Axis-Shield plc today announces the launch of a test for holotranscobalamin (HoloTC) to run on Abbott’s AxSYM® automated immunoassay system, used in thousands of hospitals and clinical laboratories worldwide. Initial launch will exclude the USA, pending FDA 510(k) application and approval. HoloTC is the active, biologically available form of vitamin B12, and its measurement is an effective method for detection of early deficiency of this important vitamin, which is an increasing problem, particularly in elderly and vegetarian populations. Because only 20% of absorbed B12 is present in this active form, the conventional measurement of total B12 levels may mask deficiency and additionally there is a significant “grey zone” of indeterminate total B12 results, which require retesting. The use of HoloTC will allow improved detection of deficiency, significantly reducing the need for assay repetition.
