Investigations
- blood film:
- hypersegmented polymorphs (vitamin B12 deficiency)
- target cells (liver disease)
- ESR - raised in malignancy
- serum B12
- red cell folate (more reliable than serum folate)
- liver function tests - including gamma GT
- bone marrow biopsy - only indicated if one of the above does not reveal cause of macrocytic anaemia
If tests indicate vitamin B12 deficiency then proceed to perform a Schilling test in order to help identify cause of deficiency.
Reference
- Nagao T, Hirokawa M. Diagnosis and treatment of macrocytic anemias in adults. J Gen Fam Med. 2017 Oct;18(5):200-204
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