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Vitamin B12

Alternative Names/Synonyms	B12, Cobalamin
Laboratory	Core Laboratory & Transfusion Medicine
Sub-section	Biochemistry
Specimen Type	Blood
Test Code	B12S, B12P

Clinical Significance

Assessing macrocytic anemia, peripheral neuropathy and patients with malabsorptive disorders.

Specimen Requirements (Sample Type)

Serum, Plasma

Specimen Requirements (Volume (mL))

0.5 mL

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

Serum (Gold SST)
Plasma (Light Green PST)
Collection Containers – Tube Types

Collection Requirements

Blood Collection Instructions

Storage / Shipment Details

Avoid exposure to light

Sample Stability

Room Temperature: 2 hours

Fridge: 2 days @ 2-8°C

Freezer: 2 months @ -20°C

Cause for Rejection

Specimen Acceptability and Transport Guidance

Instrument, Methodology

Roche cobas e 602, immunoassay

Test Availability

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

STAT Turnaround Time

1 hour

Routine Turnaround Time

3 hours

Reference Ranges

145 - 569 pmol/L

In case of discrepancies, always interpret results using reference ranges as stated on laboratory reports and/or electronic patient chart.

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 extension 4688