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  • Test Details
  • Lab Values
  • Clinical Significance
  • Treatment Options
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Test Code 607

Test Details

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

Lab Values

B12

  • Borderline: 500-700 pg/mL
  • Optimal: >700 pg/mL
  • Increased Risk: <500 pg/mL
Test Details
Clinical Significance

Clinical Significance

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.
Lab Values
Treatment Options

Treatment Options

B12

Increase dietary intake of vitamin B12, or replace with B12 injections, or oral supplements to normalize vitamin B12 levels.

Clinical Significance