Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 62%
Full-length
Which type of anemia is diagnosed with a Schilling test?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The Schilling test is used to determine the cause of vitamin B12 deficiency, a potential precursor to pernicious anemia. This test involves the use of a small oral dose of radioactive B12 and a large nonradioactive intramuscular dose. A 24-hour urine specimen is then collected to measure the amount of radioactivity in the urine, and thus radioactive B12. This test is not helpful in diagnosing aplastic, megaloblastic, or iron-deficiency anemia.