Biomarker/Parameter Tested with this Vitamin B12 Blood Test Kit
Vitamin B12
Please note that you need to read the instructions that come with the kit very carefully and adhere to them. Failure to do so will most probably provide a sample that will be rejected by the lab and no refund will be given.
Results within 1-4 days (weekdays) of lab receipt.
A vitamin B12 blood self-test kit. This test measures the amount of vitamin B12 in your blood. This is valuable in assessing vitamin B12 levels and diagnosing potential deficiencies or abnormalities in its metabolism. Test for Vitamin B12 deficiency with this simple to use home test, while getting laboratory results. The report will be quantitative, including actual figures and remarks for any results that fall outside the normal range.
The at-home B12 blood collection kit contains everything you need to collect blood and send it to our laboratory for analysis. Inside, you'll find lancets, instructions, lab request form, labels, tube, tube pouch, prepaid UN3373 envelope, tube holder, swabs, alcohol wipes, and plasters. No need to go to the post office; simply drop off your sample in the nearest red letterbox.
You should stop taking B12 supplements, injections, or sprays at least 1-2 weeks before getting a B12 test. This allows enough time for the B12 levels in your body to stabilise and reflect your true B12 status. This period without supplementation is known as a washout period, and it ensures that the test results accurately represent your natural B12 levels without the influence of supplements or injections.
Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is essential for various bodily functions, including the formation of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, neurological function and the maintenance of healthy nerves. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to a range of symptoms and health complications, including fatigue, weakness, anemia, neurological issues such as numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, cognitive impairment and mood disturbances.
The Vitamin B12 blood test is helpful in several ways:
1. **Diagnosing Vitamin B12 Deficiency:** The test helps healthcare providers diagnose whether an individual has low levels of vitamin B12 in their bloodstream. This is particularly important for individuals experiencing symptoms associated with B12 deficiency, such as fatigue, weakness, and neurological problems.
2. **Identifying the Cause of Anaemia:** Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia, characterized by the production of abnormally large red blood cells. The B12 blood test can help differentiate between megaloblastic anemia caused by B12 deficiency and other types of anemia.
3. **Monitoring Treatment:** For individuals diagnosed with B12 deficiency, the blood test is useful in monitoring the effectiveness of B12 supplementation or treatment. It helps healthcare providers ensure that B12 levels are adequately restored to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
4. **Assessing Risk Factors:** Certain individuals are at an increased risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency, including older adults, vegetarians and vegans (who may not consume enough B12 from animal-derived foods), individuals with gastrointestinal disorders that impair B12 absorption (such as pernicious anemia or celiac disease), and those who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery. The B12 blood test can help identify individuals at risk and facilitate early intervention.
Overall, the vitamin B12 blood test is a valuable tool in evaluating B12 status, diagnosing deficiencies, and guiding appropriate treatment and management strategies to optimize health and well-being.
