Vitamin B12 Test
Health Checkups
≈ ¥20-50
(≈ $3-7)
2 hr
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Description
Estimated cost for Vitamin B12 Test at general public hospitals in China is about ¥15-40, and at Grade 3A hospitals about ¥20-50, varying by hospital tier and region.
Main Uses
Vitamin B12 testing is primarily used to diagnose and monitor vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to megaloblastic anemia and neurological symptoms. It is also used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for B12 deficiency, and in the differential diagnosis of unexplained neurological symptoms, fatigue, or cognitive decline.
Normal Range
The normal range for Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) in the blood is typically between 200 and 900 pg/mL (picograms per milliliter).
Low Values - Possible Causes
Possible causes of low Vitamin B12 levels include: dietary deficiency, particularly in vegans or vegetarians; malabsorption issues such as pernicious anemia, atrophic gastritis, or surgical removal of parts of the stomach or small intestine; chronic alcoholism; and certain medications that can interfere with B12 absorption.
High Values - Possible Causes
Elevated Vitamin B12 levels are less common but can be caused by: liver disease, myeloproliferative disorders like polycythemia vera or chronic myelogenous leukemia, some types of leukemia, kidney failure, and rarely, excessive intake through supplements or fortified foods.