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Test Code Billings Clinic: 4057 Vitamin B12 Assay, Serum

Performing Laboratory

Billings Clinic Laboratory: Chemistry

Useful For

  • Investigation of macrocytic anemia
  • Workup of deficiencies seen in megaloblastic anemias

Methodology

Direct Chemiluminescence

Specimen Requirements

Serum should be physically separated from cells as soon as possible with a maximum limit of two hours from the time of collection.

 

Serum

  • Draw blood in a plain, red-top tube(s) or a serum gel tube(s).
  • Spin down and send1.0 mL of serum frozen

Storage/Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerated 2 days
  Frozen (preferred) 1 month
  Ambient 8 hours

 

Reject Due To

  • Hemolysis
  • Specimens with apparent contamination
  • Samples frozen/thawed more than once
  • Samples containing fluoride
  • Samples containing ascorbic acid

Reference Values

193 - 986 pg/mL

 

Clinical vitamin B12 deficiency can occur in patients with B12 levels in the normal range. Serum methylmalonic acid levels may be helpful.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Daily

Test Classification and CPT Coding

82607- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B-12)

LOINC Code Information

Reporting Name LOINC Code
Vitamin B12 2132-9