Rubrophilin (Vitamin B12 Binding Protein) in Serum
This test measures the level of rubrophilin, a protein in your blood that transports vitamin B12. It may be used to assess vitamin B12 status or identify conditions affecting its transport.
["This test helps evaluate how well your body handles vitamin B12."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 24116-6
- Short code
- RUBV IgM SerPl Ql IA
- Synonyms
- RUBV IgM SerPl Ql IA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- CPT
- 82784
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, numbness, or weakness, or if you have conditions such as pernicious anemia, kidney disease, or other vitamin B12-related disorders. It may also be part of a broader evaluation for unexplained low vitamin B12 levels.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if your blood is drawn early in the morning. Follow any instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a small pinch when the needle goes in, but the process usually takes just a few minutes. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Rubrophilin levels can vary based on your overall vitamin B12 status. High levels might suggest normal vitamin B12 transport, while low levels could indicate issues like kidney disease or malabsorption. Your results will be interpreted by your healthcare provider in the context of your symptoms and other tests.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated rubrophilin levels alone may not indicate a problem, but they can be part of a broader evaluation for vitamin B12 deficiency or kidney function. Low rubrophilin levels may suggest impaired vitamin B12 transport, which could be linked to conditions like kidney disease or certain genetic disorders. Your provider will consider these results alongside other clinical findings to guide diagnosis and treatment.
Short name
Rubrophilin (Vitamin B12 Binding Protein) Test
Frequently asked questions
What causes rubrophilin levels to change?
Can I eat or drink anything before the test?
How long will it take to get my results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy