Pernicious Anaemia Blood Test
£280.00
A thorough blood test including intrinsic factor antibodies and MMA to help diagnose pernicious anaemia, a condition which affects your body's ability to absorb vitamin B12.
Is it for you?
Are you experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness and difficulty concentrating? Perhaps you already have an autoimmune condition and know that this raises your risk for pernicious anaemia? Or have you had a borderline vitamin B12 test and want to investigate further? If you want to be proactive about getting tested so that you can seek treatment quickly, this thorough test for pernicious anaemia can give you the answers you need.
What's included?
Biomarker profiles
- Red Blood Cells
- White Blood Cells
- Clotting Status
- Iron Status
- Vitamins
- Autoimmunity
Red Blood Cells (7 Biomarkers)
White Blood Cells (6 Biomarkers)
Clotting Status (2 Biomarkers)
Iron Status (1 Biomarker)
Vitamins (3 Biomarkers)
Autoimmunity (1 Biomarker)
Special instructions
Do not take vitamin B12 supplements for two weeks prior to this test. If you are taking B12 supplements prescribed by your doctor you should ask them whether you should stop before testing. Do not take biotin supplements for 2 days prior to this test. If you are taking prescribed biotin you should discuss this with your doctor. Do not take vitamin B12 for two weeks prior to this test. If your B12 is prescribed ask your doctor whether you should stop before testing. You should take this test before you take any vitamin or mineral supplements.
From the expert
Pernicious anaemia is a condition which affects the body's ability to absorb vitamin B12, a nutrient which is vital for the manufacture of red blood cells, as well as for nerve health and DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 is found in animal foods and seaweed and is now routinely added to many plant-based foods and drinks. Pernicious anaemia is usually caused by an autoimmune disease where your body destroys intrinsic factor, a protein made in the stomach which is necessary for the absorption of B12. If you don't get enough vitamin B12, then your body can't manufacture red blood cells properly, which affects your blood's ability to transport oxygen around your body causing symptoms like tiredness, palpitations and pale skin. Other symptoms can include breathlessness, pins and needles, brain fog and a swollen tongue and mouth ulcers.
Pernicious anaemia can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are varied and can be confused with those of other conditions. Pernicious anaemia is an autoimmune condition meaning that the body is attacking its own cells. If you (or a family member) already have another autoimmune condition like type 1 diabetes or a thyroid condition (Graves' or Hashimoto's disease) you have a higher risk of pernicious anaemia.
This profile includes a full blood count, to look for misshapen red cells, and tests for the active form of vitamin B12 (i.e. B12 which is available for your body to use), ferritin to rule out iron deficiency anaemia and folate which is also necessary for healthy red blood cells. It includes a test for methylmalonic acid (MMA) which is often raised in early B12 deficiency and intrinsic factor antibodies which can help confirm whether an autoimmune condition is causing low vitamin B12.
Pernicious anaemia is treated by having regular injections of vitamin B12. The earlier you get diagnosed and start treatment, the better your chances of managing your condition and controlling symptoms.
Dr Sam Rodgers MBBS, MRCGP
Chief Medical Officer
Why take this test?
- You have symptoms of low vitamin B12 and want to check your status
- You've had a blood test where your vitamin B12 was borderline and you want to rule out pernicious anaemia
- You have an autoimmune condition which you know raises your risk of pernicious anaemia
- You want to get an early diagnosis so that you can begin treatment and improve your symptoms.
Laboratories you can trust
Trusted by the NHS and private clinics alike, you can be sure of the highest testing standards from our UKAS accredited partner laboratories.
Expert advice with your results
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Important
Our tests are not a substitute for seeing your doctor, especially if you are suffering symptoms. Our doctors will interpret your results based on the information you have provided, but will not diagnose, consult or provide any treatment. You will be advised to see your doctor for any necessary follow-up action.
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