Final answer:
The statement regarding the Schilling test is true; it measures urinary excretion of vitamin B12 to diagnose pernicious anemia and other malabsorption syndromes related to B12 absorption issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Schilling test is indeed used to measure the urinary excretion of vitamin B12 for the diagnosis of pernicious anemia and other malabsorption syndromes. This makes the statement true. The test is used to assess the absorption of vitamin B12, which is crucial for red blood cell production and neurological functioning. Pernicious anemia is characterized by poor absorption of vitamin B12 due to a lack of intrinsic factor, which is necessary for vitamin B12 absorption in the intestines. Conditions such as Crohn's disease, surgical removal of parts of the stomach or intestines, intestinal parasites, and AIDS can lead to B12 malabsorption and thus pernicious anemia. The Schilling test involves the oral administration of radioactive vitamin B12 and the measurement of its excretion in the urine to ascertain B12 absorption capability. This test helps in distinguishing whether the deficiency is due to intrinsic factor absence or other causes of malabsorption.