Vitamin B12 Blood Test:

• Who should get this test: Patients with symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency such as fatigue, weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty walking, memory problems, or mood changes, individuals with risk factors for deficiency like strict vegetarian or vegan diets, older adults, or those with gastrointestinal disorders that affect nutrient absorption.

• What's included in the test: The Vitamin B12 test measures the levels of vitamin B12 in the blood, which is essential for red blood cell production, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. Low levels of vitamin B12 can indicate a deficiency, while high levels may suggest an excess or certain medical conditions.

• Why someone would check this test: To diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency or excess, monitor treatment for deficiency, investigate symptoms of fatigue or neurological problems, evaluate abnormal levels of other blood tests like complete blood count (CBC) or methylmalonic acid (MMA), or assess the underlying cause of certain medical conditions such as anemia, neuropathy, or gastrointestinal disorders.

Folate Blood Test:

• Who should get this test: Patients with symptoms of folate deficiency such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, irritability, or mouth sores, individuals with risk factors for deficiency like poor dietary intake, alcoholism, malabsorption disorders, or certain medications that interfere with folate absorption or metabolism.

• What's included in the test: The Folate test measures the levels of folate in the blood, which is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and cell division. Low levels of folate can indicate a deficiency, while high levels may suggest an excess or certain medical conditions.

• Why someone would check this test: To diagnose folate deficiency or excess, monitor treatment for deficiency, investigate symptoms of fatigue or anemia, evaluate abnormal levels of other blood tests like complete blood count (CBC) or vitamin B12, or assess the underlying cause of certain medical conditions such as megaloblastic anemia, neuropathy, or gastrointestinal disorders.