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Vitamin B12, Serum or Plasma
Test CodeB12 - NCMC
CPT Codes
82607
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL serum from SST
If specimen ordered with folate, must be protected from light
If specimen ordered with folate, must be protected from light
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Note: For neonate requirements see Neonate Minimum Blood Volumes
Note: For neonate requirements see Neonate Minimum Blood Volumes
Other Acceptable Specimens
1 mL plasma from Green top (Lithium Heparin) or 1 ml serum from Red Top
Instructions
Avoid using hemolyzed specimens.
Specimen Stability
| Transport Temp | Stability |
| Ambient | 2 hours |
| Refrigerated | 48 hours |
| Frozen | 8 weeks |
Methodology
Chemiluminescence
Setup Schedule
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
Same day
Reference Range
193-986 pg/mL
Clinical Significance
Vitamin B12, also referred to as cobalamin, is a complex organometallic compound in which a cobalt atom is situated within a corrin
ring. It is a water-soluble vitamin which is synthesized by microorganisms. 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).
ring. It is a water-soluble vitamin which is synthesized by microorganisms. 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).
Performing Laboratory
North Colorado Medical Center Laboratory
