Why is this procedure done?
This test is done to find out how much vitamin B12 is in your blood. Vitamin B12 is one of the B vitamins that are found in some foods. It is also added to other foods or you may take it as a pill. ‚
Having the right amount of vitamin B12 is very important. Your body stores some vitamin B12 in your liver. You get most of what you need from your diet. Vitamin B12 helps keep your nerve and blood cells healthy. Vitamin B12 helps build red blood cells and DNA. ‚
The doctor may order a vitamin B12 level to: ‚
- Check your general health and nutritional status
- Look for reasons why you have problems with your nerves
- Learn about reasons why you may have mental changes or behavior changes
- See how well your treatment is working
- See if you have anemia
- See if you have problems absorbing food
- Go along with other tests like a folate level or homocysteine test
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What will the results be?
- Normal vitamin B12 levels can mean that your signs are due to some other problem. They can also mean that you have not used all of the vitamin B12 you have in your body.
- High vitamin B12 levels are not very common and result from a chronic disease.
- Low vitamin B12 levels can mean many different things. It may mean that you are not eating enough vitamin B12 in your diet. You could also have problems absorbing the vitamin B12 that you eat. Some drugs can lower vitamin B12 levels.
- The doctor will look at the results of your test and what is normal. The doctor will know if you have an illness that needs treatment.
- Your doctor may order another test to verify the diagnosis.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor may ask you not to have anything to eat or drink for 6 to 8 hours before this test. This is called fasting.
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) before the test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have any bleeding problems
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood to see how much vitamin B12 is in it. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your vitamin B12. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/vitamin-b12/tab/glance ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚