Who should have their levels of vitamin B12 & folate tested?
Vitamin B12 and folate are primarily measured when a full blood count indicated the presence of large red blood cells. When a person, particularly an elderly one shows mental or behavioural changes such as irritability, confusion, depression and/or paranoia and also when a patient has physical symptoms including dizziness, weakness, fatigue or a sore mouth or tongue. When a patient has symptoms suggesting nerve damage or impairment, such as, tingling, burning, or numbness in their hands, arms, legs, and or/feet, a vitamin B12 test may be requested to help diagnose the cause and to detect the presence of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Also the test may be requested when a patient shows signs of malnutrition or malabsorption or is known to have a disorder that affects nutrient absorption. If the deficiency is in a breastfed baby then the mother may also be tested to see if she has the deficiency which is affecting both her and the child. Blood Test A blood sample obtained from a needle placed
