Methylmalonic Acid, Serum or Plasma (Vitamin B12 Status)
Also known as: MMA QNT-P
Use
This test is used to evaluate vitamin B12 deficiency in individuals with macrocytic or unexplained anemia, or unexplained neurologic disease. Methylmalonic acid is an intermediate in the metabolism of Vitamin B12; elevated levels may indicate a deficiency in Vitamin B12, leading to conditions like megaloblastic anemia and could also be indicative of renal insufficiency or intravascular volume contraction.
Special Instructions
Preferred test is Vitamin B12 with Reflex to Methylmalonic Acid, Serum (Vitamin B12 Status) (0055662). Patients undergoing the test should note that the plain red or serum separator tube is preferred, however green (sodium heparin), green (lithium heparin), lavender (EDTA), or pink (K2EDTA) tubes are also acceptable.
Limitations
This test's performance characteristics were determined by ARUP Laboratories and it is to be used for clinical purposes, however, this test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) and clinicians should interpret the results in context with the patient's medical history and other diagnostic information.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 13964-2
Result Turnaround Time
1-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1.0 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Container
ARUP standard transport tube
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and remove serum or plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer serum or plasma to an ARUP standard transport tube and refrigerate or freeze immediately.
Storage Instructions
Frozen
Causes for Rejection
Room temperature specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 1 week |
| Frozen | 1 month |