Preferred Specimen(s) 1 mL serum
Transport Container Plastic screw-cap vial
Transport Temperature
- Ambient 5 days,
- Refrigerated (cold packs) 8 days
Reject Criteria Hemolysis
Methodology Chemiluminescence
Clinical Significance Vitamin B12 is decreased in pernicious anemia, total or partial gastrectomy, malabsorption and certain congenital and biochemical disorders. Its deficiency causes neurological disturbances and increases the serum level of homocysteine which is a cardiovascular risk factor.