Vitamin B12

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Test Name:

Vitamin B12

Synonyms:

B-12
Cobalamin
VB12
VitB12

Collection Device/Tube Type:

1. EDM Base Lab: 5 mL blood - GOLD SST (gel)
2. CGY DSC: 4.5 mL blood - MINT LIHEP PST (gel)
3. NOTE: The preferred tube type at each testing site is acceptable at the alternate site

Submission Requirements:

1 mL serum or lithium heparin plasma

Frequency of Testing:

Daily

Reference Range:

Age	Vitamin B12 (pmol/L)
Age	Female, Male, Unknown/X
0 to < 10 yrs	≥ 250
≥ 10 yrs	≥ 160

Comments:

• Order only if B12 deficiency is suspected.
• Do not use as a screen for B12 deficiency
•  Normal test results will be assigned this comment:
   "A normal test result indicates adequate stores and should not be repeated.  However, if specific clinical situations require re-testing, the interval should not be sooner than 1 year"
                                                                                                 .
Refer to: Vitamin B12 screening and appropriate repeat intervals (Laboratory Bulletin - 06 April 2017)

For testing referred to DynaLIFE Calgary DSC: Biotin taken in doses >1 mg/day may interfere. For more information, see Biotin Interference

Last Reviewed:

09 May 2023

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