Advice on daughters blood tests please

[joleen19832]

Hi there

My daughter recently had some bloods after go appointment. Can anyone advise please? Her B12 and folate is coming up abnormal and I’m wondering if it’s possible she could have problems absorbing B12 ?

She had previous bloods back in May and was told for her to take vitamin d and a multi vitamin as her B12 and folate was slightly on low but still within normal. I got her the vitamin d, but didn’t go ahead with the multi vitamin as she has a pretty healthy diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, eggs, meat and dairy ect. We do eat organic where we can so she should be getting these essential vitamins she needs diet wise without having to supplement.

It looks like the Drs are testing for parietal ain’t bodies so will see result from this when comes through but they’ve booked her in for Friday to discuss results.

I myself have had some prior with b12 and folate issues. Was told pa then told I was ok (after receiving injections) and now left in limbo which I don’t want happening with my daughter if she does have an issue.

Any advice I can get so I’m not fobbed off and make sure they follow protocols ect

[JanD236]

It might be worth phoning the doctor in the morning to ask whether the lab can test for intrinsic factor antibodies whilst they still have the blood sample.

If positive this confirms PA (although it’s an unreliable test because if negative it doesn’t necessarily mean your daughter doesn’t have PA).

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Your daughter has a B12 deficiency and a folate deficiency. If she has a good diet that suggest that she has absorption problems. She should be started on B12 injections and then 24-48 hours later should start folic acid supplements.

Can't help with specifics of the white cell though it usually indicates and infection of some sort.

GPCA isn't a recommended test in the UK and the ranges look as if you are probably based outside UK. It is prone to false positives, which is why it isn't recommended in the UK. IFAB is also a problematic test - as JanD236 says - because it gives false positives. GP should ideally do checks to rule out other causes of B12 deficiency - eg h pylori infection.

[joleen19832 in reply to Gambit62]

Thanks Gambit62 we are in the UK. She does eat healthily but as a teenager does also eat some crap! Although I do make sure everyone in the house gets a varied but good diet. I did wonder why they was testing the Gpc as one dr said I couldn’t absorb B12 then to be told by another dr I tested negative for If so don’t have problem 🤦🏻‍♀️

The dr my daughter has seems quite good so hopefully We won’t be passed from pillar to post and left in limbo

[Nackapan]

Is your daughter having symptoms of b12 /folate defiency?

I would make a list of theses to take to appointment. Also the reference ranges of test results explained.

ALso stress she hasn't taken the multivit as will be in notes she is.

Many on here will comment on the results you have posted.

Sounds like all the appropriate blood tests being done.

Hope she isn't too unwell and she hers the correct treatment with your help. Bnf guidelines will help Gp! I had to get mine to read them.