Methylmalonic Acid
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Serum
Requires fasting: No
Phlebotomy required
Details
The Methylmalonic Acid (MMA) test is used in the diagnosis of acquired cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency in adults and to screen for inherited organic acidemia in neonates and infants. Elevated MMA in either blood or urine indicates vitamin B12 deficiency in adults, with MMA acting as a functional biomarker for vitamin B12 status. In neonates and infants, elevated MMA is associated with inborn errors of metabolism.
- Methylmalonic Acid
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
This test is crucial for diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency in adults and detecting inherited metabolic disorders in newborns and infants. High levels of MMA in blood or urine signal a lack of vitamin B12 in adults, making MMA a key marker for this condition. In young children, high MMA levels may indicate metabolic issues present from birth.
- Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)
- Ataxia (lack of coordination)
- Memory impairment
- Depression and behavioral changes
- Anemia
What type of sample is required for this test?
3–5 business days
31 days-11 months 62-377 nmol/L
12-23 months 55-347 nmol/L
2-59 years 55-335 nmol/L
60-79 years 69-390 nmol/L
≥80 years 85-423 nmol/L
Blood Draw Options with Fullscript
Fullscript offers several convenient phlebotomy options to complete your lab testing:
Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers (PSC)
- Location: Visit a nearby Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.
- Cost: $10 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but may experience delays. Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your appointment.
- Collection Instructions:
- Bring a valid ID.
- Bring your digital or printed requisition form, available in the Labs tab of your Fullscript account.
- Check-in: Scan the QR code from your confirmation email or follow kiosk instructions.
- More Info: Quest Diagnostics blood draw guide
Getlabs Mobile Phlebotomy
- Location: Sample collection at your home or office.
- Cost: $85 sample collection fee (paid during lab order checkout).
- Availability: Available in most locations – enter your ZIP code during checkout to confirm.
- Scheduling: Schedule your appointment here through your Fullscript account.
- Collection Instructions:
- Have your digital or printed requisition form and valid ID ready.
- Your phlebotomist will contact you by phone to coordinate arrival.
- More Info: Getlabs blood draw guide
- Preferred Specimen(s): 2 mL serum
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 1 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
- Transport Container: Serum separator tube (SST)
- Transport Temperature: Room Temperature
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 4 days
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 10 months
- Reject Criteria: NA
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
