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B12

Blood Sciences Test


Specimen

Serum

Lab Tests Online

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Special Instructions

A minimum of 30 days is required for repeat testing

Units

ng/L

Reference Range

180 – 2000

Test Usage

Normal absorption of B12 requires a non-vegetarian dietary source, a normal stomach to produce intrinsic factor, and a normal terminal ileum to absorb the B12/IF complex.

A healthy person with replete body stores has enough B12 to last 3-6 years if no more is ingested.

Low B12 levels

  • vegetarian diet

Elevated B12 levels

  • oral or parenteral vitamin B12 supplement
  • haematological disorders: myeloproliferative disorders, leukaemias
  • high white cell counts
  • liver disease

Turnaround time

4 days

Availability

Local test

Can be added on to an existing request up to 32 h following sample receipt

Minimum Repeat Interval

2 months

Specimen Labelling Procedure
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8210

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