Vitamin B12

Cobalamin Test, Cyanocobalamin Test

Why It Is Done

A vitamin B12 test is used to:

• Check for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. There are several risk factors for this anemia, such as those who have had stomach or intestinal surgery, small intestine problems, or people with a family history of this anemia.
• Diagnose the cause of certain types of anemia, such as megaloblastic anemia.
• Help find the cause of dementia or other nervous system symptoms, such as tingling or numbness of the arms or legs (peripheral neuropathy).
• See if vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is present after a person has been diagnosed with atrophic gastritis.

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Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS	Last Updated: December 19, 2008
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
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