Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)

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Includes 1 Parameter
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Rs.599
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Sample Type
  • Blood
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Test Code
#BI016
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Fasting
No
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Report within
24 Hours

A Vitamin B12 test checks for the level of Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, in your blood. This vitamin plays a big role in keeping your nerves healthy, helping make red blood cells and boosting your energy. Your doctor might recommend this test if you experience persistent fatigue, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, weakness, dizziness, or mood changes. The test is used to diagnose deficiency in patients with anemia, neurologic symptoms, or risk factors.

At Torrent Diagnostics, we use global-standard laboratory technology to deliver precise results for effective treatment planning.

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Why is the Test Done?

Doctors often suggest taking this test to:
  • Evaluate Vitamin B12 deficiency & detect pernicious anemia
  • Identify why someone feels tired or weak
  • Find out about nerve issues (like numbness or tingling in hands/feet)
  • Keep track of those on Vitamin B12 supplements
  • Assess nutrition levels (important for people who avoid meat)
  • Diagnose conditions affecting B12 absorption like Crohn's disease, celiac disease, or gastric bypass surgery
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Who Should Get Tested?

You might need this test if you:

Experience symptoms such as:

  • Constant tiredness
  • Pale or whitish skin
  • Numb or tingling hands and feet
  • Trouble with memory or mood

Fall into categories likely to be at risk:

  • Older adults (absorption decreases with age)
  • Vegetarians and vegans (lack dietary B12)
  • People with diabetes or those who have undergone gastric bypass surgery
  • Individuals with digestive conditions like celiac disease or Crohn's disease
  • People with anemia or those with neurological symptoms
  • Those taking medications that affect B12 levels
  • Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers
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How to Read the Results?

The test reports of Vitamin B12 include the following values/range:
  • Normal range: 200 to 900 pg/mL.
  • Deficiency: below 200 pg/mL.
  • Borderline: 200 to 300 pg/mL.
  • High: Above 900 pg/mL.
Note: Borderline cases may need further tests. So always interpret results with a doctor.
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What to Ask the Doctor?

Patients often wonder what to ask once B12 testing is suggested. Useful questions include:
  • What if my B12 is low? Can it be treated with diet and supplements?
  • Will I need injections of Vitamin B12?
  • Could my medications or diet affect my level?
  • Do I need tests for pernicious anemia?
  • When should I retest?
  • What if my B12 is high? How is it treated?
  • Should I test for other vitamin deficiencies?
How our test process works!
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STEP 01
Identity Verified at Every Step
Verified identity at every step to eliminate sample mix-ups
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STEP 02
Sterile, Barcoded Collection
Sterile, barcoded collection to maintain sample integrity
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STEP 03
Expert-Led Sample Collection
Trained professionals ensuring safe, accurate, and comfortable collection

FAQs To Help You Know Better

Do I need to fast for the test?
Many labs advise fasting (6-8 hours) before a B12 blood draw to avoid interference. Otherwise, normal meals (water allowed) are fine. Continue routine meds unless instructed otherwise; do not take a B12 supplement on test day.
How is the sample collected?
A standard blood draw (venipuncture) into a red/serum tube. No special handling besides timely lab processing.
What if the test is normal but I have symptoms?
Consider follow-up tests. Functional deficiency (MMA/Hcy) can be checked. Your doctor might also evaluate thyroid, Vitamin D, or other causes of fatigue/neuropathy.
How often should I retest?
If treating deficiency, doctors often retest B12 and blood counts after 6-12 weeks to ensure improvement. In stable, adequately supplemented patients without risk factors, routine retesting isn’t needed more than once a year.
Does the Vitamin B12 test hurt?
No, it’s a quick and simple blood test.
What leads to low Vitamin B12?
Common causes could be lacking B12 in your diet, if you eat vegetarian food, problems with your stomach absorbing it or taking some types of medicine.
Can a lack of B12 cause big health problems?
Yes. If it goes untreated, it might result in anemia, nerve damage & trouble with memory.
Can I raise my B12 levels by eating?
Yes. Eat B12-rich foods like dairy products like milk, eggs, meat and fish. If you’re vegetarian, you might need to take supplements.
How is B12 deficiency fixed?
The treatment usually involves use of supplements (tablets or capsules) or injections (in case of very low values).
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