Test Code FB12 Vitamin B12 and Folate, Serum
Reporting Name
Vitamin B12 and Folate, SUseful For
Investigation of macrocytic anemia
Workup of deficiencies seen in megaloblastic anemias
Investigation of suspected folate deficiency
Profile Information
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
B12 | Vitamin B12 Assay, S | Yes | Yes |
FOL | Folate, S | Yes | Yes |
Testing Algorithm
For more information, see Vitamin B12 Deficiency Evaluation.
Method Name
B12: Immunoenzymatic Assay
FOL: Competitive Binding Receptor Assay
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in RochesterSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Patient Preparation:
1. Patient should be fasting for 8 hours.
2. Do not order on patients who have recently received methotrexate or other folic acid antagonists.
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Red top
Acceptable: Serum gel
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
Frozen | 90 days |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
VITAMIN B12
180-914 ng/L
FOLATE
≥4.0 mcg/L
<4.0 mcg/L suggests folate deficiency
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
CPT Code Information
82607-Vitamin B12
82746-Folate
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
FB12 | Vitamin B12 and Folate, S | 96805-7 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
B12 | Vitamin B12 Assay, S | 2132-9 |
FOL | Folate, S | 2284-8 |
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.Report Available
1 to 3 daysForms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Benign Hematology Test Request Form (T755) with the specimen.