Test Details
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is required for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 also functions as a cofactor for homocysteine metabolism.
Methodology
Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Patient Preparation
None
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL serum collected in a serum separator tube (SST / Tiger Top)
Alternate Specimen
Dried Blood collected on an AdvanceDx 100 card
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 2 days
Lab Values
Vitamin B12
| Age | Optimal | Borderline | Increased Risk |
| <18 yrs | >600 pg/mL | 300 – 600 pg/mL | <300 pg/mL |
| ≥18 yrs | >700 pg/mL | 500 – 700 pg/mL | <500 pg/mL |
Clinical Significance
Vitamin B12
Low levels of vitamin B12 can be seen in vegetarians who do not eat animal products, diseases that cause malabsorption such as pernicious anemia, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel disease, with the use of certain medications like proton pump inhibitors and metformin and alcoholism. Conditions that can increase B12 level include: Liver diseases, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, and Myeloproliferative disorders like polycythemia vera and chronic myelogenous leukemia.
- High doses of biotin (> 5 mg/day) may interfere with assay results. Patient assumed to be refraining from biotin supplementation for at least 3 days prior to blood draw.
Treatment Options
Vitamin B12
Increase dietary intake of vitamin B12, or replace with B12 injections, or oral supplements to normalize vitamin B12 levels.
