Vitamin B-12 Level
DefinitionThis is a test to determine the level of vitamin B-12 in the blood.
Why is the Test Performed?
This test is most often performed when other tests (which may include CBC, RBC indices, reticulocyte count, blood smear, or others) indicate the presence of a megaloblastic anemia.
Pernicious anemia is the megaloblastic anemia caused by poor absorption of vitamin B-12. This is usually caused by decreased production of intrinsic factor, a substance essential to vitamin B-12 absorption, in the stomach. This test may also be performed as part of the testing to determine the cause of nervous system disorders.
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