Vitamin B12 and Folates Blood Test

Use:

This anemia blood test and B12 deficiency test is useful in assessing an individuals nutritional status or to evaluate the cause of anemia.

Vitamin B12 is a collection of molecules found in the body. Vitamin B12 is important for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system and for the formation of blood. It is normally involved in the metabolism of every cell of the body, especially affecting the DNA synthesis and regulation but also fatty acid synthesis and energy production.

A deficiency in B12 can also result in varying degrees of neuropathy, nerve damage that can cause tingling and numbness in the patient’s hands and feet. Folic acid (folate) is a form of the water-soluble Vitamin B9.

Folic acid is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells, which is especially important during periods of rapid cell division and growth such as infancy and pregnancy. Folate is needed to replicate DNA. Thus folate deficiency hinders DNA synthesis and cell division, affecting most clinically the bone marrow, a site of rapid cell turnover. Fasting is preferred prior to testing.

Recommended For:

Pregnancy ante-natal work-up, diagnosing and monitoring treatment of anaemia, suspected folate/B12 deficiency, strict vegetarians.

Special Notes:

No special preparation is necessary prior to blood sample collection.

Tests Included:

Estimated Turn Around For Results:

2-10 Business Days

For an exact turnaround time for results, please contact us at Personalabs and we will contact the lab on your behalf as turnaround times vary depending on testing location or lab testing provider.