Hemantinics

 

Vitamin B12

B12, and an assortment of other tests may be ordered to help evaluate the general health and nutritional status of a patient with signs of significant malnutrition or malabsorption. This may include those with alcoholism and those with disorders associated with malabsorption such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and cystic fibrosis.

In patients with known B12 and folate deficiencies, these tests may be ordered to help monitor the effectiveness of treatment. This is especially true in patients who cannot absorb B12 and/or folate and must have lifelong treatment.

When a person, especially an elderly person, exhibits mental or behavioral changes such as irritability, confusion, depression and/or paranoia, B12 and folate may be done to help diagnose the underlying cause. They may also be ordered when a patient has physical symptoms that suggest a B12 or folate deficiency, including dizziness, weakness, fatigue, or a sore mouth or tongue.

When a patient has symptoms suggesting nerve damage or impairment, such as, tingling, burning, or numbness in their hands, arms, legs, and or/feet, a B12 test may be requested to help diagnose the cause and detect the presence of a B12 deficiency.