Vitamin B12 Deficiency Testing

Vitamin B12 is part of the vitamin B complex, it is involved in the repair of tissue and cells and the normal formation of red blood cells. Like with all vitamins, it is extremely important to avoid a deficiency, as it could lead to serious health problems. In order to determine if you are indeed having low levels of B12, you’ll need to undergo vitamin B12 deficiency testing. Read on to learn more about it.

A deficiency can be easily observer during a common Complete Blood Count (CBC) test; this test will put in evidence a certain degree of anemia and enlarged red blood cells. From there, you’ll need a laboratory test to gather more information about the vitamin b 12 deficiency, including the severity, the cause and in later stages, the progress of the treatment. The laboratory tests for diagnosis include:

CBC. It is comprised of a series of tests to check the state of blood cells. As I said above, this test ordered commonly on routine check-ups will help you spot any abnormalities – in this case it would be enlarged red blood cells.

Folate. Doctors may indicate a test to check the levels of serum or RBC folate. If results indicate low levels, you are suffering from a deficiency; on the other hand normal levels still don’t discard the presence of a deficiency.

B12. This test indicates the deficiency, but not the cause. If normal levels are present, we have to discard a folate deficiency through other testing method.

Now, you’ll need a vitamin b12 deficiency test to determine the cause of your problems; these tests include:

Intrinsic Factor Binding Antibody. This is a specialized lab test, which might indicate a presence in those with pernicious anemia.

Intrinsic Factor Blocking Antibody. It helps determining the presence of a protein which doesn’t allow the B12 to bind to intrinsic factor.

Parietal Cell Antibody.