Laboratory Services

Vitamin B12 and Folate

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Updated Test Information:

Test Description
Vitamin B12 and Folate
Synonym(s)
Folic Acid and Vitamin B12
Test ID
B12FOL
General Information
Aids in detection of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency in individuals with macrocytic or unexplained anemia, or unexplained neurologic disease.
Specimen Type
Serum
Specimen Requirements
SST
Aliquot Tube
Alternate Specimen Type
Red top
Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions
SST - Samples should not be taken from patients receiving therapy with high biotin doses (i.e. greater than 5 mg/day) until at least 8 hours following the last biotin administration.Transfer separated serum or plasma to an aliquot tube
Minimum Sample Volume
1 mL
Pediatric Min. Volume (if applicable)
500 uL
Additional Processing Details
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection. If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum or plasma to a plastic transport tube.
Stability
2 hours at 15‑25 °C
48 hours at 2‑8 °C
56 days at ‑20 °C (± 5 °C).

Stability of serum obtained with separating tubes: 24 hours at 2-8 °C
Unacceptable Specimen Conditions
Hemolyzed samples
Methodology
Eelectrochemiluminescence Immunoassay “ECLIA”
Estimated TAT
0-2 Days
Testing Schedule
Monday - Saturday
Test Includes
Vitamin B12, Folate
CPT Code(s)
82607
82746
Reference Range
B12: 232-1245 pg/mL
Folate: 4.78-24.2 ng/mL
Performing Lab
Incyte Diagnostics
LOINC Code(s)
2132-9, 2284-8