Vitamin B12 Assessment Service
Concerned about your vitamin B12 levels, experiencing possible symptoms or looking for advice about previous results? Our private pharmacist-led service gives you convenient access to an individual assessment with Gareth, with treatment available at the appointment where clinically appropriate.
No GP referral is needed to arrange your initial assessment.
Treatment is available following an individual assessment where clinically appropriate.
Personalised advice and convenient access to care
Vitamin B12 plays an important role in normal blood-cell formation and nervous-system function. Some people are more likely to develop low levels because of their diet, medicines, health conditions or difficulties absorbing vitamin B12.
Gareth will take time to understand your concerns, review any symptoms or risk factors and consider previous treatment or blood-test results. He will then explain the options available to you, which may include treatment at the pharmacy, further testing or support from your GP.
You can access the service directly without a GP referral, and any clinical assessment required at the appointment is included in the service.
Is this service right for you?
An assessment may be helpful if:
- You have previously been told that your vitamin B12 level was low or borderline.
- You have previously received vitamin B12 treatment.
- You have recent blood-test results that you would like help understanding.
- You follow a vegan or restricted diet and are concerned about your vitamin B12 intake.
- You take medicines or have a health condition that may affect vitamin B12 levels.
- You are experiencing symptoms that you would like to discuss.
These symptoms and risk factors can have several possible causes. Your appointment allows Gareth to consider the wider picture and help you decide on the most appropriate next step.
What happens at your appointment?
- A private consultation with Gareth.
- A review of your health, symptoms, diet, medicines and relevant risk factors.
- Consideration of any previous treatment or blood-test results.
- A clear explanation of whether treatment may be suitable.
- Treatment at the appointment where clinically appropriate.
- Advice about testing, follow-up or GP care where this would be helpful.
- Time to ask questions and make an informed decision.
The purpose of the assessment is to understand your individual circumstances and help you access the most appropriate care.
Service price
There is no separate charge for the pharmacist assessment. Where treatment is clinically appropriate and provided at the appointment, the total service cost is £25.
Do I need a blood test before booking?
You do not need to have a blood-test result before arranging an assessment. If you have recent results, please bring them with you.
In some circumstances, Gareth may recommend that blood samples are taken before treatment because this can provide useful diagnostic information. He will explain whether this is relevant to you and help you understand the next step.
Starting treatment can affect subsequent vitamin B12 test results, so it is important to discuss any planned or ongoing investigation during your appointment.
Will I need further appointments?
This depends on the cause of the suspected or confirmed deficiency, previous treatment and the outcome of your assessment.
Where repeat private treatment is appropriate, the timing will be agreed clinically. Some people may benefit from further investigation, regular monitoring or ongoing care through their GP, and Gareth will explain this where relevant.
Could I receive care through the NHS?
If you have a diagnosed vitamin B12 deficiency, have previously been prescribed ongoing replacement treatment or require regular medical monitoring, care may be available through your GP surgery on the NHS.
Gareth will explain this where relevant so that you can make an informed choice and access the most appropriate care. You can still book a private assessment with us if you would like to discuss your circumstances.
Information to bring to your appointment
To help Gareth complete your assessment, please tell us about:
- Any recent blood-test results.
- Previous vitamin B12 treatment.
- Your current medicines and supplements.
- Allergies, including a known cobalt allergy.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Heart-rhythm problems.
- Any recent, significant or worsening symptoms.
If assessment identifies a concern that would benefit from further investigation or support from another healthcare professional, Gareth will explain this clearly and help you understand the next step.
As part of your appointment, Gareth will explain the expected effects, possible side effects and important precautions before you decide whether to proceed. Contact us if you have questions before booking.
Frequently asked questions
The service is available to adults aged 18 and over. It may be suitable for people with previous low or borderline results, previous treatment, relevant dietary or medical risk factors, or symptoms they would like to discuss.
No. You can book an initial private assessment directly with Tynewydd Pharmacy. If further investigation or ongoing care through your GP would be helpful, Gareth will explain this during your appointment.
No. You can arrange an assessment without already having a blood-test result. Please bring any recent results if you have them. Depending on your circumstances, Gareth may recommend testing before treatment because starting treatment can affect subsequent results.
Gareth will discuss your concerns, symptoms, diet, health, medicines, supplements, previous treatment and any available results. He will explain the options available and whether treatment, testing or further medical support may be appropriate.
Yes, treatment may be provided at the appointment where it is clinically appropriate following your assessment.
There is no separate charge for the pharmacist assessment. Where treatment is clinically appropriate and provided at the appointment, the total service cost is £25.
This depends on your individual circumstances, previous treatment and the reason treatment is being considered. Where repeat private treatment is appropriate, Gareth will discuss the timing with you. In some cases, ongoing monitoring or care through your GP may be recommended.
Yes. If you have a diagnosed deficiency, have previously been prescribed ongoing treatment or require regular monitoring, care may be available through your GP surgery. Gareth will explain this where relevant so that you can make an informed choice.
The service is available to adults aged 18 and over. As with any clinical service, there are some circumstances where treatment may need to be delayed or another healthcare professional may be better placed to help.
Please tell us about your medicines, allergies, previous treatment, pregnancy or breastfeeding, heart-rhythm problems and any recent or worsening symptoms. Gareth will explain the appropriate next step if treatment through the service is not suitable.
Please bring any recent blood-test results, details of your medicines and supplements, and information about previous vitamin B12 treatment. Do not delay booking if you do not have these records; Gareth can still discuss your circumstances with you.
Would you like to discuss your vitamin B12 concerns?
Book a private appointment with Gareth to discuss your symptoms, risk factors, previous treatment or blood-test results. He will help you understand the options and whether treatment may be appropriate for you.
Treatment is available following an individual assessment where clinically appropriate.
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