Hi,
b12 797 (145 - 637)
folate 35.1 (7 - 39)
mch 37.6 (27.4 - 33.9)
mcv 110 (83 - 97)
iron 12 (8 - 30)
ferritin 69.30 (13 - 150)
haemoglobin 124 (119 - 157)
What does this mean? I am not taking b12 supplements or injections. My GP said that I had a b12 deficiency (she didn't measure my b12), so I went to the haematologist and have just gotten these blood tests, I have an appointment in 10 days. This does not look like a b12 deficiency to me... or I'm missing something?
Scientist, not medic. I freely admit, 'I'm coming out with my hands up!'
I look forward to your next post; I have not yet figured out what's going on. I'd be interested in seeing a retic count.
Good luck. At least you're being seen by someone.
Retic count is as follows:
12‰ (5.00 - 21.60)
39.60 (22.00 - 97.00)
I hope that my haematologist will provide more details soon.
I would love to have a chat
How can I help?
Can we assume you have over the years had various blood tests which would, viewed together, rule out a genetic basis for unusual results?
Maybe theyre thinking it could be more of a Functional b12 deficiency? What symptoms do you have? I was having severe symptoms when my b12 was 500 & this time around at 600 but had low ferritin too 1st time around, once I supplemented iron b12 dropped much lower. Have you been poorly recently to make your ferritin read higher by any chance?
Have they tested Active b12? Mine is usually about 10% of serum b12 result,but guess that varies for everyone? When St Thomas did a postal/GP test( those were the days!) it stated if Active b12 25-70 it was referred for Methylmalonic Acid testing & if that over-range,could mean a Functional deficiency which meant adequate measurement in blood,but not sufficient at tissue level.
Perhaps they'll test Active b12 next..
I've read MCH can be high due to thyroid problems too? At least they're on your case & hope you soon get to bottom of things...
I haven't heard that MCH can be high due to thyroid problems. I do have hypothyroidism and my haematologist knows about it, but never mentioned it could be connected. However, I have had a thyroid issue for the past 8 years, and I started getting these kinds of lab results last year in October, so I don't know if there's a connection. Wouldn't it appear sooner if it were caused by my thyroid?
No, they haven't tested active B12. These were some basic preliminary tests, and my haematologist said that she will order some other tests depending on the results. So, we will see what other tests she'll order.
My symptoms include extreme fatigue, pallor, weakness, joint pain, muscle pain and twitches, pins and needles, dizziness, nausea, frequent headaches.
No I hadn’t heard it either, just came across mentions of online, so don’t know why/how, just it said along with b12/folate, higher MCH/mcv can be linked to thyroid issues & some infections? No Dr of mine nhs wise has ever mentioned mine being higher, just got printouts. I guess it’s a matter of trialling one thing at a time to find the answer, if taking adequate b12 & MCH lowers presume we’ve found the answer?
A couple years of taking monthly injections my MCH raised againso did tsh & ferritin was low at time, so it’s like being a detective, is there still not enough b12,is there not enough iron to help it, has thyroid gone amiss because of that or is it the thyroid causing the MCH. Oh the joys😀
I think you’re right, (tho I only hazard a guess!)maybe it would’ve showed up before now if thyroid linked& those symptoms sound very b12 like don’t they & identical to what mine & many others are. Sorry you’re experiencing them, makes you feel rotten, but glad you’ve found some support & will look forward to hearing how they will help you next. Roll on that appointment.
from the results above you appear to have macrocytic anaemia - your red blood cells are larger and rounder than they should be. The most common cause is folate/B12 deficiency but your results are showing food folate levels and your B12 is above the normal range.
As mentioned by Jo5454 the results would be consistent with functional B12 deficiency - plenty of B12/elevated B12 in your blood but for some reason it isn't getting through to your cells.
The most common cause of elevated B12 levels is supplementation or treatment for B12 deficiency.
Some energy drink contain ridiculous amounts of B12 and there have been cases of just the use of energy drinks raising B12 levels and causing problems.
Other potential causes of elevated B12 levels are kidney issues (B12 not being removed as efficiently) and liver issues (can cause B12 stores to be dumped suddenly.
Suggest you follow up with the haematologist on further tests which could include liver function, kidney function, MMA
It's your MCV rate - is above the range - this is a classic indicator of B12 deficiency that most GPs ignore - so you've got a good one! You're also low on iron and ferritin.
Hi nyx19, how did your appointment go? Hoping you got some answers and good support...
my haematologist requested a sternal puncture due to a high mcv, i am getting it done this friday and she also gave me zinc, and in 3 weeks i have to do the cbc again and then we'll see the results and decide how to proceed
Sounds like they're looking into things and organised it quickly. Hoping its soon all done and dusted for you and all goes well...take care
Thanks for replying, I’m really sorry to hear that abnormalities were found and you’re now facing a biopsy. It must be very challenging feeling so poorly with those symptoms and having to go through these procedures. I really hope Wednesday comes quickly for you, so you can get this part behind you, so you can get all the help and support you need to move forwards. Please keep in touch on here and know that you are being thought about x
so the biopsy results are good and i don't have myelodysplasia! my haematologist will keep following me and she referred me to a rheumatologist due to some symptoms i've been having... i still don't have a diagnosis, but i feel much better now that i know that it's not cancer xx
MCH MCV relation to PA or B12.
B12 deficiency with High Serum B12?
Low 'normal' B12, high folate and enlarged red blood cells.... And high Haematocrit...
B12 and PA
