Blood Test Question

[dunnitall]

Hi can anyone explain what type of blood test this is (not fasting I know) please? I specifically need to know if it includes Vitamin B12 or is it just an ordinary full blood count that doesn't include "special" tests which I know B12 is. Bet that's as clear as mud..well I hope not. Many thanks for your help.

[ummmm]

I think you might have to explain some more.

[dunnitall]

OMG!, Yes clear as mud as I didn't get to put the type of test...no hope for me...scream!

1 purple A whole blood (EDTA)

Sorry for that folks...the heat had addled me brain lol x

[Canary42]

Describe "this" please

[Canary42]

Thanks (posts crossed)

[dunnitall]

Yes ummmm found that out after I pressed sent lol. Thanks canary...see our posts crossed...x

[Hopkirk]

I think they tick a form to say what they want checked.

[Rockrose]

Purple Tops are used for full blood counts (CBC test).


EDTA is the abbreviation for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (you can see why it's abbreviated). The EDTA in purple top tubes is actually usually the potassium salt of this. It's used to keep the blood from coagulating.

[dunnitall]

They do hopkirk if given by hospital but this is printed from doctors.

[sanmac]

A CBC (complete blood count) does not include a Vit B12 test. I think that test requires serum, so a red-topped tube would be used for the blood sample.

[dunnitall]

Thanks sanmac that's the precise thing I needed to know. Thank you.

[Sqad]

sanmac is spot on.

[dunnitall]

Hi sqad, thanks for confirming that for me.