Published: 5 September 2019

Publications

Biotin beware!

Prescriber Update 40(3): 53-54
September 2019

Biotin may interfere with laboratory tests that are based on biotin technology, leading to either falsely decreased or falsely increased test results, depending on the assay^1,2. Incorrect test results may lead to inappropriate patient management or misdiagnosis².

Many laboratory tests that use biotin technology are potentially affected, including but not limited to cardiovascular diagnostic tests and hormone tests². The risk of interference is higher in children and patients with renal impairment and increases with higher doses¹.

Multivitamins, including prenatal multivitamins, biotin supplements, and dietary supplements for hair, skin, and nail growth contain biotin at levels that may interfere with laboratory tests^1,2. Biotin may be labelled as Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H in these products.

Consult laboratory personnel when ordering laboratory tests in patients taking biotin¹.

References

1. European Medicines Agency. 2019. PRAC recommendations on signals – Adopted at the 14–17 January 2019 PRAC meeting. URL: ema.europa.eu/en/documents/prac-recommendation/prac-recommendations-signals-adopted-14-17-january-2019-prac-meeting_en.pdf (accessed 19 July 2019).
2. US Food and Drug Administration. 2017. The FDA warns that biotin may interfere with lab tests: FDA Safety Communication. URL: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/fda-warns-biotin-may-interfere-lab-tests-fda-safety-communication (accessed 22 July 2019).