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HelpTest Code FB12 Vitamin B12 and Folate, Serum
Specimen 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.
CMH COLLECTION: 2 mL in red gel vacutainer
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 90 days |
Testing Algorithm
For more information, see Vitamin B12 Deficiency Evaluation.
Useful For
Investigation of macrocytic anemia
Workup of deficiencies seen in megaloblastic anemias
Investigation of suspected folate deficiency
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
1 to 3 daysReporting Name
Vitamin B12 and Folate, SReference Values
VITAMIN B12
180-914 ng/L
FOLATE
≥4.0 mcg/L
<4.0 mcg/L suggests folate deficiency
Method Name
B12: Immunoenzymatic Assay
FOL: Competitive Binding Receptor Assay
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
82607-Vitamin B12
82746-Folate
Profile Information
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| B12 | Vitamin B12 Assay, S | Yes | Yes |
| FOL | Folate, S | Yes | Yes |