Schilling Test

Vitamin B12 Absorption Test

Why It Is Done

The Schilling test is done to:

• Determine the cause of a lack of vitamin B12.
• Screen for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia in people at high risk for developing this anemia, such as those who have had stomach or intestinal surgery, small intestine problems, or people with a family history of this anemia.
• Help diagnose pernicious anemia, a serious blood disease caused by a lack of intrinsic factor.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: April 13, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
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