Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Quest Diagnostics
Sample type: Serum
Requires fasting: No
Phlebotomy required
Details
B12 is decreased in pernicious anemia, total or partial gastrectomy, malabsorption and certain congenital and biochemical disorders.
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Estimated days for results: Results should be available in 2 - 5 business days after the sample is collected
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)Test
This test measures the level of Vitamin B12 in the body, which is crucial for nerve health and the production of DNA and red blood cells. Low levels of Vitamin B12 can indicate conditions such as pernicious anemia, issues from stomach surgery (total or partial gastrectomy), problems with absorbing nutrients (malabsorption), and certain inherited disorders.
This test measures the level of Vitamin B12 in the body, which is crucial for nerve health and the production of DNA and red blood cells. Low levels of Vitamin B12 can indicate conditions such as pernicious anemia, issues from stomach surgery (total or partial gastrectomy), problems with absorbing nutrients (malabsorption), and certain inherited disorders.
What patients is this test right for?
This test may be recommended for individuals showing symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency or those at risk due to dietary habits, medical conditions, or surgical history.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency:
- Tiredness and weakness
- Memory loss and confusion
- Problems with balance and coordination
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Mood changes
What type of sample is required for this test?
1 mL serum.
A simple blood draw is needed.
A simple blood draw is needed.
Test Resources:
Resources are not available at this time.
2–5 business days
≤4 Years Not established
5-9 Years 250-1205 pg/mL
10-17 Years 260-935 pg/mL
>17 Years 200-1100 pg/mL
5-9 Years 250-1205 pg/mL
10-17 Years 260-935 pg/mL
>17 Years 200-1100 pg/mL
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
Specimen
- Preferred Specimen(s): 1 mL serum
- Alternative: NA
- Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
- Collection Instructions: NA
Storage and shipping instructions
- Transport Container: Serum separator tube (SST)
- Transport Temperature: Room Temperature
- Specimen Stability:
- Room temperature: 7 days
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 28 days
- Reject Criteria:
- Hemolysis
State restrictions:
Patient can't order this test if they are located in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island
