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Laboratory: Clinical Biochemistry
Test Name:
VITAMIN B12 - (P)
Test Code: B12
Clinical Information:
Test Indications: This test is used for the investigation of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for hematopoesis and normal neuronal function. It is not synthetized in humans so it must be obtained from animal protein intake.
Patient Preparation Instructions:  Multivitamins (45–125 µg biotin) or biotin-only supplements up to 1 mg per day do not interfere with this test. Samples should not be taken from patients receiving therapy with high biotin doses (i.e. >5 mg/day) until at least 8 hours after the last dose.
Collection Devices:
Specimen Required:


Plasma: 2.0 mL
Pediatric Plasma: 0.5 mL

Stability 2 days refrigerated, 8 weeks frozen
Referral:
Serum: 2.0 mL

Samples must be transferred to an aliquot tube and stored frozen if analysis will not be complete within 48 hours (#110-10-05 Serum / Plasma Separation Procedure & Transport)
Requisition:
Reference Values:
Normal:   >180 pmol/L
Availability:
Daily
See Also:
More Information: