b12 Deficiency

BC Guidelines

• Overview of vitamin B12 deficiency including risk factors, lab monitoring and treatment recommendations

1. In a patient in their 2nd trimester of pregnancy, a hemoglobin level of ____ indicates anemia: 

a) <135 g/L 

b) <120 g/L 

c) <110 g/L 

d) <105 g/L 

2. The following suggests a diagnosis of B12 deficiency anemia in females EXCEPT? 

a) MCV<80 

b) Low B12 

c) HgB <120 g/L  

d) None of the above – all are consistent with B12 deficiency  

3. What is the transfusion threshold? 

a) HgB<10 g/L 

b) HgB<50 g/L 

c) HgB<70 g/L 

d) HgB<100 g/L 

4. Which of the following statements are FALSE? 

a) Chronic alcohol use is a risk factor for B12 deficiency 

b) Recommended dietary intake is 2 mcg of B12 

c) Intramuscular B12 is preferred over oral B12 due to higher rates of efficacy 

d) Neurologic changes can occur in B12 deficiency  

5. What is the regimen for intramuscular B12? 

a) 1000 mcg daily x 7 days then 1000 mcg weekly x 4 weeks then 1000 mcg monthly

b) 1000 mcg daily x 7 days then 1000 mcg monthly

c) 1000 mcg weekly x 4 weeks then 1000 mcg monthly 

d) 1000 mcg daily