MJA
MJA

Vitamin B12 and folate tests: interpret with care

Christopher-John L Farrell
Med J Aust 2013; 198 (11): . || doi: 10.5694/mja13.10472
Published online: 17 June 2013

Clinicians need to consider analytical issues when requesting and interpreting these tests

Vitamin B12 and folate tests are useful for identifying patients with a deficiency. In this issue of the Journal, Willis and colleagues highlight some of the limitations of serum vitamin B12 assays.1 They also emphasise the uncertainty regarding whether red-cell or serum folate should be the preferred first-line test for folate status. The issues underlying some of the data presented require elaboration.

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