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A Vitamin B12 test analyses the level of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in the blood, an essential nutrient crucial for maintaining healthy nerve cells and blood cells. Vitamin B12 also aids in the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the genetic material found in every cell of the body. Since the human body cannot produce Vitamin B12 on its own, it needs to get it through food items such as eggs, dairy, and meat.
In India, around 47% of people suffer from Vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to macrocytic anaemia, a condition that might result in neuropathy, resulting in tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. Therefore, getting a Vitamin B12 test in Delhi is important to prevent any potential complications and ensure overall health.
Proper utilisation of Vitamin B12 from food requires two stages. Initially, hydrochloric acid in the stomach breaks down the foods containing Vitamin B12. Subsequently, Vitamin B12 combines with intrinsic factor, a protein made by the stomach. The digestive system then absorbs this complex. Vitamin B12 plays a critical role in producing red blood cells, repairing cells and tissues, and maintaining the myelin sheath, necessary for normal nerve function.
The concentration of Vitamin B12 in the serum or plasma (liquid component of blood) is the sole parameter measured by the Vitamin B12 test. It is hence called the serum Vitamin B12 blood test.
Before taking a Vitamin B12 blood test, consider the following:
Prerequisites
There is no fasting requirement for the Vitamin B12 test.
Best Time to Get Tested
A Vitamin B12 test can be taken at any time of the day.
Who Should Get a Vitamin B12 Test
Vitamin B12 deficiency can occur at any age. Anyone with symptoms like weakness, nausea, or irritability should get tested.
Cautions Before Taking Vitamin B12 Test
Medications like proton pump inhibitors can impact test outcomes. Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking prior to the test.
Your doctor might recommend a Vitamin B12 test if your full blood count shows low haemoglobin, enlarged red blood cells, or abnormal white blood cells. This test is also necessary if you have symptoms such as:
Irritability
Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet
Yellowish skin
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhoea
Loss of appetite
Extreme fatigue or weakness
Weight loss
Soreness in your mouth or tongue
Vision issues
Problems with walking or speaking
Changes in mood or behaviour
Depression
Difficulty with memory or confusion
Additionally, you might need a Vitamin B12 test if:
You are undergoing treatment for malnutrition or a B12 deficiency, as the test helps monitor treatment effectiveness.
You are pregnant, which increases the need for Vitamin B12 to support the growing baby.
You have digestive disorders like celiac disease or Crohn's disease, which make B12 absorption difficult.
You follow a plant-based diet, since B12 is found naturally in animal products.
You are older than 70, as the elderly have a higher risk of B12 deficiency due to reduced nutrient absorption.
You take medications that can lower B12 levels (e.g., diabetes or peptic ulcer medications).
You have Sjögren's syndrome, significantly raising the risk of deficiency.
You consume excessive alcohol, which can damage the digestive system and reduce B12 levels.
Your doctor might also recommend checking homocysteine levels, a marker that can help diagnose B12 deficiency and its underlying cause, aiding in determining appropriate treatment.
Normal Vitamin B12 Range
The normal range for Vitamin B12 is 239-931 pg/mL
Understanding Test Results
Low Levels
Low levels of Vitamin B12 can signal a deficiency, potentially caused by:
Conditions like atrophic gastritis affecting the gastrointestinal tract
Genetic disorders, such as transcobalamin II deficiency
Lack of intrinsic factor or intrinsic antibodies (seen in pernicious anaemia)
Surgical procedures like weight loss surgeries
Diseases causing poor absorption, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, pancreatitis, and resected small bowel
Fish tapeworm infection
High homocysteine levels
Dietary deficiencies, particularly among vegetarians
Increased Vitamin B12 requirements during the final trimester of pregnancy can also result in lower levels. Since Vitamin B12 and folate work together to maintain cell functions, your doctor may also recommend a folate test.
High Levels
An elevated level of Vitamin B12 is rare because excess Vitamin B12 is typically excreted in urine. However, some conditions that may result in increased Vitamin B12 levels include:
Protein malnutrition
Drug-induced cholestasis
Polycythaemia vera
Metastatic liver disease
Acute hepatitis
Cirrhosis
Chronic kidney disease
Congestive heart failure
Myelogenous or promyelocytic leukaemia
Hepatocellular carcinoma
It is crucial to get additional testing and interpretation from your doctor if the findings of your vitamin B12 test are unusual.
The Vitamin B12 test price is ₹ 1000. Included in this cost of the Vitamin B12 test is the quickest home sample collection, achievable within 60 minutes of booking, with results ready in 6.
Yes, Orange Health Labs provides home sample collection for the B12 test in Delhi. Your sample can be collected at home within 60 minutes of booking, subject to slot availability.
A Vitamin B12 test determines the amount of Vitamin B12 in your blood. Vitamin B12 is critical for cell and tissue repair, red blood cell production, and nerve health. Ensuring you have enough of this vitamin is essential for overall health.
No, fasting is not necessary for the Vitamin B12 test.
Follow these steps to book any blood test on our platform:
Search for the Test: Find the Vitamin B12 test in Delhi and choose Orange Health’s listing.
Review and Book: Select the test, review prerequisites, provide your address, and confirm the booking by choosing a suitable time slot for sample collection.
Sample Collection: An experienced eMedic will visit your home within the selected time slot to collect the sample.
Lab Processing: The collected sample will be sent to our NABL accredited and ICMR approved labs for analysis.
Receive Results: The reports of your Vitamin B12 test at home will be sent to you through email or WhatsApp within 6. Additionally, you can access them on our app.
The standard range for Vitamin B12 levels is 239-931 pg/mL. If your results fall outside of this range, it may indicate a potential health issue. It is important to discuss these findings with your doctor for further evaluation.
Within 7 hours of completing your B12 test, you will have access to the test reports.
The frequency of Vitamin B12 tests is tailored to your individual symptoms and health conditions. Your doctor is the most qualified professional to provide recommendations regarding how often you should undergo these tests.
Measuring the level of Vitamin B12 in your blood is the sole parameter of the Vitamin B12 test.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as sudden confusion, weakness, tingling, numbness, loss of balance, brain dysfunction, or nerve issues, your doctor might advise undergoing the Vitamin B12 test to assess for deficiency.
Vitamin B12 test is available in Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, South Extension, Greater Kailash, Hauz Khas, Saket, Vasant Kunj, Dwarka, Rohini, Pitampura, Janakpuri, Rajouri Garden, Mayur Vihar, Preet Vihar, Shahdara, Laxmi Nagar, Green Park, Safdarjung Enclave, Defence Colony, New Friends Colony, Kalkaji, Malviya Nagar, Nehru Place.
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Payment & Refund Policy
Test Name | Vitamin B12 Test |
---|---|
Price | The Vitamin B12 test price is ₹ 1000. |
Also Known As | The Cobalamin Test, Cyanocobalamin Test, Vit b12 Test, b12 Test & Vitamin B12 Blood Test. |
Purpose | Measures the level of Vitamin B12 in your blood. |
Pre-test Information | Fasting is not required for a Vitamin B12 test. |
Report Delivery | Get reports within 6 |
Frequency | As prescribed by your doctor. |
Home Testing | Yes, free home blood sample collection in 60 minutes from booking. |
Sample Required | A blood sample is required for a Vitamin B12 test. |
The Vitamin B12 test cost is ₹1000 This Vitamin B12 blood test price includes the fastest home sample collection within 60 minutes of booking, and the reports are available in 6