Vitamin B3
Test Code
91029
84591
In-home collection is not available in your area through Quest Mobile.
Clinical Significance
Vitamin B3 - Nicotinic acid occurs naturally in plants and animals and is also added to many foods as a vitamin supplement.
Test Resources
None found for this test
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Test Details
Nicotinamide and Nicotinic Acid
Methodology
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.
Reference Range(s)
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.
Alternative Name(s)
Niacin
Preferred Specimen(s)
1 mL frozen serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel) - protected from light
Alternative Specimen(s)
Frozen plasma collected in: EDTA (lavender-top) tube protected from light
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Collection Instructions
Pour serum or plasma into amber transport tube (preferred) or transport tube wrapped in aluminum foil to protect from light.
Transport Container
Amber transport tube
Transport Temperature
Frozen
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: Unacceptable
- Refrigerated: Unacceptable
- Frozen: 30 days
Reject Criteria
Serum separator tube (SST)
Setup Schedule
1 mL frozen serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel) - protected from light
Frozen plasma collected in: EDTA (lavender-top) tube protected from light
0.5 mL
Pour serum or plasma into amber transport tube (preferred) or transport tube wrapped in aluminum foil to protect from light.
Amber transport tube
Frozen
Room temperature: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 30 days
Refrigerated: Unacceptable
Frozen: 30 days
Serum separator tube (SST)