Has anyone tested MMA recently please?

[Jo5454]

Hi, am wondering if anyone has tested MMA recently please? On previous occasions I went through Viapath, St Thomas Hosp, and could have blood drawn at GPS and post and they were invaluable in getting a diagnosis The last one I had didnt need a GPs consent either,so this was such an invaluable service to those coming up against brick walls with their GPs.

I’m awaiting reply from above, but have a feeling this is discontinued! So am wondering if anyone has used any other blood testing services for it and can recommend please?

Many thanks in advance…

[Dilly_blue]

Hello, yes I think Viapath has discontinued it’s private MMA tests, which is such a shame. When a family member wanted to get MMA levels checked (a number of months ago) the only place we found was medichecks (they only do MMA as part of a full ‘pernicious anaemia’ screen (with a number of other blood tests), so it is expensive (£275-£300 I think, from memory). It doesn’t include homocysteine though.

Please do report back if you find somewhere else to get MMA done privately, at a reasonable cost, thanks

[Jo5454 in reply to Dilly_blue]

Hi, many thanks for your reply. Yes, it is so disappointing we don’t seem to have Viapath anymore. It was a real lifeline when they offered tests that didn’t need a GP referral & the Dr in charge there was brilliant at answering questions & seemed so interested in b12.

Thank you, it’s good to know your family member found Medichecks, but yes it is expensive. It seems they test MMA on its own for £150.

Can I ask if there were any special requirements please, St Thomas requested I did the test as late in day to posting as possible, but things may be different now!

I hope your relative found the results helpful. Homocysteine still seems a difficult one to source. I originally found York Test did a pinprick home version which involved a bit of separating the sample as it usually has to be spun before testing doesn’t it, but doesn’t appear to be in their testing list now. So struggling to find that one too. One might hope things improve over the years!

Yes, if I find anywhere else will definitely post!

[Dilly_blue in reply to Jo5454]

Hi, thanks for this. No, I don’t think there were any special requirements other than avoiding vitamin supplements for a couple of weeks (I think) prior (it will probably have more info online). Good luck with it.

[helvella]

Have you tried The Doctors Laboratory? They do list MMA - serum and urine. But I didn't go very far - certainly didn't look for prices!

tdlpathology.com/patients/

[Jo5454 in reply to helvella]

Hi,sorry for slow reply,been trying places,waiting for replies,etc. Thank you,tried them,said they needed doctor referral. It sounds promising from St Thomas tho, as they're hoping to bring it bk as a hometest later in the year...Willet u know more when I know. I've gone with urine test at Regenerus, it costs £125 & awaiting results.-18 working days. Thanks again.