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Vitamin B12 & Folate


Also known as: Cobalamin; Folic Acid; RBC folate
Formal name: Vitamin B12; Folate

At a Glance

Why Get Tested?

To help diagnose the cause of anemia or neuropathy (nerve damage); to evaluate nutritional status in some patients; to monitor effectiveness of treatment for B12 or folate deficiency

When to Get Tested?

When you have large red blood cells; when you have symptoms of anemia and/or of neuropathy; when you are being treated for B12 or folate deficiency

Sample Required?

A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm

Test Preparation Needed?

Fasting for 6-8 hours before sample collection may be required.