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Immunoassay reagents intended to perform qualitative and/or quantitative analyses on a body fluid sample (typically plasma) to determine both folate and vitamin B12. Folate levels are decreased in megaloblastic anemia, in some psychiatric disorders, and during pregnancy. Decreased levels of vitamin B12 are associated with pernicious anemia, neurologic disorders, and dementia. The simultaneous determination of folates and vitamin B12 is important because deficiency of either one or both cause megaloblastic anemia, and an inappropriate treatment of B12 deficiency with folate can cause irreversible nerve degeneration.
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