Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Macrocytic anemia diagnostic study of choice
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels can be helpful in confirmation. Both serum homocysteine and methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels are increased in helpful confirmatory tests for cobalamin and folate deficiencies. Homocysteine but not methylmalonic acid is increased in folate deficiency.
Diagnostic study of choice
Diagnostic study of choice
Homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels can be helpful in confirmation. Both serum homocysteine and methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels are increased in helpful confirmatory tests for cobalamin and folate deficiencies. Homocysteine but not methylmalonic acid is increased in folate deficiency. [1][2][3] Methylmalonic acid is increased in vitamin B12 deficiency.
References
References
- ↑ Kaferle J, Strzoda CE (February 2009). “Evaluation of macrocytosis”. Am Fam Physician. 79 (3): 203–8. PMID 19202968.
- ↑ Oberley MJ, Yang DT (June 2013). “Laboratory testing for cobalamin deficiency in megaloblastic anemia”. Am. J. Hematol. 88 (6): 522–6. doi:10.1002/ajh.23421. PMID 23423840.
- ↑ Stabler SP (January 2013). “Clinical practice. Vitamin B12 deficiency”. N. Engl. J. Med. 368 (2): 149–60. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp1113996. PMID 23301732.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Shyam Patel [2] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Omer Kamal, M.D.[3]