Do I need to fast for a vitamin b12 and folate blood test?

[katiemumma20]

As it says in the title. Had an appt today and gp has ordered these blood tests but didn’t tell me how to prepare for it. It’s only occurred to me tonight that I might need to fast (and Google also suggests this) but my appointment is at 2.50pm tomorrow so if I have to fast for 8 hours or more I’m going to have cancel and arrange a morning one (but surely they should have told me this?).

No you don’t need to fast for B12/folate.
Have you got the blood form?

No :( I think because the gp only ordered the blood test today so I don’t have the form. I think they might be testing for iron aswell, do you know if you have to fast for that? I meant to put b12 and iron in the title not b12 and folate!

You do have to fast for an iron profile (if checking for haemochomatosis (iron storage disorder) but you do not have to fast for FBC (full blood count) which includes your haemoglobin (what most people call their iron count), B12 or folate.

If you have an afternoon appointment AND they didn’t make a point of telling you, it is unlikely to need to be fasted.

Ok thank you so much I was feeling all stressed but it was a bit of a pallava getting the time off work so short notice so was worried about having to change it!