Key result
Measuring serum vitamin B12 and folic acid levels can provide precise etiologic diagnosis and obviate the need for extensive diagnostic studies in patients with macrocytic anemias.
Why the study?
Does measurement of serum levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid obviate the need for extensive diagnostic studies in patients with macrocytic anemias?
Does measurement of serum levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid obviate the need for extensive diagnostic studies in patients with macrocytic anemias?
Measurement of vitamin B12 and folic acid is a key initial step in diagnosing macrocytic anemias.
May reduce unnecessary testing in macrocytic anemia; Level 5 evidence leaves open need for prospective validation.
Macrocytic anemias are not uncommon in clinical practice, and precise etiologic diagnosis is mandatory for proper management. Measurement of serum levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid may obviate the need for extensive diagnostic studies.
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Jacob B. Green (1977) studied this question. Measuring serum vitamin B12 and folic acid levels can provide precise etiologic diagnosis and obviate the need for extensive diagnostic studies in patients with macrocytic anemias.
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