Vitamin B-12

CPT Code(s):
82607

Turnaround Time:
4 hours

Specimen Requirements

Preferred Specimen:
Serum

Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL

Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube

Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature

Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.

Rejection Criteria:
Sodium Citrate plasma; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling

Stability Criteria

Room Temperature:
2 hours

Refrigerated:
48 hours

Frozen:
8 weeks

Clinical Significance

Vitamin B12 has specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in evaluating a patient's vitamin B12 status. Here are key points regarding its clinical significance:

1. Assessing Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to various health problems, including megaloblastic anemia, neurological disorders, and cognitive impairment. Vitamin B12 is used to measure the levels of vitamin B12 in the blood, helping to diagnose and monitor vitamin B12 deficiency. Low levels of vitamin B12 may indicate a deficiency and the need for appropriate intervention.

2. Identifying the Cause of Anemia: Megaloblastic anemia, characterized by the production of abnormally large red blood cells, is often caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 can help differentiate between megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency and other types of anemia. It aids in identifying the underlying cause of anemia and guiding appropriate treatment.

3. Evaluating Absorption Disorders: Vitamin B12 is primarily obtained from animal-based foods and requires adequate absorption in the digestive system. Conditions such as pernicious anemia, gastrointestinal disorders, or surgical removal of parts of the stomach or intestine can impair vitamin B12 absorption. Vitamin B12 can help assess these absorption disorders and guide appropriate management.

4. Monitoring Treatment Response: Patients with vitamin B12 deficiency may require vitamin B12 supplementation either through oral or injectable routes. Vitamin B12 is useful in monitoring treatment response and ensuring that vitamin B12 levels normalize with appropriate supplementation. It helps healthcare providers determine the effectiveness of the treatment regimen and adjust dosage if necessary.

5. Screening High-Risk Individuals: Certain individuals have an increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, including older adults, individuals with malabsorption disorders, vegetarians and vegans, and those with gastrointestinal surgeries. Vitamin B12 can be used as part of routine screening to identify deficiencies early on and initiate appropriate interventions to prevent complications.

In summary, Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in assessing vitamin B12 status and diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency. It aids in identifying the cause of anemia, evaluating absorption disorders, monitoring treatment response, and screening high-risk individuals. Timely detection and management of vitamin B12 deficiency can help prevent or alleviate associated health problems and improve patient outcomes.