I recently did my annual Thyroid advance test with Medichecks and I am very confused about the Active B12 results.
When I did the test last year in May my Active B12 test came back at 41
range 37.5 -150.
My doctor then tested the total B12 which came back 123, bottom of the range 115. I had stopped supplementing the year before because of getting hives and was trying to eliminate the cause thinking maybe one of my supplements were causing them.
When I got last years result I decided not to restart supplements thinking if the B12 dropped below range I would be offered injections, so I was very surprised to see this years result with Medichecks has risen to 102.
I have emailed them saying I do not understand how it has risen so much as I have not been supplementing and there reply was, it must be from my diet, I explained my diet had not change over the last year, which they then replied, my gut health must have improved and I must be absorbing the B12 from my diet. I replied back saying I have not taken or done anything to improve my gut health, in fact I feel it is worse now because I am suffering more heartburn and indigestion.
I have asked if they would redo the test as I feel this recent result could be an error.
They have said they will not do it free of charge but will offer 20% off if I want to re do the test.
Has anyone else received a result that they feel cannot be right and have you queried with Medichecks.
Thank you.
Written by
lucylocks
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I 'm definitely not recommending it, to the contrary. I was just answering your question about whether it's possible to test. All this private testing adds up, as do the supplements. I personally think the money is better spent on thyroid testing and the key ones recommended here, D3, B12, Ferritin, and Folate. You'd be fine taking a B-complex without knowing your level, if that's something you're considering.
They said it was connected to my diet, I said my diet is the same as last year, they then said it must be better gut absorption, I am disappointed they will not re do the test as I and my family have been using them for years.
Yes I feel just as disappointed as you. Levels can’t change within 10 days. I don’t buy their explanation at all. The NHS result was around 55 and theirs was 70. Quite a difference. Not impressed and won’t use that test again. Just don’t know where else I can get a similar advanced thyroid panel.
I had issues with Medichecks tests before so I’ve recently started visiting TDL for a blood draw in the hope that as they have their own lab there won’t be any issues. The only thing I can think of is that my blood draw was on a Saturday morning and the phlebotomist said you will get your result on Monday, not the same day. If you go on a weekday it’s the same day. When I got back to them about the result and I pointed this out they said something along the lines of that it was already on the analyser?
Medichecks use both those labs for all their tests. I've used Medichecks many time and had results mainly from Eurofins CP but once from TDL. Eurofins is County Pathology.
I raised a query with medichecks earlier this year as (due to sample error) I had 2 tests only day apart, with conflicting vitamins results. I posted about this on the forum. When I queried this, they agreed there must be an anomaly & I was given a full retest free of charge.
More heartburn might imply a more acidic stomach. In turn, that might suggest better functioning of the stomach resulting in better digestion, more production of Intrinsic Factor, hence better absorption of B12!
Heartburn, reflux, etc., can occur because of issues with the lower oesophageal sphincter rather than absolute acidity or quantity of acid produced. But if you had low stomach acid, you might not notice reflux, or at least, not as much.
Many thanks for the link it is really interesting, although I must admit to not understanding it all, but now I wonder if I should get my MMA and homocysteine tested before starting supplements.
How long before Active B12 test did you stop taking B12 supplement? Medichecks say 2 weeks, but another post on this forum said 3 months!I’m due to do a test myself & grateful any advice on that please.
yes I was told three months on the forum also. I had stopped mine for quite a few months anyway as I was getting hives and was trying to find if any of my supplements were causing them. I am not sure why Medichecks say two weeks. Sorry I can’t be more helpful.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.