Vitamin B12

Test Code

B12

CPT Codes
82607

Preferred Specimen

Serum (gold top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Transport Container

Serum (gold top) tube or Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature or Refrigeration

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature - 24 hours; Refrigerated - 7 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Hemolysis, Quantity Not Sufficient, IV contamination, turbidity

Methodology
Chemiluminescence

Setup Schedule

Daily upon receipt

Report Available

Upon completion of analysis

Reference Range

239 - 931 pg/mL

Clinical Significance

Reduced concentrations of vitamin B12 may indicate the presence of vitamin dependent anemia. Elevated concentrations of vitamin B12 have been associated with pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives and multivitamins and in myeloproliferative diseases, such as chronic granulocytic leukemia and myelomonocytic leukemia. An elevated concentration of vitamin B12 is not known to cause clinical problems. Measurement of vitamin B12 is intended to identify and monitor vitamin B12 deficiency. This can arise from the following: (1) defect in the secretion of Intrinsic Factor, resulting in inadequate absorption from food (pernicious anemia); (2) gastrectomy and malabsorption due to surgical resection; and (3) a variety of bacterial or inflammatory diseases affecting the small intestine.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.