Macrocytic Anaemia
Unexplained anaemia (low haemoglobin) and/or macrocytosis (enlarged red blood cells) have traditionally been the indications used for suspicion of vitamin B12 deficiency. However, the article by Lindenbaum et al ( N Engl J Med 1988;318:1720-1728) demonstrated that more than 25% of patients with neurological manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency have either a normal haematocrit or mean cell volume (MCV), or both. In fact elevated MCV are in most cases related to other conditions (alcoholism, liver disease, drug use). Also, even when there is metabolic evidence of B12 deficiency, MCV often is within the normal reference range. Absence of macrocytosis in B12 deficiency may also be encountered in patients with concurrent iron deficiency. The message is that we should not rely solely upon anaemia and/or macrocytosis as our entry criterion for further investigation of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Normal red blood cells
Oversized red blood cells
ACTIVE-B12 ELISA NOW AVAILABLE
The Active-B12 ELISA assay is now available from Axis-Shield. The CE-marked kit is ready-to-use and available in 15 languages. Click here for more information or to order a kit, please contact us.
EXPERTS AGREE TO CONSENSUS STATEMENT ON USE OF ACTIVE-B12
An experts meeting at a recent conference produced a Consensus Statement on the improved utility of Active-B12 over Total B12. To see the statement click here.
SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT URGED TO REVIEW B12 TESTING
A debate in the Scottish Parliament has shown the significant problems associated with diagnosis of B12 deficiency and highlighted the improved utility which Active-B12 can offer.For more details and to watch the debate click here.
