A B12 Levels test is used to determine the amount of vitamin B12 in your blood. 200 – 900 pg/mL (picograms per milliliter) is considered by most laboratories to be a normal level of B12, though there are some elderly who may suffer from B12 deficiency even with levels in the correct range up to 500 pg/mL. The most common B12 problem is a deficiency, which can be caused by a variety of problems such as anemia (which accounts for a full 15 – 70% of deficiencies), Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, a genetic defect, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), or pregnancy. It is also possibly a dietary problem, but this is unlikely unless you are a very strict vegetarian. Far less common are high levels of vitamin B12, but this can be caused by a liver diesease or leukemia. If a problem with your B12 absorption is found during your B12 testing, most likely a Schilling test will be performed to find the exact cause, although most recently the Schilling test has fallen out of favor due to its expense and inconvenience.
The test itself is a simple drawing of blood. The blood is generally taken from the elbow or the hand by needle, although a lancet can be used for drawing blood from those too young for having their blood drawn. There are rarely complications from having blood drawn, but it is possible to note excessive bleeding, faintness, or infection. While the blood is being drawn, the pain should be only moderate. Some people only note a slight stick. Though at one time the test was riddled with incorrect results, recent technology has made it much more reliable.
In preparation for the test, make sure you discuss with your doctor any medications you are taking including those that are over the counter or homeopathy. Medications known to affect the test include colchicine (found in gout and rheumatic medication), neomycin (found primarily in creams and ointments such as Neosporin), para-aminosalicylic acid (found in Crohn disease treatments, treatments for tuberculosis and for treatments for inflammatory bowel diseases), and also phenytoin (anti-epileptic drug Dilantin). However, as there may be other drugs that affect this test, discuss all medication with your doctor. You also should not consume anything for 6 – 8 hours before the test.
This test may be ordered for those whose previous blood tests indicate anemia, those suffering from numbness or tingling in the extremities, weakness, loss of balance, delirium, or dementia. In those over the age of 80, this condition exists in up to 10% of the population, so if it is noticed someone of this age is suffering from an unsteady gate (also known as ataxia) and a loss of positional sense, this test should be considered. It should also be noted that B12 is stored within the liver, so it can take around two years for a deficiency to be shown even after the B12 is no longer being taken in at correct levels.
All in all, the B12 levels test is a reliable test for determining if the amount of B12 in the body is at the appropriate level. The risks are minimal and a B12 deficiency can indeed be managed by medication. When recommended by your health care provider, discuss as you would any test but the benefits of the test and the knowledge far outweigh the detriments.

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