Vitamin B12
Also known as: Cobalamin, True
Use
Detect B12 deficiency as in pernicious anemia; diagnose folic acid deficiency; evaluate hypersegmentation of granulocyte nuclei; follow up MCV >100; diagnose macrocytic anemia; diagnose megaloblastic anemia; evaluate alcoholism, prenatal care; evaluate malabsorption, neurological disorders, or the elevation of B12 as seen in liver cell damage or myeloid leukemia
Special Instructions
This test may exhibit interference if the sample is collected from a person consuming a high dose biotin supplement. It is recommended to ask all patients about biotin supplementation and advise them to stop intake at least 72 hours before sample collection.
Limitations
The test may provide erroneous results in samples from patients treated with monoclonal mouse antibodies due to interference. Rare cases of interference can occur due to extremely high antibody titers to streptavidin and ruthenium. Additives in the test minimize these effects. As with all tests containing monoclonal mouse antibodies, patients treated with these antibodies or who have received them for diagnostic purposes may have erroneous findings.
Methodology
Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2132-9
- 2132-9
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Container
Gel-barrier tube (preferred) or red-top tube
Collection Instructions
If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube.
Patient Preparation
Fasting specimen preferred; must draw before Schilling test, transfusions or B12 therapy is started.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Causes for Rejection
Citrate plasma specimen; improper labeling
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |