Niacin (Vitamin B3) Serum Mass Concentration

This test measures the levels of specific substances in a sample from your body, most often blood or urine, and gives your healthcare provider valuable information about how well your organs and body systems are working.

Niacin is a water-soluble B vitamin that plays a key role in metabolism, DNA repair, and maintaining healthy skin and nerves. Your body produces some niacin naturally, but you also get it from foods like meat, fish, poultry, nuts, and whole grains. This test quantifies the niacin present in your blood serum, typically measured in micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL).

Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms that need a closer look, if you are living with a chronic condition that requires regular monitoring, or as part of a routine checkup to screen for health problems early.

Doctors may order a niacin test if you have symptoms of niacin deficiency, such as fatigue, skin changes, or digestive issues. It can also be part of a broader evaluation for conditions like pellagra (a rare but serious deficiency), certain metabolic disorders, or if you’re taking medications that may affect niacin levels. Rarely, it may be checked in patients receiving niacin supplements for heart health or cholesterol management.

A trained member of your care team will collect a small sample, usually by drawing blood from a vein in your arm or by asking you to provide a urine sample. The collection itself is quick, and the sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, by a healthcare professional. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis using a specialized method to measure niacin concentration. The sample is typically processed within hours of collection.

Your results show whether your measurements fall within the normal reference range. Values that are higher or lower than expected may suggest a condition that needs further testing, but your doctor will interpret the numbers together with your symptoms and medical history.

Results provide a quantitative measure of niacin in your blood, but reference ranges can vary by lab and may not be standardized. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your symptoms, medical history, and other test results. Low levels may indicate deficiency, while high levels could be due to supplements or certain medical conditions.