A vitamin B-12 level test checks the amount of vitamin B-12 in the blood or urine to gauge the body’s overall vitamin B-12 stores. Vitamin B-12 is necessary for several bodily processes, including nerve function and the production of DNA and red blood cells.

SPECIMEN: 3 mL (1 mL min.) serum from 1 SST. Ship refrigerated or frozen. Wrap in aluminum foil to protect from light. Overnight fasting is preferred.

STABILITY: Room: 8 hrs; Refrigerated: 48 hrs; Frozen: 8 weeks

REPORT: Daily

PRE-TEST INFORMATION: Overnight fasting is preferred. Wrap sample in aluminum foil to protect from light.

USAGE: Vitamin B12 is necessary for hematopoiesis and normal neuronal function. B12 deficiency may be due to lack of intrinsic factor secretion by gastric mucosa (gastrectomy, gastric atrophy) or intestinal malabsorption (ileal resection, small intestinal diseases) leading to macrocytic anemia. This assay is useful for investigating macrocytic anemia and as a workup of deficiencies seen in megaloblastic anemia.