A vitamin B12 test measures the amount of vitamin B12 within the bloodstream. The body needs this B vitamin to make blood cells and also to maintain a healthy deep nerves it lurks in.
Vitamin B12 is found in animal products for example meat, shellfish, milk, cheese, and eggs. Most people who eat animal products are not likely to develop the deficiency in vitamin b12 anemia unless their bodies can't absorb it from food. Strict vegetarians (vegans) who do not eat items of animal origin and babies of mothers who are strict vegetarians are at increased risk for developing anemia and will take a dietary supplement containing vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is kept in the liver for a year or more, which reduces an individual's risk of anemia.
Vitamin B12 is usually measured at the same time as a folacin test, since a absence of either one can lead to a form of anemia called megaloblastic anemia. Lack of vitamin B12 also affects the deep nerves it lurks in.
Why It Is DoneA vitamin B12 test is used to:
Look for the deficiency in vitamin b12 anemia. There are several risk factors for this anemia, for example anyone who has had stomach or intestinal surgery, small intestine problems, or those with a family history of this anemia.
Diagnose the reason for certain kinds of anemia, such as megaloblastic anemia.
Help find the cause of dementia or other deep nerves it lurks in symptoms, for example tingling or numbness of your arms or legs (peripheral neuropathy).
See if vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is present after a person is diagnosed with atrophic gastritis.
The way to PrepareDo not eat or drink (other than water) for 10 to 12 hours prior to the test.
The way it Is DoneYour health professional drawing blood will:
Wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to end the flow of blood. This makes the veins below the band larger so it is much better to place a needle into your vein.
Clean the needle site with alcohol.
Enter the needle into your vein. More than one needle stick may be required.
Attach a tube to the needle to fill it with blood.
Eliminate the band out of your arm when enough blood is collected.
Put a gauze pad or cotton ball on the needle site as the needle is removed.
Put pressure to the site and then a bandage.
The way it FeelsThe blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. An elastic band is wrapped around your upper arm. It may feel tight. You could feel nothing at all from the needle, or you may feel a fast sting or pinch.
RisksThere is extremely no chance of a problem from owning a blood sample derived from a vein.
You may get a small bruise for the site. You can lower the opportunity of bruising by keeping pressure on the web pages for a few minutes.
In rare cases, the vein may become swollen after the blood sample is taken. This problem is called phlebitis. A warm compress can be utilized several times each day to remove this.
Ongoing bleeding can be a problem for people with bleeding disorders. Aspirin,warfarin (Coumadin), and other blood-thinning medicines could make bleeding more inclined. If you have bleeding or clotting problems, or if you take blood-thinning medicine, inform your doctor before your blood sample is taken.
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