When there is a deficiency of Vitamin B12, it impairs the brain function and seriously affects the nervous system of the body. In children it blocks growth and development. In adults it can lead to early dementia and weakness. Blood tests are always required to check the normal levels.
What does a routine Vitamin B12 level test involve for the patient?
Are other tests also conducted along to determine the deficiency?
As a reputed lab we do testing for vitamin B12 deficiency often when doctors send their patients. We pay attention to every detail so that the right treatment can be started.
Symptoms that require a laboratory diagnosis of vitamin B12
- Poor memory
- Loss of appetite
- Numb hands and feet with a tingling sensation
- Fast heartbeat
- Tongue is sour
- Problem in keeping a body balance
- Confusion and depression
Normal value indications
Normal values or levels required in the blood are 160 to 950 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL), or 118 to 701 picomoles per liter (pmol/L).
When the the blood reports are not normal the values will be less than 160 to 950 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL), or 118 to 701 picomoles per liter (pmol/L). They lead to the above symptoms mentioned in patients. In some labs the ranges indicative of 200 to 900 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL).
If there is a high level of methylmalonic acid level is high, it is a confirmation of B12 deficiency. But this is rare as excessive amounts are released through the urine.
PS: Some labs may show some variation in values which can be checked with the doctor as well.
There are some risks that make testing important for testing vitamin B 12 deficiency difficult for some people.
Taking blood samples from the vein is difficult. A patient might feel:
- Dizzy while the blood is drawn out.
- Excessive bleeding may occur.
- Faint when multiple punctures are done for sampling
- Hematoma (blood builds up under the skin)
- Infection if the skin tears.
In the case of most patients there is no problem in collecting the sample from home.
What does the CBC test indicate?
Large blood cells are detected. Even a folic acid test is conducted along to measure the values. When the patients are recommended this test we take blood samples from home. A urine test may also be conducted to get the results.
There is no need to fast to get the test done. But if the doctor feels there could be other medical issues other tests are conducted to measure other components of the sample. A patient will need to tell the doctor if any medication is being consumed which may affect the final reports.
If the reports show levels below 200 pg/mL, the thyroid may be affected too. Neurological symptoms are common in such patients. As reports vary, the meaning has to be discussed with the doctor. He may give injections or medicines to get the normal levels back in the body.
Avigna Diagnostics Labs have experienced phlebotomists and radiologists to conduct the testing for vitamin B12 deficiency. Our test results have helped several doctors to activate a plan of treatment.
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B12, B12 Deficiency, Bblood Tests, Blood Cells, Blood Reports, Blood Samples, CBC Test, Vitamin B12
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