What sample is required?
The determination is made from a venous blood sample.
Is some kind of prior preparation necessary?
For this test you do not need any special preparation.
Why do the analysis?
To detect a possible deficiency of folate or vitamin B12; to establish if you have an increased risk of suffering an acute myocardial infarction or a stroke; to help diagnose a very rare inherited disorder known as homocystinuria.
When to do the analysis?
When the doctor suspects a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency; if you have suffered an acute myocardial infarction or a cerebrovascular accident and you do not have classic risk factors such as changes in the lipid profile; as a screening test in a newborn or young person if homocystinuria is suspected.