Does the NHS offer active B12 test?

[GetTheJDIn]

[helvella]

There is very limited availability.

The labs which can do the test do offer it to patients outside their immediate responsibility at a charge. Whether you could persuade your GP to arrange payment is another matter.

Rod

[doityourself]

St Thomas in London will do it for a reasonable and small charge but they require a referral letter from your GP. Ring the lab. they are most helpful. However it depends whether your GP will then; a)interpret the results properly and b) agree any appropriate further action/treatment necessary. The real problem which come up over and over again is that GP have their guidelines and ranges and stick to them too rigidly . They do not yet listen to what the individual is experiencing and act upon it. Perhaps they are afraid of thinking outside the medical guideline box and getting sued?

[B12Turbo]

If your having problems with your G.P., then ask if he will refer you to a Consultant Haemotologist at your local main hospital, they often have a far better understanding of the B12 problems and are therefore more likely to help I have found. At least they appear to be a lot more willing to provide the referral letter you need to get the tests done privately. At Guy's, I think you will find that the postage and packing kit costs £12 including postage and the HoloTC test costs a further £18. If the result are not clear, then it is wise to get an MMA level test, sadly this dose cost £96, but what price your health ???