Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with Mass Concentration Measurement
This test measures the amount of vitamin B12, an essential nutrient needed for healthy nerve function and red blood cell production.
["Vitamin B12 helps prevent nerve damage and anemia; low levels may indicate deficiencies or underlying health conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16696-7
- Short code
- Vit B12 p chal Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Vit B12 p chal Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 200
- Ref high
- 900
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like fatigue, numbness, tingling in hands/feet, weakness, or unexplained anemia. It’s also used to screen for pernicious anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, or conditions like celiac disease or gastric disorders that affect absorption.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm. If you’re on certain medications (like metformin), ask your doctor first, as they may affect results.
What the Results Mean
Results help determine if your vitamin B12 levels are low, normal, or high. Low levels may require dietary changes, supplements, or further testing for absorption issues.
Common Reasons for Testing
Doctors check vitamin B12 levels to diagnose deficiencies, monitor chronic conditions, or investigate unexplained neurological symptoms.
Reference range
NCBI: Vitamin B12 200-900 pg/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low vitamin B12 can cause nerve damage, anemia, or cognitive issues. High levels may indicate liver disease or certain genetic disorders; always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
Short name
Vitamin B12 (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
Could diet affect my vitamin B12 test results?
What if my test shows low vitamin B12?
Is this test the same as a methylmalonic acid (MMA) or homocysteine test?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy