Vitamin B12 Deficiency Diagnosis
How will your doctor diagnose you with this condition? Learn about the tests, exams, processes, and other information relating to the diagnosis of Vitamin B12 Deficiency below.
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How to Diagnose Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following:
- Complete blood count (CBC)-a count of the number of red and white blood cells in a blood sample
- Vitamin B12 level-a test that measures the amount of vitamin B12 in the blood
- Methylmalonic acid (MMA) level-a measurement of the amount of methylmalonic acid in the blood; this test determines whether a vitamin B12 deficiency exists.
- Homocysteine level-a test that measures the amount of homocysteine in the blood (homocysteine is a building block of protein). The homocysteine level will be elevated if there is a shortage of vitamin B12, folate, or vitamin B-6.
- Schilling test-a test in which a harmless amount of radiation is used to assess whether a vitamin B12 deficiency exists (rarely used)
- Red blood cell folate level-a measurement of the amount of a B vitamin called folate
- Gastrin level-a test that may help determine the cause of a vitamin B12 deficiency
- Intrinsic factor assay-a measurement of the amount of a protein called intrinsic factor normally produced in the stomach; this test helps to rule out pernicious anemia as the cause of symptoms.
- Bone marrow staining-a test that shows whether an iron deficiency exists
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MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment
or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright ©2013 EBSCO Publishing All rights
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