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Vitamin B-12 level

What the risks are:

Risks associated with having blood drawn are slight:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fainting or feeling light-headed
  • Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
  • Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
  • Multiple punctures to locate veins


Special considerations:

In testing for megaloblastic anemias of any sort, serum or red blood-cell folate levels are usually also obtained.

The blood test for levels of vitamin B-12 has become much more accurate within the past few years. Now, there are fewer false-normal results, because only biologically active B-12 is measured.

The cause of a vitamin B-12 deficiency is usually determined by the Schilling test.

Hemolysis of the blood sample (rupture of some of the red blood cells) may affect test results.

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.




Review Date: 2/4/2005
Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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