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
Note: Fasting for 6-8 hours before sample collection may be required.
This article was last reviewed on June 5, 2008.
This page was last modified on April 8, 2009.
The review date indicates when the article was last reviewed from beginning to end to ensure that it reflects the most current science. A review may not require any modifications to the article, so the two dates may not always agree.
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