manual for processing requirements. |
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Minimum Assay Volume:
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10mL |
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Stability:
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Transport Instructions (to testing laboratory):
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Send sample chilled.
24hr urine volume required.
Requests should be reviewed by Duty Biochemist prior to transport. |
Testing Locations
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Performed at:
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Section
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Department
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Site
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Contact Phone
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Laboratory |
SSWPS-Royal Prince Alfred Hospital |
(02) 9515 8279 |
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Last Updated : 28-04-2026 10:36 |