Lab Work Preparation

[lambuth_eagle]

This isn’t really regarding B12 but you all seem to be so helpful and more research based than other groups, so I’m hoping you can help me.

I am having routine bloodwork done in a couple weeks for my hematologist appointment. I’m regards to folate and iron, do I need to stop those for any length of times prior to testing? I know I can ask my hematologist but would appreciate hearing your opinions too. Thank goodness both my hematologist and neurologist understand that testing B12 is pointless since I’m doing injections!

Thanks!

[Gambit62 Administrator]

I don't think you need to stop either. Folate doesn't get stored in the body so its more responsive to dietary intake so carry on as you are if you want to know how your dietary intake is working for you.

[Nackapan]

I don't stop supplementing iron snd folic acid prior to a blood test

Make it clear to the doctor what you are taking so this can be taken into account when looking at your results.

It's useful to know to get the right maintenence dose

[lambuth_eagle in reply to Nackapan]

Thanks. Both the iron and folate are being supplemented per my doctors instructions so they are aware.

[Nackapan in reply to lambuth_eagle]

Thats good. I'm prescribed iron too.But folic acid in the multivit I take

[Rexz]

Hi, I see you are in the US so if you are using one of the national Labs like LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics you can just search for like "LabCorp folate test preparation" and you will see a link to that. In the instance of Folate testing at LabCorp it states...

"This test may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H, or coenzyme R). It is recommended to ask all patients who may be indicated for this test about biotin supplementation. Patients should be cautioned to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of a sample."

Here's the link for that "LabCorp folate test preparation" search.

labcorp.com/tests/002014/fo...

Here is a link to the "Labcorp iron test preparation" the resulting page is a little different so sometimes you have to search a bit. The answer to this one is under "Common Questions" tab and down under the topic "Is there anything else I should know" it says: "Recent consumption of iron-rich foods or iron supplements can affect test results, as can recent blood transfusions."

Personally I would conclude that you should stop supplementing both Biotin and Iron. And go a bit beyond the time frame they recommend, in this case maybe 4 or 5 days.

Regarding asking your doctor or nurse about test prep... some know and most don't. From my lengthy experience don't really trust an answer from your doctor. I always verify with the lab. Doctors do know a lot but I've had them tell me on occasion that no prep is required and then when I check the lab there is prep like fasting or stopping supplements for a period of time. So best question to ask doctor is what lab they use or if they hand you an order form you will know as the lab will be on it.

Hope this helps.

Best of luck!

[lambuth_eagle in reply to Rexz]

Thanks for the info! My labs are processed at the hospitals that my doctors are affiliated with so, not Labcorp or Lab Quest.

[jade_s in reply to lambuth_eagle]

The protocols will still be valid.

[Rexz]

Yes, I concur with jade, I would think the protocols would still be valid. Also, many hospitals in the US, even though they take the blood sample at hospital, it is sent off to these labs for processing. Recommend to check with your hospital. I know for instance Keck USC uses Quest.

Best

[lambuth_eagle]

Thanks for the info. These next labs will all be processed at the hospital (Vanderbilt). I get the bloodwork done an hour before my appointment and the results are ready.