B12 Absorption (Dicopac) Test
Information for our Nuclear Medicine Patients
* Inform your physician if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
B12 Absorption (Dicopac) Test
A Dicopac Test involves the use of a very small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects. You will receive this material by mouth (capsule form).
Patient Preparation
You should have nothing by mouth (food or drink) the night before the test.
Procedure
The Dicopac test is a 24-hour urine collection test, used to determine if there is malabsorption of vitamin B12 in the body. You will be given two capsules by mouth, containing a small amount of radioactivity tagged to a B12 compound. 0-2 hours later you are given a intramuscular injection of vitamin B12. You then are asked to collect all urine samples for 24 hours (in a container provided) and return the container /urine to the department the next day (after collection has ended).
Further Information
Contact Terre Haute Medical Laboratory Nuclear Medicine at 812.238.7542
