Health Test Categories & Biomarkers

Lymphocytes such as B-cells and T-cells are a type of white blood cell found primarily in the lymph system. Lymphocytes help your body's immune system recognize and fight cancer, foreign viruses, and bacteria.

A lymphocyte count is usually part of a peripheral complete blood cell count, generally measured along with lymphocyte percentage. Together, Viewed together, these two tests provide a more complete picture of the immune system's function than either alone.

Absolute Lymphocyte Count: This test measures the actual number of lymphocytes in a given volume of blood, usually per microliter (uL). It provides the total number of lymphocytes regardless of the WBC count. Lymphocyte Percentage (%) Test: This test measures the proportion of lymphocytes relative to the total white blood cell (WBC) count. It is expressed as a percentage. The percentage alone doesn't give the full picture because it depends on the total WBC count.

Abnormal Absolute Lymphocyte Levels

Low Lymphocyte Levels (Lymphocytopenia or Lymphopenia) - Causes

Low counts are often caused by undernutrition or mild infections, but may also be caused by a more serious disease or conditions.

HIV or AIDs
Tuberculosis or typhoid fever
Viral hepatitis
Blood and bone marrow disorders (Hodgkin's disease or aplastic anemia)
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus
Rare inherited conditions such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), ataxia-telangiectasia, DiGeorge syndrome, and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
Radiation or chemotherapy treatments
Severe malnutrition

Low Lymphocyte Count - Symptoms

Increased susceptibility to infections.
Frequent infections or infections that are difficult to treat.
Fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats.
Signs of the underlying condition causing lymphocytopenia.

High Lymphocyte Levels (Lymphocytosis) - Causes

Infections: Viral infections (e.g., mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis, and HIV), certain bacterial infections (e.g., tuberculosis, whooping cough).
Chronic inflammatory conditions: Such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
Blood cancers: Leukemia or lymphoma can lead to a high lymphocyte count.
Stress response: Physical or emotional stress may temporarily increase lymphocyte levels.
Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus can cause lymphocytosis.
Underactive thyroid (Hypothyroidism)

High Lymphocyte Count - Symptoms

Often asymptomatic and discovered during routine blood tests.
Symptoms related to underlying conditions (e.g., fatigue, fever, night sweats if caused by leukemia or lymphoma).
Enlarged lymph nodes or spleen.
Loss of appetite or weight loss

Basophils are a type of white blood cell involved in immune responses. They play a key role in fighting infections and responding to allergies and inflammation.

When exposed to allergens or germs, basophils release substances like histamine and heparin. These chemicals help widen blood vessels, make blood vessels leaky, and attract other immune cells to the area of infection or allergy. Various factors, including medications, pregnancy, and chronic stress can influence basophil levels.

This test looks at the basophils as a white blood cell count percentage.

Abnormal Basophil Levels

Low Basophils (Basopenia) - Causes

Acute infections: Particularly bacterial infections where other white blood cells are more active.
Severe allergic reactions: Anaphylaxis or severe allergies might temporarily lower basophil levels as they are rapidly utilized.
Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can lead to decreased basophil counts.
Stress: Physical or emotional stress, including after surgery or trauma.
Prolonged corticosteroid Use: Long-term use of corticosteroids can suppress basophil production.
Cushing’s syndrome: Excessive cortisol production due to Cushing’s syndrome.

Low Basophils - Symptoms

Increased infection risk: Though typically mild, low basophil levels might slightly raise the risk of infections.
Hyperthyroidism symptoms: Symptoms like rapid heart rate, anxiety, weight loss, and tremors.
Stress-related symptoms: Fatigue, irritability, or symptoms related to physical recovery post-surgery or trauma.

Elevated Basophils (Basophilia) - Causes

Allergic reactions: Conditions like asthma, hay fever, and allergic dermatitis can elevate basophil levels.
Chronic inflammatory diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Infections: Some chronic infections, including tuberculosis or chickenpox.
Myeloproliferative disorders: Blood cancers like chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) or polycythemia vera.
Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can sometimes cause elevated basophils.
Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus may increase basophil counts.
Certain medications: Drugs that affect the immune system or blood cell production.

Elevated Basophils - Symptoms

Allergy symptoms: Itching, rash, hives, swelling, sneezing, or asthma-like symptoms due to histamine release.
Chronic inflammation: Joint pain, fatigue, or other symptoms related to chronic inflammatory or autoimmune diseases.
Symptoms of myeloproliferative disorders: Fatigue, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or splenomegaly (enlarged spleen).
Hypothyroidism symptoms: Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, and hair loss.

Blasts are immature blood cells, typically found in the bone marrow, where they develop into mature blood cells (such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets).

Types of blasts include myeloblasts, lymphoblasts, erythroblasts, and megakaryoblasts, which eventually mature into neutrophils, lymphocytes, red blood cells, and platelets, respectively.

In a healthy individual, very few, if any, blasts are present in the bloodstream, as they normally mature in the bone marrow before being released. However, blasts in the blood can be a sign of a serious condition, such as leukemia or other bone marrow disorders.

Abnormal Blast Levels

High Blast Levels - Causes

Leukemia: One of the most common causes of elevated blast levels is leukemia, a type of blood cancer. In leukemia, blasts fail to mature properly and proliferate uncontrollably.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): Characterized by an accumulation of myeloblasts.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Marked by an excess of lymphoblasts.
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): These disorders are caused by poorly functioning bone marrow, leading to abnormal production of immature blood cells, including blasts.
Chronic myeloproliferative disorders: Certain conditions, like chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), can lead to an increased number of blasts in the later stages of the disease.
Bone marrow failure: Aplastic anemia or other conditions that cause bone marrow failure may lead to an abnormal increase in immature cells (blasts) as the bone marrow tries to compensate.
Infections or inflammation: In rare cases, severe infections or inflammatory conditions can cause elevated blast counts as the body ramps up the production of immune cells.
Chemotherapy or radiation: Certain cancer treatments can damage the bone marrow and cause the release of blasts into the bloodstream.

High Blast Levels - Symptoms

The symptoms associated with abnormal blast levels are usually linked to the underlying condition, such as leukemia or bone marrow disorders. Common symptoms include:

Fatigue and weakness: A lack of mature red blood cells (anemia) can cause persistent tiredness.
Frequent infections: Due to a deficiency of mature white blood cells, the immune system is compromised.
Easy bruising or bleeding: Low platelet levels lead to increased bruising, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums.
Bone pain: Bone marrow expansion due to the excessive production of blasts can lead to pain, particularly in the long bones.
Fever and night sweats: Common in cases of leukemia and other cancers.
Enlarged lymph nodes or spleen: In certain types of leukemia, organs like the spleen and lymph nodes may swell.

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a role in the immune system. They are involved in helping the body respond to allergies, parasitic infections, and certain other inflammatory conditions.

The eosinophil test reflects the count of eosinophils as a percentage of your total white blood cell count.

Abnormal Eosinophil Levels

Low Eosinophils (Eosinopenia) - Causes

Acute infections: Bacterial or viral infections can temporarily reduce eosinophil levels as the body mobilizes other immune cells.
Corticosteroid use: Long-term or high-dose use of corticosteroids can suppress eosinophil production.
Cushing’s syndrome: A condition where the body produces too much cortisol, leading to eosinopenia.
Stress: Severe physical or emotional stress can lower eosinophil counts.
Bone marrow disorders: Conditions that affect bone marrow function can lead to reduced production of eosinophils.

Low Eosinophils - Symptoms

Increased infection risk: Low eosinophil levels may slightly increase the risk of infections.
Fatigue: General tiredness, particularly if associated with a broader immune suppression.
Symptoms of underlying conditions: Symptoms related to Cushing’s syndrome, infections, or bone marrow disorders.

High Eosinophils (Eosinophilia) - Causes

Allergic reactions: Common causes include asthma, hay fever, eczema, and allergic rhinitis.
Parasitic infections: Especially those caused by worms like roundworms, hookworms, or flukes.
Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, or lupus.
Certain cancers: Particularly blood-related cancers like Hodgkin's lymphoma or certain types of leukemia.
Drug reactions: Some medications, such as antibiotics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can trigger eosinophilia.
Skin conditions: Disorders like dermatitis, psoriasis, or fungal infections.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or eosinophilic gastroenteritis.

High Eosinophils - Symptoms

Respiratory issues: Wheezing, shortness of breath, or cough, particularly in cases of asthma or allergic reactions.
Skin rashes: Itchy, red, or inflamed skin, often associated with eczema or allergic reactions.
Abdominal pain: Discomfort or pain, especially if related to parasitic infections or gastrointestinal disorders.
Fever and fatigue: General symptoms that may accompany infections, autoimmune diseases, or cancers.
Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss, particularly in chronic conditions like cancers or autoimmune diseases.
Joint pain: Associated with autoimmune disorders.

Promyelocytes are an early stage of white blood cells (specifically granulocytes) found in the bone marrow. They are precursors to more mature forms of white blood cells like neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. In healthy individuals, promyelocytes should be present only in the bone marrow, not in the bloodstream. Promyelocytes in a blood sample are abnormal and typically indicate a disruption in normal blood cell production. The detection of promyelocytes usually occurs as part of a complete blood count (CBC) or bone marrow biopsy when investigating abnormal blood cell production, anemia, or blood cancers.

The promyelocytes per 100 white blood cells blood test measures the percentage of total white blood cells or bone marrow cells that are promyelocytes. It provides a proportion of these cells relative to the overall white blood cell count. This test is used clinically for:

Bone marrow evaluation: When evaluating bone marrow function or disorders, this test helps determine if promyelocytes are present in excessive proportions, which would indicate a problem in blood cell maturation.
Diagnostic clarity: An increased percentage of promyelocytes in a bone marrow test (normally 1-5%) might indicate the early stages of diseases like AML, where the bone marrow produces large numbers of immature cells.
Peripheral blood: If promyelocytes are found in the bloodstream (where they normally should not be), a percentage can be given to evaluate how much of the white blood cell population is made of these immature forms, potentially indicating a serious blood disorder.

Abnormal Promyelocyte Levels

Causes of High Promyelocyte Levels

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL): This subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of promyelocytes in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. APL is the most common cause of high promyelocyte levels in the blood.
Other types of acute myeloid leukemia (AML): Besides APL, other types of AML can also lead to increased promyelocyte levels.
Bone marrow disorders: Conditions like myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), which affect the bone marrow’s ability to produce healthy blood cells, may also cause an increase in promyelocytes.
Bone marrow stress: In some rare cases, conditions like severe infections or significant bone marrow stress (e.g., from chemotherapy or radiation) can lead to elevated promyelocytes as the bone marrow tries to produce more cells quickly.

High Promyelocyte Levels - Symptoms

Symptoms associated with high promyelocytes generally relate to underlying conditions, such as APL or AML. Common symptoms may include:

Fatigue and weakness - due to anemia (low red blood cell counts)
Frequent infections - due to reduced normal white blood cells
Bruising or bleeding - due to low platelet counts, which may present as frequent nosebleeds, easy bruising, or heavy menstrual bleeding
Bone pain - caused by the overcrowding of abnormal cells in the bone marrow
Shortness of breath
Paleness or pallor
Unexplained weight loss
Fever or night sweats

Absolute band neutrophils are immature neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the body's immune response. Band neutrophils are typically released into the bloodstream when the body needs a rapid immune response, often in cases of infection, inflammation, or other stressors on the immune system.

The absolute band neutrophil count is a measure of the actual number of band neutrophils (immature neutrophils) present in a given volume of blood.

Abnormal Absolute Band Neutrophils

Low Absolute Band Neutrophils - Causes

Bone marrow suppression: Conditions like chemotherapy, radiation, or certain medications can suppress bone marrow function, leading to a lower production of neutrophils.
Aplastic anemia: This is a condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells, including neutrophils.
Viral infections: Some viral infections, such as hepatitis or HIV, can lead to decreased neutrophil production.
Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like lupus can cause the immune system to attack healthy cells, leading to neutropenia (low neutrophil count).
Nutritional deficiencies: Severe vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies can result in low neutrophil levels.

Low Absolute Band Neutrophils - Symptoms

When band neutrophil levels are low, the immune system is weakened, increasing the risk of infections. Common symptoms include:

Frequent or recurrent infections
Mouth sores
Unexplained fever
Swollen lymph nodes
Fatigue

High Absolute Band Neutrophils (Bandemia) - Causes

Elevated levels of band neutrophils in the blood, known as a "left shift," may occur in response to bacterial infections, inflammation, or other conditions that stimulate the production and release of immature neutrophils from the bone marrow.

Infections (especially bacterial): The most common cause of elevated band neutrophils is infection. The body releases immature neutrophils to fight infection when the demand for neutrophils exceeds the supply.
Inflammatory conditions: Inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease can also cause elevated levels of band neutrophils.
Acute stress: Physical stress, such as trauma, surgery, or burns, can increase band neutrophils.
Bone marrow disorders: Certain conditions, such as leukemia or other bone marrow disorders, can lead to abnormal production of white blood cells, including band neutrophils.
Sepsis: A severe infection that spreads throughout the body can trigger a high level of band neutrophils as part of an immune response.
Corticosteroid use: Corticosteroids, which are used to treat inflammation, can increase band neutrophil counts by altering immune system function.
Smoking: Chronic smoking has been associated with increased levels of band neutrophils.

Low Absolute Band Neutrophils - Symptoms

The symptoms associated with elevated band neutrophils are usually tied to the underlying cause, such as:

Fever (often associated with infection)
Fatigue
Pain or discomfort (due to infection or inflammation)
Signs of infection (e.g., redness, swelling, or discharge at the site of infection)
Shortness of breath (in severe cases like sepsis)

Metamyelocytes are immature white blood cells (WBCs) typically found in the bone marrow, where they develop into mature granulocytes (e.g., neutrophils). These cells are more mature than myelocytes and should mature into fully functional neutrophils within the bone marrow. Under normal conditions, metamyelocytes should not be present in the peripheral blood. When metamyelocytes appear in the blood, it's often a sign that your body is fighting an infection, or responding to other changes inside your body.

Testing for the presence of absolute metamyelocytes is usually done as part of a complete blood count (CBC) with differential, especially when there is suspicion of bone marrow stress or an underlying blood disorder. The absolute metamyelocytes test measures the number of metamyelocytes circulating per microliter (uL) or liter of blood. It can provide insight into how the bone marrow responds to infection, inflammation, or other stressors.

Abnormal Absolute Metamyelocytes

Abnormal (Elevated)Absolute Metamyelocytes - Causes

Infections: Severe or systemic bacterial infections (e.g., sepsis) can cause a "left shift," where immature forms of white blood cells, including metamyelocytes, are released into the bloodstream.
Bone marrow disorders
Myeloproliferative disorders: Conditions such as chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) can cause the release of immature white blood cells, including metamyelocytes, into the bloodstream.
Myelodysplastic syndromes: The bone marrow produces abnormal cells, leading to immature cell release.
Chronic inflammatory diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can result in bone marrow hyperactivity, producing immature granulocytes.
Severe anemia or hypoxia: The bone marrow compensates by increasing blood cell production, causing the release of immature forms like metamyelocytes into circulation.
Bone marrow-stimulating drugs: Medications like granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), used in cancer patients or those with neutropenia, can stimulate the bone marrow to release immature white blood cells.
Acute blood loss: Severe hemorrhage can stimulate rapid bone marrow response, causing the release of metamyelocytes as the body attempts to compensate.
Tissue damage or trauma: Major physical trauma, burns, or surgeries may cause an increase in metamyelocytes due to increased white blood cell production in response to tissue injury.
Leukemias: Certain types of leukemia, particularly acute and chronic myeloid leukemia, can cause excessive production of immature cells like metamyelocytes.

Abnormal (Elevated)Absolute Metamyelocytes - Symptoms

Since metamyelocytes in the blood usually indicate an underlying condition, symptoms depend on the cause of the abnormal levels. Common symptoms associated with elevated metamyelocytes include:

Infections: Fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, and signs of localized or systemic infection.
Bone marrow disorders: Fatigue, unexplained bruising, frequent infections, bleeding, and weight loss.
Anemia: Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, shortness of breath.
Chronic inflammation: Joint pain, swelling, chronic fatigue, and low-grade fever.
Leukemia: Persistent fatigue, weight loss, easy bruising, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes.

Myelocytes are immature white blood cells that develop in the bone marrow and then mature into white blood cells, such as neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. They are not normally found in the bloodstream in significant numbers

The lab test for myelocytes typically involves counting the number of myelocytes per 100 white blood cells (WBCs) seen under a microscope.

Testing for myelocytes in the bloodstream is usually evaluated as part of a complete blood count (CBC) with differential or a bone marrow biopsy. The test is useful in identifying bone marrow activity, particularly when immature white blood cells are released into circulation as a response to stress, infection, or malignancy.

Abnormal Myelocyte Results

Myelocytes in the Blood - Causes

Myelocytes are usually found in the bone marrow. However, when detected in the blood, it suggests an abnormal release of immature WBCs. Causes of elevated myelocytes include:

Infections: Severe or systemic bacterial infections, especially in cases of sepsis, can cause the bone marrow to release immature white blood cells like myelocytes.
Bone marrow disorders
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): A type of blood cancer that leads to the overproduction of immature granulocytes.
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): These conditions cause abnormal production of blood cells in the bone marrow.
Leukemias: Both acute and chronic myelogenous leukemias may cause high levels of immature WBCs, including myelocytes, to be released into the blood.
Severe inflammation or inflammatory diseases: Chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease may cause the bone marrow to release immature white blood cells.
Stress or trauma: Physical trauma, major surgeries, burns, or severe stress on the body can cause increased white blood cell production, leading to myelocytes appearing in the blood.
Severe anemia: Hemolytic anemia or significant blood loss may cause the bone marrow to overcompensate, releasing immature cells like myelocytes.
Medications or therapies: Certain treatments, like chemotherapy or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), can stimulate the bone marrow to release myelocytes into the bloodstream.

Elevated Myelocytes - Symptoms

Elevated myelocytes are not a disease, but are a sign of an underlying condition. Symptoms will depend on the primary cause:

Infection symptoms: Fever, chills, fatigue, and signs of localized or systemic infection.
Bone marrow disorders/leukemia: Fatigue, unexplained bruising or bleeding, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes, and weight loss.
Chronic inflammation: Joint pain, swelling, and low-grade fever in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Anemia symptoms: Pale skin, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath in cases of severe anemia.

This test measures the absolute number of myelocytes in a specified blood volume.

Elevated Absolute Myelocytes

Elevated Absolute Myelocytes - Causes

Elevated absolute myelocytes, known as a 'left shift', usually occur due to stress on the bone marrow or a response to certain underlying conditions:

Severe bacterial infections: In cases of severe infection, such as sepsis, the bone marrow may release immature cells like myelocytes into the bloodstream to meet the increased demand for white blood cells.
Bone Marrow Disorders
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): A type of blood cancer characterized by an overproduction of immature white blood cells, including myelocytes.
Myeloproliferative disorders: These conditions lead to excessive production of various blood cells, including myelocytes.
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): A group of disorders caused by dysfunctional blood cell production, which may lead to immature white blood cells, like myelocytes, entering the bloodstream.
Chronic inflammatory conditions: Chronic conditions, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can stimulate the bone marrow to release immature white blood cells like myelocytes.
Severe anemia (hemolytic anemia or aplastic anemia): Severe anemia, especially if caused by blood loss or destruction of red blood cells, may prompt the bone marrow to overcompensate by releasing immature cells into circulation.
Physical stress or trauma (burns or surgery): Significant physical stress can stimulate the bone marrow to release immature cells like myelocytes as part of the body’s response to injury.
Medications or treatments: Chemotherapy or use of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF), often given to stimulate white blood cell production in patients undergoing cancer treatment or with neutropenia, can cause the release of myelocytes into the bloodstream.
Leukemias and other hematologic cancers: Both acute and chronic leukemias (e.g., Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)) may result in a significant increase in myelocytes and other immature white blood cells in circulation.

Elevated Myelocytes - Symptoms

The presence of myelocytes in the peripheral blood is typically an indicator of an underlying condition. Symptoms vary depending on the cause:

Infection symptoms: Fever, chills, fatigue, and signs of infection such as localized pain, swelling, or systemic signs of sepsis.
Bone marrow disorders or leukemia: Fatigue, easy bruising, frequent infections, swollen lymph nodes, bone pain, unexplained weight loss, and night sweats.
Anemia symptoms: Pale skin, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and weakness due to reduced red blood cell count.
Chronic inflammation: Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
Physical stress or trauma: Symptoms related to injury, burns, or major surgery, such as pain, swelling, or decreased function.

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential vitamin that is important for metabolism, the formation of red blood cells, and the maintenance of the central nervous system.

This test measures the level of Vitamin B12 in the blood, which is essential for nerve health and the production of DNA and red blood cells.

Abnormal B12 Levels

Low Vitamin B12 (Deficiency) - Causes

Levels below the normal range can indicate a deficiency, which might lead to conditions such as anemia or neurological complications.

Dietary deficiency: Common in individuals who follow strict vegetarian or vegan diets, as B12 is primarily found in animal products (meat, dairy, eggs).
Pernicious anemia: An autoimmune condition where the stomach can’t produce enough intrinsic factor, a protein needed to absorb B12.
Malabsorption: Conditions like Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or gastric bypass surgery can impair the body’s ability to absorb B12 from food.
Aging: As people age, they may produce less stomach acid, which is necessary to absorb B12.
Chronic alcoholism: Excessive alcohol intake can interfere with B12 absorption and lead to deficiency.
Medications: Certain medications, metformin (for diabetes) or proton pump inhibitors (for acid reflux), can reduce B12 absorption.

Low Vitamin B12 (Deficiency) - Symptoms

Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired or weak.
Anemia: Symptoms may include pale skin, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Numbness or tingling: A “pins and needles” sensation in the hands, legs, or feet (due to nerve damage).
Cognitive issues: Difficulty with memory, concentration, or confusion.
Mood changes: Depression, irritability, or other mood disturbances.
Glossitis: Swelling and soreness of the tongue.
Balance issues: Difficulty walking or coordination problems.

High Vitamin B12 (Excess Levels) - Causes

High levels of vitamin B12 are less common and are generally not considered problematic, but they can sometimes indicate certain diseases or conditions.

Excessive supplementation: Overuse of B12 supplements can cause elevated levels. However, the body typically excretes excess B12 in urine, so it's rare to see extremely high levels from diet alone.
Liver disease: Conditions like cirrhosis or hepatitis can lead to elevated B12 in the blood due to its release from damaged liver cells.
Kidney disease: Impaired kidney function can prevent the body from clearing excess B12, leading to higher levels.
Certain cancers: High B12 levels may sometimes indicate cancers such as leukemia or liver cancer, though this is rare.

High Vitamin B12 (Excess Levels) - Symptoms

High B12 levels rarely cause noticeable symptoms on their own.
Elevated B12 is usually a sign of an underlying condition, such as liver or kidney disease.

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