a stressful season or intense training period) and pause during quieter times
The preservative allows repeated access to the same vial over a 28-day period without compromising sterility, making it the standard diluent in research laboratory settings
The GP will take a detailed history including: Current medications and supplements (particularly B12 injections or high-dose oral preparations) Alcohol consumption and risk factors for liver disease Personal or family history of haematological disorders or cancer Symptoms suggesting underlying pathology Recommended investigations: Patients with unexplained elevated B12 should undergo: Repeat B12 measurement to confirm persistence, ideally timed away from recent injections or high-dose supplements Full blood count (FBC): To identify polycythaemia, leucocytosis, or other haematological abnormalities Liver function tests (LFTs): Including ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, and albumin to assess hepatic function Renal function tests: Urea, creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH): Elevated in haemolysis, liver disease, and some malignancies Further investigations may include: Abdominal ultrasound or CT scanning if liver disease or malignancy suspected Haematology referral for bone marrow examination if myeloproliferative disorder considered Liaison with the laboratory if results conflict with the clinical picture, as immunoassay interference (e.g., macro-B12) may occur In specialist settings, measurement of holo-transcobalamin or B12-binding proteins may be considered The urgency of investigation depends on clinical features and suspected underlying conditions
They may be able to correct modest deficiencies and aid those at risk to them avoid vitamin B-1, B-6, and B-12 deficiency
Bone marrow aspirate concentrate has been used to treat many conditions
