Measurement of biotin in serum
Assessment of biotin concentrations in individuals taking biotin supplements
Investigation of unexpected results from immunoassays that utilize biotin-streptavidin detection methods
This test is not useful as a screen for biotinidase deficiency.
Serum biotin is usually at relatively low endogenous concentrations but can be found at high concentrations if vitamin and herbal supplements containing biotin are taken.
This test measures free biotin concentrations in serum and can be used to determine if a patient's high biotin concentrations are likely from biotin supplementation or treatment.
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Vitamin B7
Vitamin H
Serum
If testing for biotinidase deficiency is requested, order BIOTS / Biotinidase, Serum.
Freeze specimens within 3 days of collection and send frozen.
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
0.5 mL
Gross hemolysis | OK |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | OK |
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum | Frozen (preferred) | 30 days | |
Refrigerated | 7 days | ||
Ambient | 24 hours |
Measurement of biotin in serum
Assessment of biotin concentrations in individuals taking biotin supplements
Investigation of unexpected results from immunoassays that utilize biotin-streptavidin detection methods
This test is not useful as a screen for biotinidase deficiency.
Biotin is a water soluble B complex vitamin (vitamin B7 or vitamin H) that is an essential cofactor for the synthesis of fatty acids, catabolism of branched chained amino acids, and for gluconeogenesis. It is usually found at relatively low endogenous concentrations in patients on a normal diet. However, biotin can be found in over-the-counter multi-vitamins, prenatal vitamins, and dietary supplements marketed for hair, skin, and nail growth. Additionally, treatment of certain progressive multiple sclerosis patients with high doses of biotin has been reported to be beneficial. Biotin supplementation from either over-the-counter or prescription sources can result in extremely elevated circulating biotin. Some immunoassays in the clinical laboratory use chemistry that utilizes the high affinity and avidity that biotin has for binding avidin (or streptavidin). As a result, high serum biotin concentrations can yield inaccurate laboratory results in laboratory assays that utilize this biotin-streptavidin chemistry. Specifically, specimens with high biotin can yield falsely decreased results when the testing methodology utilizes sandwich-based methods or falsely increased results when the methodology utilizes competitive binding methods. Each clinical laboratory method that utilizes biotin-streptavidin chemistry has a defined biotin concentration limit above which serum biotin can interfere with assay results. This test measures free biotin concentrations in serum and can be used to determine whether a patient has high biotin concentrations that are likely from biotin supplementation/treatment.
> or =18 years: < or =0.3 ng/mL
Reference values have not been established for patients who are <18 years of age.
Biotin results that are significantly higher than the reference interval indicate biotin supplementation.
It is unknown how long biotin will remain elevated in patients taking biotin supplements. Variables include the dose taken, the duration of supplementation, and the time of blood draw after ingestion.
An internal study of volunteers taking 1 dose of 5000 to 20,000 micrograms of biotin showed elevated serum biotin concentrations of between 10 to 50 ng/mL at 1 to 2 hours post supplementation.
1. Elston MS, Sehgal S, Du Toit S, Yarndley T, Conaglen JV. Factitious Graves' disease due to biotin immunoassay interference-a case and review of the literature. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(9):3251-3255
2. Grimsey P, Frey N, Bendig G, et al. Population pharmacokinetics of exogenous biotin and the relationship between biotin serum levels and in vitro immunoassay interference. Int J Pharmacokinet. 2017;2:247-256
3. Katzman BM, Lueke AJ, Donato LJ, Jaffe AS, Baumann NA. Prevalence of biotin supplement usage in outpatients and plasma biotin concentrations in patients presenting to the emergency department. Clin Biochem. 2018;60:11-16
Biotin (Vitamin B7) is quantified in serum by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.(Unpublished Mayo method)
Tuesday
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
84591
Test Id | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
BIOTN | Biotin, S | 1980-2 |
Result Id | Test Result Name |
Result LOINC Value
Applies only to results expressed in units of measure originally reported by the performing laboratory. These values do not apply to results that are converted to other units of measure.
|
---|---|---|
606867 | Biotin, S | 1980-2 |