Which test is used to evaluate distal ileal disease via a blood marker?

Which test is used to evaluate distal ileal disease via a blood marker?

• A. Cobalamin serum level
• B. Fecal fat testing
• C. Amylase
• D. ALT (alanine aminotransferase)

Answer: (A)

Distal ileal disease affects the absorption of cobalamin (vitamin B12), which requires the terminal ileum for uptake after binding to intrinsic factor. Measuring the serum cobalamin level is a practical blood marker to assess ileal function and potential B12 malabsorption from distal ileum involvement. Low B12 can indicate ileal dysfunction or resection. The other tests don’t specifically assess distal ileal absorption: fecal fat testing looks at fat malabsorption, amylase reflects pancreatic activity, and ALT reflects liver injury. So, the serum cobalamin level is the best blood marker for distal ileal disease.

Distal ileal disease affects the absorption of cobalamin (vitamin B12), which requires the terminal ileum for uptake after binding to intrinsic factor. Measuring the serum cobalamin level is a practical blood marker to assess ileal function and potential B12 malabsorption from distal ileum involvement. Low B12 can indicate ileal dysfunction or resection. The other tests don’t specifically assess distal ileal absorption: fecal fat testing looks at fat malabsorption, amylase reflects pancreatic activity, and ALT reflects liver injury. So, the serum cobalamin level is the best blood marker for distal ileal disease.