Does the choice of blood test lab matter?

[Sparklyjenson]

Hello

My free b12 was recently tested as low but in range. I want to organise a private blood test to check for pernicious anaemia due to symptoms and family history.

My question relates to the difference between lab tests. Medichecks offers an MMA test for £127 plus £30 to get it done in a clinic. Nothing apart from mma is tested. There is 20% off so about £130

Viapath nutris does a full b12 test panel with total b12, active b12 and mma at St Thomas’s for £60.

Why would they be so different - could one be more reliable than the other?

[shaws Administrator]

You have to have another blood test, but one that excludes that you do not have Pernicious Anaemia.

This is a serious condition and I also have this but get monthly B12 injections. I used to get them every three months but request monthly now.

[Sparklyjenson in reply to shaws]

Hi shaws, which blood test do you mean?

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Viapath have been at the forefront of Active B12 testing. It is quite clear that some of the people involved really want to improve B12 testing. Maybe they have seen how to get their costs right down?

I'd be as happy with them as anyone else.

I'd also consider popping over to the Pernicious Anaemia Society forum:

healthunlocked.com/pasoc

[Sparklyjenson in reply to helvella]

That gives me more confidence to choose viapath. I did think that because they were linked to guys and st Thomas nhs they must be ok. I have now joined the pAS group. Thank you

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Testing for Pernicious Anaemia

pernicious-anaemia-society....

Viapath full test

nutris.viapath.co.uk/pages/...

[EMBoy]

Medichecks is a private company whereas Viapath is a partnership between a private company and two NHS Trusts. Perhaps the difference in price is because the NHS is absorbing some of the cost through Viapath.