Macrocytosis: pitfalls in testing and summary of guidance

BMJ. 2007 Oct 27;335(7625):884-6. doi: 10.1136/bmj.39325.689641.471.

Abstract

Low vitamin B-12 levels can occur without deficiency being present, and normal levels don't always rule out vitamin B-12 deficiency. A clinical assessment, together with blood count and blood film results, can ensure a correct interpretation of vitamin B-12 and folate levels

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anemia, Macrocytic / diagnosis*
  • Anemia, Macrocytic / etiology
  • Anemia, Megaloblastic / diagnosis
  • Anemia, Megaloblastic / etiology
  • Female
  • Hematologic Tests
  • Humans
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / etiology
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / etiology*