B6T Smart Panel #2 Blood Test Panel

What is the purpose of this test?

Order this B6T Smart Panel #2 Blood Test, which should be taken at months 2, 3, 5, and 6 to screen for vitamin B6 toxicity and rule out other potential causes of neuropathy. If you want to continue monitoring your electrolytes and B6 levels beyond six months, consider taking the test for a more extended period. 

You may be toxic if you have sensory, autonomic, or motor neuropathy and an above-normal B6 blood test. However, it is possible to have symptoms of B6 toxicity without an abnormal B6 blood test. B6 blood levels do not always correspond to symptoms. 

If you are experiencing neuropathy without abnormal blood work, work with your doctors to eliminate all other possible causes. Getting a baseline for several blood tests, not just a vitamin B6 blood test, is recommended. Therefore, the Understanding B6 Toxicity Facebook group has partnered with Walk-In Lab to offer the B6T Smart Panel #2 Blood Test. This comprehensive test panel includes a thorough list of blood tests to rule out other potential causes of neuropathy.

This panel includes the following:

• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) with eGRF Blood Test - This test is a screening to evaluate kidney and liver functioning, electrolytes, and glucose. It consists of:

• Glucose - Blood sugar level, the most direct test to screen for diabetes and also used in diabetes management.

• Kidney Profile
• Bun or Urea Nitrogen (BUN) - An indicator of kidney function.  
• Creatinine, Serum - An indicator of kidney function.  
• Bun/Creatinine Ratio - Calculated by dividing BUN by creatinine. This ratio can suggest conditions including dehydration or intestinal bleeding.
• Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) - Measures kidney function to determine kidney disease stage and detect early kidney damage.

• Liver Panel
• Protein, Total - Assists in determining liver and kidney function and nutritional health.
• Albumin Serum - One of the major proteins essential for the healthy function of the liver and kidney. 
• Globulin, Total - One of the major proteins that assist the blood to clot properly and also comprises infection-fighting antibodies. 
• Albumin/Globulin Ratio - Calculated by dividing albumin by globulin. When paired with other test results, this ratio can assist in diagnosing various liver problems. 
• Bilirubin, Total - Aids in detecting hepatitis, sickle cell, anemia, cirrhosis, alcohol, and drug abuse. High concentrations may result in jaundice.
• Alkaline Phosphatase - A protein vital in detecting bone disorders and liver disease.
• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST or SGOT) - An enzyme helpful in evaluating liver function. An elevated level is an indication of hepatitis. 
• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT) - An enzyme helpful in identifying liver damage. Abnormalities may represent liver disease.

• Fluids & Electrolytes
• Sodium - One of the major salts in body fluid. Sodium is important in water balance and the electrical activity of nerves and muscles.
• Potassium - Helps to control the nerves and muscles.
• Chloride - Similar to sodium, it helps to maintain the body's electrolyte balance.
• Carbon Dioxide, Total - Used to help detect, evaluate, and monitor electrolyte imbalances.
• Calcium - A mineral essential for developing and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It is also important for the normal function of muscles, nerves, and blood clotting.

• Vitamin B6 Whole Blood Test - This test measures the level of B6 in your blood. It measures a B6 form called PLP (aka – P5P).

How does it work?

Walk-In Lab allows you to order blood work at an affordable price without a doctor's order. To get a blood draw, place your order and pay through Walk-In Lab's site. Then, take the lab order to Quest (preferred) or LabCorp for the blood draw. You can check your test results on the Walk-In lab portal the following day. The B6 blood test results may take three to four days.

When should I order a B6T Smart Panel #2 Blood Test?

Individuals may order this test if they have experienced symptoms related to vitamin B6 toxicity. Common signs or symptoms of vitamin B6 toxicity include:

• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Painful skin lesions
• Sensitivity to light
• Numbness in the limbs
• Pain in the hands and feet
• Loss of control over your body or eye movements (Ataxia)
• Intense sensory neurop