Help - need help understanding blood test results

[isalou]

Nearly 2 years ago I had a blood test privately as a result of investigation into a lump in my neck (which is fine). The blood test indicated borderline B12 levels so the Doctor recommended my GP retest in 6 months. I’ve only just got round to doing so - I’m in the UK.

They assure me this latest test was normal so I asked for a print out . The test says it was a full blood count but I cannot see anywhere where it says B12. Would anyone be so kind to explain these results to me? Is this the correct blood test to check B12? Thank you.

[fbirder]

This is a full blood count. It would show if you had megaloblastic anaemia, which is one possible outcome of a B12 deficiency. But it’s not a definitive test.

You should ask for you B12 level to be measured.

[isalou in reply to fbirder]

Thank you. Are you in the UK? If so, do you know if my GP would be able to do this or would I have to go private?

[fbirder in reply to isalou]

Your GP should have done it.

[isalou in reply to fbirder]

Thank you.

[Chocolate41]

You need to get a B12 done.

Good luck

[clivealive Forum Support]

Also ask to have Iron and Folate levels checked.

[isalou in reply to clivealive]

I don’t really understand my results I posted - was my iron or folate not tested?

[clivealive Forum Support in reply to isalou]

Not that I can see. I think they have to be requested specifically. I have regular FBCs an they are not included automatically.

[isalou]

Thank you. It annoys me that I was referred to the phlebotomist for a B12 blood test and this is what they did! I have booked a telephone appointment for Friday to discuss this. I also want my thyroid checked as my symptoms are more indicative for that under active thyroid as I think. I don’t know if they will do any of this though. Can they refuse?

[Foggyme Administrator in reply to isalou]

Depends on the GP...yes they can refuse...but they didn’t ought too if you have symptoms that could be due to hypothyroid.

If they agree, the main issue is that GPs usually only test TSH, which does not give true thyroid status. What's really needed is a full thyroid panel consisting of TSH, FT3, FT4, and the thyroid antibodies TPO and Tg (antibodies important too because one of the main cause of hypothyroidism is autoimmune Hashimoto's - and this is only picked up by measuring thyroid antibodies.

Many on the thyroid forum resort to private testing to get the full thyroid panel done. If you want more information about this or thyroid issues in general, here's a link to the thyroid forum:

healthunlocked.com/thyroiduk

Good luck.