Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) in Serum
This test measures the amount of vitamin B5 (also called pantothenic acid) in your blood serum. Vitamin B5 is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a key role in energy production and maintaining healthy nerve and skin function.
["Check your vitamin B5 levels if you suspect deficiencies or have symptoms linked to low vitamin B5."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 81068-9
- Short code
- Vit B5 24h Est
- Synonyms
- Vit B5 24h Est
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- estimated
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, numbness, or skin problems that might indicate a vitamin deficiency. It may also be part of a broader evaluation for metabolic disorders or nutritional assessment.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for a certain period before the blood draw, but this depends on your healthcare provider’s instructions. Bring any medications you’re taking to your appointment.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis. The test typically takes a few minutes, and you may feel slight discomfort but no lasting effects.
What Are the Possible Results?
Results will be reported as a concentration of vitamin B5 in your serum. While reference ranges can vary by lab, low levels may suggest a deficiency, while very high levels could indicate certain medical conditions or medication use.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low vitamin B5 levels can contribute to fatigue, nerve issues, or digestive problems. Severe deficiencies are rare but may occur in individuals with malabsorption disorders, chronic illnesses, or those on certain medications. High levels may require further investigation to rule out underlying conditions like liver disease or certain metabolic disorders.
Short name
Vitamin B5 Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes low vitamin B5 levels?
How is vitamin B5 deficiency treated?
Can vitamin B5 levels be affected by medications?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy