When I first discovered I was B12 deficient, I wasn’t quite low enough to be prescribed on the NHS, so I self medicated for a few years.
I’ve not used B12 for about 12 years. I’m suffering numerous symptoms now.
Rather than dive back into self medicating, I want to do a test. If I’m really low, I’ll take it to my GP to see if I can get prescribed.
Where can I find the most reliable test?
Thanks
Why not start at thd Gp with symptoms. Ask for a b12 folate test
Iron status
Thyroid
Vit D
Best to look at everything .
12 years us s long time to not have zny .
Usually any stores deplete in 3-4 years if a problem starts either absorption issues or PA.
Many places fo offer active B12 tests.
Unfortunately many GPS insist on running their own bloods anyhow.
So if you opt for private perhaps pay to see a Gp? ?
Thanks Nackapan
I prefer to not bother the GP unless I have to.
If the tests show concerns, I’ll then take them to the GP.
Thats what GPS are there for.
Hope your Gp accepts any private tests
Hope you getvyo the bottom of your symptoms
Bear in mind that there is no single definitive test for B12 D. If your serum is very low, you should get treatment, but serum can be anywhere in range and still not rule out a deficiency. +ve IF ab is usually diagnostic for PA, but you can be IF ab -ve and still have PA. And of course, not all B12D is PA (or PA yet). I'd start with GP and explain symptoms and history (plus family history if any - other B12 or any autoimmune) but I understand your reluctance. Superdrug doctors do an extended B12 with active, folate and IF ab, but not tried it myself onlinedoctor.superdrug.com/.... Best wishes
Edit… not used B12 for about 2 years, not 12.
Medichecks do active B12 on its own, and it's on offer at £31 at the moment. If you want in a bundle, you might want to look at Blue Horizon too.
medichecks.com/products/vit...
NB Send it back early in the week, so that it doesn't get stuck in weekend post. Also, not in hot weather.
You should go to the GP, in the UK especially , and request the blood tests that Nackapan suggested , plus you do need a full blood count ( to see if your B12 deficiency has caused any change in your platelets or shape and size of your blood cells) and they usually like to do a liver function test.
It isn't bothering them to ask for the help you need. In fact , they will usually just want to repeat the tests , and order an Intrinsic Factor test too , if you take in private results as they prefer tests from their own labs.
If you were originally diagnosed with B12 deficiency 2 years ago by a doctor and it's on your records they will not question your need to do the test when your symptoms have returned.
If you don't have a regular GP , and see a new one in the Practice , some doctors can actually be very negative attitude about the fact that you chose to have private tests first before asking them to do them first.
Most people only choose regular or one off private tests when they are refused tests by the GP or they need to get a more detailed panel of results than those available on the NHS ( for example , when you want more precise thyroid tests).
Hope you get your tests and the help you need soon.
General advice: Don't tell a professional what to do; they might not appreciate it. Tell them how you feel, what your symptoms are, and be led by them. By all means ask questions. 'Would it be worth checking my etc' is a good place to start.
If you have a problem with your house plumbing, tell the plumber, but don't tell him how to fix it. Listen to his advice.
Lovely way of putting it . I agree with this mostly , but I do usually need to lead my Consultants or Doctors in the right direction for the tests required because I have a number of rarer and more complex chronic issues in one body of which many of them have no experience of treating.I suppose I have funny plumbing and sometimes have to explain that the pipes they would usually check to fix the toilet would actually block up the sink.
It's not uncommon for many Patients with rare illnesses to have more experience , and have done more research on their condition, than the professionals have the time to do in the NHS.
That's why , I use a polite , and sometimes firm , suggestion policy with my doctors which the most professional of them like and show gratitude for. I wouldn't be diagnosed to the point I am now without giving my doctors suggestions , and print outs , from sites like this one and the sister charities .
I am a scientist, not a medic. I spent very many years looking to increase the precision and accuracy of the tests we did. Why should any private outfit be able to do better?
Use the NHS; it's what we pay far, and get the sample [venous, naturally] taken as close to the point of analysis as possible. Finger-stick, micro samples are NOT as good as competently taken venous samples. Micro sample techniques and devices emerged from trying to get tests done on children, and babies. Adults can usually provide a good sample to get a decent result. So, start with your GP.
Save your money, or if you're keen to spend it, then the NHS has charitable funds which would welcome your donation.
Good luck.
Wasn’t ignoring replies, sorry.
I called my GP & asked for some tests, as I’ve tested low for Folate & B12 and high for Iron in the past. So he issued a full list.
Serum B12 (CPE1) 293 ng/L (211-911 ng/L)
Serum Folate (CPE1) 7.8 ug/L (>5.40 ug/L)
Serum Ferritin. 157 ug/L (22 - 322 ug/L)
Serum Iron. 28.2 umol/L (11.60 - 31.30 umol/L)
GP wants a appointment.
B12 is definitely trending low though they won't class it as "low." Folate is ok but you might want to supplement a small amount if you restart injections.
What are your thoughts? I know what i would do in your shoes 
Ferritin & iron are maybe starting to trend high. Since you mentioned past high levels, do you have hemachromatosis or does it run in the family?
Thanks jade
I’m not aware of any Haemochromatosis in the family. My Dad died 25 years ago. He certainly had problems, but he didn’t go near doctors, so I don’t know if that was one of them.
I’ll book the appointment with GP & look into this further.
Where can I buy B12 ampoules
Private blood test results - GP app booked, what can I say?
Where can I source active b12?
How reliable is the serum ferritin test?
