Ordering RecommendationRecommendations 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.
MnemonicUnique test identifier.
B12 MMA
MethodologyProcess(es) used to perform the test.
Quantitative Chemiluminescent Immunoassay/Quantitative High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
PerformedDays of the week the test is performed.
Sun-Sat
ReportedExpected turnaround time for a result, beginning when ARUP has received the specimen.
1-3 days
New York DOH Approval StatusIndicates test has been approved by the New York State Department of Health.
This test is New York DOH approved.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation
Collect
Plain red or serum separator tube. Also acceptable: Green (sodium or lithium heparin).
Specimen Preparation
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 Temperature
Frozen.
Unacceptable Conditions
EDTA plasma. Room temperature specimens. Grossly hemolyzed or lipemic specimens.
Remarks
Stability
After separation from cells: Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 48 hours; Frozen: 1 month
Reference IntervalNormal range/expected value(s) for a specific disease state. May also include abnormal ranges.
Interpretive DataBackground information for test. May include disease information, patient result explanation, recommendations, details of testing, associated diseases, explanation of possible patient results.
Compliance Category
FDA
NoteAdditional information related to the test.
If Vitamin B12 is less than 300 pg/mL, then Methylmalonic Acid, Serum (Vitamin B12 Status) will be added. Additional charges apply.
Hotline History
N/A
CPT CodesThe 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.
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AliasesOther names that describe the test. Synonyms.
B12 (Cobalamin)
B12 and MMA reflex
B12 Assay
B12 MMA
B12, Serum
CblC
Cobalamin
Methylcobalamin
Vit B12 and MMA
Vitamin B12 with Reflex to Methylmalonic Acid, Serum (Vitamin B12 Status)