Private Vitamin B12 & Folate Blood Test
Unexplained tiredness, weakness or persistent low energy are symptoms GPs take seriously, because they can point to something specific and treatable.
Results in 48 hours No referral needed GMC 7606534
What does a vitamin B12 & folate blood test check?
A B12 and folate blood test measures two vitamins that work closely together. B12 keeps your nerves healthy and supports red blood cell production; folate supports cell growth and is also needed to make red blood cells properly. When either is low, red blood cell production is affected, which can reduce haemoglobin and lead to anaemia. At My Private Clinic in Fulwood, Preston results are usually back within 48 hours and explained by Dr Faizal.
Because the effects of low B12 and low folate overlap, they are usually tested at the same time. A simple private blood test is often all it takes to find out which is responsible.
At My Private Clinic, Dr Faizal Secretary reviews your symptoms and medical history before recommending whether this test is the right starting point for you, and looks at your results alongside the wider picture rather than the numbers in isolation.
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP · GMC 7606534
Why might you need your B12 and folate levels checked?
B12 and folate testing tends to come up in two situations: either you have symptoms that could point to a deficiency, or a routine blood test has come back with something worth looking into. Testing may be considered if you have:
- Persistent tiredness or weakness
- Pale skin
- Mouth ulcers or a sore tongue
- Pins and needles or numbness
- Problems with concentration or memory
- Anaemia or an abnormal full blood count
Testing may also be recommended if you have dietary restrictions, certain medical conditions, or take medicines that affect vitamin absorption. These symptoms are not specific to B12 or folate deficiency, which is why a private GP appointment helps narrow things down before testing.
B12 and folate: what is the difference?
Both vitamins are needed for healthy red blood cell production, but each has its own distinct role beyond that.
Vitamin B12
Important for healthy nerves as well as red blood cell production. Found naturally in foods such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.
Folate (vitamin B9)
Important for cell growth and red blood cell production. Found in leafy green vegetables, beans and fortified foods.
Low B12 also affects the nervous system, which is not something you see with folate deficiency alone. People with low B12 sometimes describe tingling or numbness in their hands or feet, difficulty with balance, or a fuzziness in their thinking and memory.
What is included, and how the test is done
What is measured
Serum vitamin B12 and serum folate, tested as a pair. These are the two vitamins most commonly involved in deficiency-related anaemia and neurological symptoms, so testing them together gives a more complete picture than either alone.
The blood sample
A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm and usually takes around five minutes. You will feel nothing more than a short sharp sensation as the needle goes in. The sample is then sent to an accredited laboratory.
Preparation
No fasting is required before a vitamin B12 and folate blood test. If any other instructions are relevant to your individual circumstances, Dr Faizal will discuss them at your consultation.
Understanding your B12 & folate results
Your results are reported alongside the laboratory's reference ranges, but those numbers only tell part of the story. A result that falls outside the range does not always mean there is a problem, and a result that looks normal can still leave questions unanswered if your symptoms persist.
Because B12 and folate levels vary slightly between laboratories, Dr Faizal interprets your results against the specific reference range used for your sample and in the context of your symptoms, not just what the number says.
Why choose My Private Clinic?
A blood test is only as useful as the conversation around it. A number without clinical context rarely answers the question you actually came with.
GP-led assessment
Every result is reviewed by a GP who already knows your history, so you get a clinical opinion rather than a printout.
Clear explanations
Dr Faizal explains your results in straightforward language and answers any questions you have.
Continuity of care
If your results suggest a specialist referral or further investigation, Dr Faizal explains what the result means and what should happen next.
How much does a vitamin B12 & folate blood test cost?
To find out the cost, or to check whether this test suits your situation, get in touch and the team will come back to you promptly. Consultation fees are listed on the pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
What blood test shows vitamin B12 deficiency?
A vitamin B12 blood test measures how much B12 is circulating in your blood. A low result can point to deficiency, though it is always interpreted alongside your symptoms rather than in isolation.
What does a folate blood test show?
It shows whether your body has enough folate to support healthy red blood cell production. A low result may suggest deficiency, though it is always considered alongside your symptoms and other relevant results.
What are the symptoms of low B12 and folate?
Both deficiencies tend to cause tiredness, weakness, pale skin and mouth soreness. B12 deficiency can go further, sometimes causing tingling in the hands or feet, numbness, or difficulty with memory and concentration, which you do not usually see with folate deficiency on its own.
What is the normal range for a vitamin B12 and folate blood test?
Laboratory reference ranges differ slightly, but B12 is broadly considered adequate between 180 and 900 ng/L, and folate between 3 and 20 ng/mL. A result sitting near the lower end of either range can still be worth discussing if your symptoms suggest something is off.
Do I need to fast before a B12 and folate blood test?
No. Fasting is not required before a vitamin B12 and folate blood test at My Private Clinic.
How long do vitamin B12 and folate blood test results take?
Results are usually back within 48 hours. Dr Faizal will then go through them with you and let you know whether anything needs following up.
What is a vitamin B12 deficiency test?
It is a blood test that checks whether your B12 or folate levels are lower than they should be. Both are often requested together because deficiency in either can cause similar symptoms and affect red blood cell production in similar ways.
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Discuss your B12 & folate levels with Dr Faizal
My Private Clinic in Fulwood, Preston offers same-week vitamin B12 and folate blood testing with no referral needed. When you book you are not just getting a result, but a proper conversation about what it means and what, if anything, needs to happen next.
"I'd been putting off a conversation about my blood pressure for months. Dr Secretary gave me 30 minutes and went through everything properly. I left with my prescription and a referral already sorted."
"My son had a high temperature on a Saturday morning. We were seen the same day. The doctor was calm, thorough, and explained everything clearly. At £49, absolutely worth it for the peace of mind alone."
"The doctor didn't make me feel stupid for leaving things. He was straightforward, ran some bloods, and when I needed referring on, the letter was ready before I left the room. No extra charge."
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Address
Fatima Health Centre
228 Garstang Road
Fulwood, Preston
PR2 9QB
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Mon–Thu 5–8pm
Friday 9am–8pm
Saturday 9am–1pm
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My Private Clinic is based in Fulwood, Preston and sees patients from across Lancashire. Choose your nearest area for travel information and local details.