Vitamin B12
VIT B12
Description
"Vitamin B12" test measures vitamin B12 levels in your blood to detect deficiency and monitor metabolic health. Low levels can lead to fatigue, anemia, nerve damage, and cognitive decline. It’s recommended for individuals with symptoms like memory issues, numbness, or weakness. This test is especially important for older adults, vegetarians, or those with absorption problems. Results help guide treatment with diet changes, supplements, or injections. Regular monitoring of B12 supports nerve health, brain function, and red blood cell production.
Category
Vitamins
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Nanograms per Milliliter | Picomoles per Liter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Vitamin Group, Cognitive Health Group, Basic Nutrient Deficiency Group, Complete Nutrient Deficiency Group
Test Group Description
Basic Nutrient Deficiency Group: This group comprises essential tests aimed at assessing key nutrient levels vital for overall health and well-being. Cognitive Health Group: This group of tailored tests is aimed at evaluating cognitive function and assessing markers related to cognitive health, providing valuable insights for cognitive well-being and potential cognitive disorders. Complete Nutrient Deficiency Group: This comprehensive group includes an expanded panel of tests covering a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Vitamin Group: This collection of tests encompasses a range of key vitamins crucial for physiological functions, aiding in nutritional status evaluation and deficiency detection.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 800–1200 pg/mL
SI Unit: 590–885 pmol/L
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 232–1245 pg/mL
SI Unit: 172–919 pmol/L
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Chronic myeloid leukemia (Blood cancer)
Excessive B12 supplementation
Excessive B12-containing food intake
Functional B12 deficiency
Genetic factors
Hemolysis (Red blood cell destruction)
Kidney dysfunction
Medications (Cert...
Key Reasons For Testing
Neurological Health: Identifies deficiency to prevent or address neuropathy, cognitive impairment, and mood disturbances.
Anemia Diagnosis: Detects megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.
Management of Pernicious Anemia: Guides treatment and monitoring for autoimmune-related B12 deficiency.
Evaluation of Malabsorption: Identifies absorption issues linked to gastrointestinal conditions or sur...
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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