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Vitamin b12 (active) and folate

This is an important test that can be used to determine the type of anaemia.

Finger-prick blood
2 tests included
3 days turnaround

£79.00

£59.00

About Vitamin b12 (active) and folate

What are vitamin B12 (active) and folate?

Vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9) are essential vitamins for making red blood cells (RBCs). Vitamin B12 is also required for the function of nerves and folate is important for DNA synthesis and repair. B12 is found in meat, fish, dairy and eggs whereas folate is high in foods such as green leafy vegetables and beans. A deficiency in B12 or folate can lead to anaemia. Anaemia is a common blood condition characterised by low levels of red blood cells (RBCs) or haemoglobin.

It is important to have the right amount of haemoglobin and RBCs, as well as vitamins and iron required for RBC production, to supply the body with enough oxygen. Anaemia may develop as a result of a deficiency in your diet, a genetic condition or a condition such as Crohn’s disease which affects the absorption of nutrients. Symptoms of a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency include fatigue, pins and needles, mood changes, breathlessness and pale skin. Active B12 is the form of B12 that is readily available for the body and appears to be a more sensitive marker for detecting B12 deficiency. Active B12 is not routinely measured on the NHS.

Why take the test?

This test measures the level of active B12 and folate in the blood and can be used to detect a B12 or folate deficiency. This test can be used to determine the type of anaemia.

 

What's tested

Vitamins

How it works

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1

Purchase your Kit

Just order a test online and get your kit delivered right to your door unless you are ordering a COVID-19 Fit to Fly test where you will be given appointment options to attend our clinics across the United Kingdom for a nose and throat swab PCR test at the checkout stage.

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2

Take your test and post

Follow our simple instructions to take your sample and post back the enclosed prepaid envelope to our accredited lab for processing. We also offer home or workplace visits by a qualified nurse. For COVID-19 Fit to Fly tests you must attend one of our partner clinics for our trained collection officers to take your sample. You will then have the results emailed to you.

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3

Get results directly to your dashboard

You will receive an email notification from our medical team when your results are available on your secure personalised health dashboard.

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