Search our extensive Laboratory Test Directory to find test codes, ordering recommendations, specimen stability information, Test Fact Sheets, and more.
Recommendations when to order or not order the test. May include related or preferred tests.
Preferred reflex test for the evaluation of vitamin B12 deficiency in individuals with macrocytic or unexplained anemia, or unexplained neurologic disease.
New York DOH Approval Status
Indicates whether a test has been approved by the New York State Department of Health.
This test is New York state approved.
Specimen Required
Patient PreparationInstructions patient must follow before/during specimen collection.
CollectSpecimen type to collect. May include collection media, tubes, kits, etc.
Plain red or serum separator tube. Also acceptable: Green (sodium or lithium heparin).
Specimen PreparationInstructions for specimen prep before/after collection and prior to transport.
Protect from light during collection, storage and shipment. Centrifuge and remove serum from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 2 mL serum or plasma to an ARUP standard transport tube and refrigerate or freeze immediately. (Min: 1.5 mL)
Storage/Transport TemperaturePreferred temperatures for storage prior to and during shipping to ARUP. See Stability for additional info.
Frozen.
Unacceptable ConditionsCommon conditions under which a specimen will be rejected.
EDTA plasma. Room temperature specimens. Grossly hemolyzed or lipemic specimens.
RemarksAdditional specimen collection, transport, or test submission information.
StabilityAcceptable times/temperatures for specimens. Times include storage and transport time to ARUP.
After separation from cells: Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 48 hours; Frozen: 1 month
Methodology
Process(es) used to perform the test.
Quantitative Chemiluminescent Immunoassay (CLIA)/Quantitative Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Performed
Days of the week the test is performed.
Sun-Sat
Reported
Expected turnaround time for a result, beginning when ARUP has received the specimen.
1-5 days
Reference Interval
Normal range/expected value(s) for a specific disease state. May also include abnormal ranges.
The American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes published in ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory are provided for informational purposes only. The codes reflect our interpretation of CPT coding requirements based upon AMA guidelines published annually. CPT codes are provided only as guidance to assist clients with billing. ARUP strongly recommends that clients confirm CPT codes with their Medicare administrative contractor, as requirements may differ. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. ARUP Laboratories assumes no responsibility for billing errors due to reliance on the CPT codes published.
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.
Aliases
Other names that describe the test. Synonyms.
Cobalamin
Vit B12 and MMA
B12 and MMA reflex
B12 Assay
B12 MMA
B12, Serum
CblC
B12 (Cobalamin)
Methylcobalamin
Vitamin B12 with Reflex to Methylmalonic Acid, Serum (Vitamin B12 Status)
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