Vitamin B12 Test: Price, Purpose, Results & Normal Range
A vitamin B12 blood test determines the amount of vitamin B12 in your blood. It is a vital nutrient that is crucial for the development of red blood cells and the health of your brain and the nervous system. Symptoms of low vitamin B12 levels can include weakness, tiredness, and tingling or numbness in the hands and feet.
This test frequently helps determine both the cause of these symptoms and the effectiveness of treatment for its deficiency. If you have medical disorders that may impact your vitamin B12 levels or if you are showing signs of vitamin B12 deficiency, a healthcare professional may recommend a vitamin B12 test. The price range of this test is between Rs 300 to Rs 1100.
Your doctor may recommend a Vitamin B12 test if you have the following signs and symptoms-
- Fatigue and weakness
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Memory loss or cognitive difficulties
- Depression or mood changes
- Mouth ulcers or a swollen, red tongue
- Digestive problems, such as diarrhea or constipation
- Loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss
- Shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat
Vitamin B12 Test Details in Brief
| Also Known As | Cobalamin, Cyanocobalamin, Hydroxocobalamin, Methylcobalamin, Adenosylcobalamin |
| Purpose | To measure the level of vitamin B12 in the blood to diagnose deficiency or monitor treatment. |
| Preparation | Overnight fasting is preferred |
| Fasting | Yes |
| Reporting Time | <24 hours |
| Cost | Rs 300 to Rs 1100 |
Vitamin B12 Price
Vitamin B12 Test Price usually ranges from Rs 300 to Rs 1100. The actual price depends on the diagnostic centre and the city. Bookmerilab partners with more than 500 diagnostic centres across India. We provide a 10-50% discount on medical diagnostic tests.
Prices at Popular diagnostic centres
The table below lists the prices at some of the popular diagnostic centres.
| Name of Lab | Test Price |
|---|---|
| Redcliffe Labs | Rs 499 – Rs 549 |
| Janta X Ray Clinic | Rs 660 |
| City X-Ray | Rs 750 |
| Bharat X Ray Clinic | Rs 650 |
| Thyrocare | Rs 549 |
| Prognosis Laboratories | Rs 550 |
| Aarthi Scans | Rs 630 |
| Dr Lal path labs | Rs 1100 |
| Mahajan Imaging | Rs 960 |
Cost in different cities
The table below lists the city-wise price of the Vitamin B12 test. You can click on the city name to get the list of diagnostic centres with their price and discount.
| City | Test Price |
|---|---|
| Vitamin B12 Test Price in Delhi | Rs 299 to Rs 990 |
| Vitamin B12 Test Price in Mumbai | Rs 299 to Rs 1250 |
| Vitamin B12 Test Price in Bangalore | Rs 299 to Rs 960 |
| Vitamin B12 Test Price in Hyderabad | Rs 299 to Rs 965 |
| Vitamin B12 Test Price in Gurgaon | Rs 299 to Rs 1425 |
| Vitamin B12 Test Price in Chennai | Rs 299 to Rs 630 |
| Vitamin B12 Test Price in Kolkata | Rs 299 to Rs 1800 |
Vitamin B12 Test Purpose
- Detects low amounts of vitamin B12 in the blood, which can cause a number of symptoms and health issues like B12 deficiency.
- Determine the reason for symptoms: It can assist in ascertaining whether a deficiency is the root of symptoms like weariness, weakness, or numbness.
- Monitor your treatment: If you are using vitamin B12 supplements or other treatments for a deficiency, the test can help you evaluate if your current course of treatment is working and whether you need to change the amount.
- Identify potential medical issues: Medical diseases including pernicious anemia, Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease can have an impact on vitamin B12 levels. The test can be used to monitor or help diagnose various disorders.
- Analyze your food intake: If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet or any diet that may be deficient in vitamin B12, the test can help you decide whether you need to take supplements or alter your diet.
Preparation
- Overnight fasting is preferred.
- Inform your doctor if you’re taking any drugs like metformin or proton pump inhibitors that may affect your vitamin B12 levels.
- It’s vital to let your doctor know what supplements you are taking because some dietary supplements or multivitamins may include high quantities of vitamin B12.
- Inform your doctor about any medical disorders you have, such as Crohn’s disease or pernicious anemia, as these can affect your vitamin B12 levels.
Procedure
It is a fairly simple diagnostic blood test. Below are the steps to draw a blood sample from the vein in your arm or hand-
- A technician (phlebotomist) may tie a tourniquet (elastic band) to your arm.
- The phlebotomist will locate your blood vessel.
- Then the site is cleaned with spirit.
- A Needle is inserted into your vein to draw the blood.
- The blood sample is then withdrawn into a syringe or a vial.
- Cotton is placed on the puncture site with mild pressure till the bleeding stops.
- A small band-aid is then placed, which may be removed after an hour.
The entire procedure takes only a few minutes.
Risks
It is a very simple and safe test. The risks involved are the same as that of any other blood test. These include-
- Infection at the puncture site if proper sterilization protocol is not followed and the needle is contaminated. This is, however, very rare. You may ensure that your phlebotomist takes out the needle in front of you from a sterile pack.
- Multiple pricks if the blood vessel is not easily found
- Excessive bleeding at the puncture site- Please inform your healthcare provider if you are taking any blood thinners or have any bleeding disorders.
- Light-headedness due to stress or heavy bleeding.
Minor pain and bruising that might occur will resolve on their own in a very short time.
Vitamin B12 Test Result
The result of a vitamin B12 test is a measure of the amount of vitamin B12 in your blood. The normal range can vary slightly depending on the laboratory that performs the test, but typically falls between 200 and 900 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL).
If your vitamin B12 levels are below the normal range, it may indicate a deficiency that can cause a range of symptoms. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results of the test in conjunction with your medical history and other factors to determine the best course of treatment, if necessary.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin B 12 | 200-900 | pg/mL |
Sample Report
Limitations
- False positives: Some individuals may have elevated levels of vitamin B12 in their blood, but not actually be deficient. This can occur in individuals who have recently taken vitamin B12 supplements or who have a liver condition.
- False negatives: On the other hand, some individuals with vitamin B12 deficiency may have normal levels of vitamin B12 in their blood. This can occur in individuals who have mild deficiencies or who have an underlying health condition that interferes with the absorption of vitamin B12.
- Interference with other medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics and anticonvulsants, can interfere with the accuracy of the vitamin B12 test.
- Lack of specificity: The vitamin B12 test does not distinguish between different forms of vitamin B12 in the blood, such as active and inactive forms, which can affect the accuracy of the results.
Related Tests
Methylmalonic acid (MMA) Test
Elevated levels of MMA in the blood or urine can be a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency since vitamin B12 is required for the proper breakdown of MMA. MMA testing can therefore be a useful tool in the diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency. MMA is a substance that is produced in the body as a byproduct of various metabolic processes, including the metabolism of certain amino acids and fatty acids.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a vitamin B12 test is a diagnostic technique that evaluates the amount of vitamin B12 in the blood. The test is designed to detect a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can result in a variety of symptoms, including anemia, exhaustion, and neurological problems. Only a small amount of blood is needed for the test, making it safe.
A vitamin B12 shortage can be treated with dietary adjustments or vitamin B12 supplementation. Normal B12 levels might not necessarily rule out a deficiency, unfortunately. Talking with your doctor can help you decide whether vitamin B12 testing is necessary and how to interpret the results in context of your particular health. Follow-up testing may be necessary to monitor treatment and ensure B12 levels remain within a healthy range.
FAQs
A blood test that measures the level of vitamin B12 in the blood.
Fatigue, weakness, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty walking, and anemia.
People who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, older adults, and those who have had gastrointestinal surgery or other digestive disorders.
A small sample of blood is taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis.
There may be some discomfort during the blood draw, but it is generally a minimally invasive procedure.
While the test is generally reliable, it is important to consider other factors, such as symptoms and medical history, to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
Treatment may involve dietary changes, vitamin B12 supplements, or in severe cases, injections of vitamin B12.
How To Book a Vitamin B12 Test?
Dr Garima Saroj
Dr Garima Saroj is a dentist from Manipal college of dental sciences. She has previously worked at ESIC dental college and hospital Delhi and Dentecare multispecialty dental clinic Gurugram. She has a passion for writing for patient education and awareness.