Vitamin B12 Blood Test
From Health Facts
Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-21 (EDT)
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This test is used to help diagnose one cause of anemia or neuropathy, to evaluate nutritional status in some people, and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.[1], [2]
Discussion
- B12 and folate are both make up the B complex of vitamins and are necessary for normal red blood cell formation, tissue and cellular repaid, and DNA synthesis.
- These tests measure the levels of folate and vitamin B12 in the liquid portion of the blood, the serum, or plasma, in order to detect deficiencies.
Patient Preparation
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before sample collection may be required.
Clinical Implications
High levels indicate:
Low levels indicate:
- Anemia
- Neuropathy
- Insufficient intake
- Malabsorption
- Celiac disease
- Bacterial overgrowth or presence of parasites in the intestines
- Pernicious anemia
- Surgery that removes part of the stomach such as gastric bypass
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Chronic alcoholism
Associated Tests
- CBC, CMP, Methylmalonic Acid (MMA), Homocysteine, B vitamins, Intrinsic factor antibody
References
- ↑ Pagana Kathleen D, Pagana Timothy J (2006) Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, Mosby.
- ↑ Weatherby Dicken, Ferguson Scott (2002) Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis: Clinical Laboratory Testing from a Functional Perspective, Bear Mountain.
