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Vitamin B12

Alternate Name: B12

  | Cobalamin

SAL Code:

712

CPT:

82607

Loinc:

2132-9

Turn Around Time:

1 Day

Setup:

Daily

Units:

pg/mL

Department:

Special Chemistry

Performing Laboratory:

Sherman Abrams Laboratory

Methodology:

Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA)

Specimen Requirements:

Primary Tube:

SST

Primary Substance:

Serum

Alternate Sample Info:

EDTA Lavender Top Tube

Temperature

Period

Stable Ambient:

8 Hours

Stable Fridge:

3 Days

Stable Frozen:

30 Days

Rejection Criteria:

Improper labeling

Clinical Info:

Results obtained by this assay may be used in the diagnosis and treatment of anemias of gastrointestinal malabsorption. Vitamin B12 is important for DNA synthesis, regenerating methionine for protein synthesis and methylation, as well as for the development and initial myelination of the central nervous system (CNS) and for the maintenance of normal CNS function.
Vitamin B12 deficiency may impact red blood cell synthesis, resulting in megaloblastic anemia due to abnormal DNA synthesis. In addition, it may impair neurological function, in particular demyelination of nerves in part due to abnormal methylation, potentially leading to peripheral neuropathy, dementia, poor cognitive performance, and depression. Other effects of vitamin B12 deficiency or depletion may include increased risk of neural tube defects, osteoporosis, cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential, because of the latent nature of this disorder and the risk of permanent neurological damage.

Additional Information:

Vitamin B12, also referred to as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin b12 cannot be synthesized in the human body and is seldom found in products of plant origin. Main sources of vitamin B12 include meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. Frequent causes of severe vitamin B12 deficiency may be a lack of intrinsic factor due to autoimmune atrophic gastritis. The disease is historically called “pernicious anemia”, even though many patients present with mainly neurologic manifestations. Examples of other causes for vitamin B12 deficiency are malabsorption due to gastrectomy, inflammatory bowel disease or dietary deficiency, e.g. in strict vegetarians (vegans).

Sample Collection:

Collect patient samples using standard phlebotomy techniques. Click here for additional collection instructions.
Samples should not be taken from patients receiving therapy with high biotin doses (i.e. > 5 mg/day) until at least 8 hours following the last biotin administration.
A fasting specimen is recommended.

Specimen Handling Instructions:

Maintain at refrigerated temperature.

Test Information:

Components:

Brooklyn Navy Yard
Building 292, Suite 416
63 Flushing Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205

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