Vitamin B12 Folate Blood Test Panel includes:
Vitamin B12 and Folate
(Folic Acid, Vitamin B9) are primarily ordered to help diagnose the cause of macrocytic anemia. Folate, B12, and an assortment of other tests may be ordered to help evaluate the general health and nutritional status of a patient with signs of significant malnutrition or malabsorption. This may include people with alcoholism and those with conditions associated with malabsorption such as celiac disease, Crohns disease, and cystic fibrocys. B12 and folate may also be ordered to help diagnose the cause of mental or behavioral changes, especially in the elderly. B12 may be ordered with folate, by itself, or with other screening laboratory tests such as a CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel) to help diagnose the cause of neuropathy. In patients with known B12 and folate deficiencies, these tests may be ordered occasionally to help monitor the effectiveness of treatment. This is especially true in patients who cannot absorb B12 and/or folate and must have lifelong treatment. They are ordered as follow-up tests when large RBCs and a decreased hemoglobin concentration are found during a CBC test. This tests includes both the CMP-14 and the CBC tests.
CMP-14 Includes:
Glucose
Blood sugar level, the most direct test to discover diabetes, may be used not only to identify diabetes, but also to evaluate how one controls the disease.
Kidney Profile
Bun or Urea Nitrogen
BUN is another by-product of protein metabolism eliminated through the kidneys and an indicator of kidney function.
Creatinine, Serum
An indicator of kidney function.
Bun/Creatinine Ratio
Calculated by dividing the BUN by the Creatinine.
Liver panel
Protein, Total
Together with albumin, it is a measure of the state of nutrition in the body.
Albumin
Serum one of the major proteins in the blood and a reflection of the general state of nutrition.
Globulin, Total
A major group of proteins in the blood comprising the infection fighting antibodies.
Albumin/Globulin Ratio
Calculated by dividing the albumin by the globulin.
Bilirubin, Total
A chemical involved with liver functions. High concentrations may result in jaundice.
Alkaline Phosphatase
A body protein important in diagnosing proper bone and liver functions.
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST or SGOT)
an enzyme found in skeletal and heart muscle, liver and other organs. Abnormalities may represent liver disease.
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT)
an enzyme found primarily in the liver. Abnormalities may represent liver disease.
Fluids & Electrolytes
Sodium
One of the major salts in the body fluid, sodium is important in the body's water balance and the electrical activity of nerves and muscles.
Potassium
Helps to control the nerves and muscles.
Chloride
Similar to sodium, it helps to maintain the body's electrolyte balance.
Carbon Dioxide, Total
Used to help detect, evaluate, and monitor electrolyte imbalances.
Calcium
A mineral essential for development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. It is important also for the normal function of muscles, nerves and blood clotting).
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
gives important information about the numbers and kinds of cells in the blood, especially red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A CBC helps your health professional check any symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, or bruising, that you may have. A CBC also helps your health professional diagnose conditions, such as infection, anemia, and several other disorders.
CBC includes: WBC, RBC, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, Platelets, Neutrophils, Lymphs, Monocytes, Eos, Basos, Neutrophils (Absolute), Lymphs (Absolute), Monocytes(Absolute), Eos (Absolute), Basos (Absolute), Immature Granulocytes, Immature Grans (Abs).
