Vitamin B12
Abbreviation
B12
Transport Temp
2-8 C (ice packs)
Stability
- 2-8 C up to 7 days
- -20C up to 6 months
Minimum Vol
0.5 mL
Alternative Specimens
Plasma (lithium heparin)
Reference Ranges
213-816 pg/mL
Collection Instructions
Routine venipuncture
Transport Container
Draw tube or plastic pour off tube
Methodology
Chemiluminescent microparticle Intrinsic Factor assay
Clinical Significance
Decreased-iron deficiency, normal near-term pregnancy, vegetarianism, partial gastrectomy/ileal damage, celiac disease, use of oral contraceptives, parasitic competition,pancreatic deficiency, treated epilepsy, advancing age. Increased-renal failure, liver disease, myeloproliferative diseases.
Preferred Specimen
Serum