Schilling Test
What is a Schilling Test?
A Schilling test is carried out in order to measure how well you absorb vitamin B-12.
What is involved?
You will have to swallow a small capsule containing vitamin B-12, which has been labelled with a special radioactive material (Cobalt-57). Immediately afterwards a small volume of vitamin B-12 will be injected into a muscle in your arm or leg. The injection is no more painful than a blood test.
After the injection you can leave. When you leave you will be given a bottle to use for collecting all your urine for the next 24 hours after the injection. It is very important that all your urine is collected. (Please let us know if you have not been able to collect all the urine.)
A second phase of this test may need to be carried out. If you need a second test we will send you another appointment letter.
How long will it take?
The whole test takes about half an hour.
Do I need to do anything before and after the test?
Please contact the department to discuss any medicines you are taking, which could interfere with the test.
Before the test you must fast overnight.
After the test you must not eat or drink for two hours after the injection.
The urine must be taken to the Nuclear Medicine Department as instructed by the technician or radiographer.
Is the radiation dangerous?
The amount of radiation you receive is small. It is comparable to that of an X-ray examination. The substances we inject are non-toxic and will not make you feel sick or drowsy.
What about pregnancy?
The amount of radioactivity we use for this test is so low that there is no risk to any unborn child.
What about breastfeeding?
Radioactive substances can come out in breast milk. Please phone the Nuclear Medicine Department before your test if you are breastfeeding, so that we can advise you if you need to stop feeding for a length of time.
Can I bring a friend or relative with me?
A friend or relative can attend with you but they will not be able to accompany you for the injection.
Can I still look after children and pets?
You do not have to take any special precautions when dealing with small children or pets after this procedure. The radiation from your body is so small that it will not affect anybody near you.
Can I return to work after my test?
Yes, there is usually no problem.
What about my result?
As the urine will be analysed at a later time we are unable to tell you the result of the test. The results will be sent to the doctor who requested the test.
If you have any further questions after reading this information
please contact:
The Nuclear Medicine Department (01202) 442499
References
This information has been produced by:
Head of Nuclear Medicine: Mr Lars Jansson
Date Produced: February 2007
Review Date: February 2008
Responsible Clinician: Dr NK Robson, Consultant Radiologist
