Problems in the diagnosis and investigation of megaloblastic anemia

The diagnosis of megaloblastic anemia and the differentiation of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency require, in addition to careful attention to the history and physical findings, the use of laboratory tests. In this paper the commonly ordered tests for such a diagnosis are discussed, with emphasis on the conditions that may cause false-positive or false-negative results in the complete blood count, examination of a peripheral blood smear and a bone marrow specimen, serum and erythrocyte folate assays, serum vitamin B12 assays, tests of vitamin B12 absorption and gastric analysis.