Vitamin B12 (Blood)

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

B12

Test Code (Numeric Code)

1421

Laboratory Handling

Registration

Requests for B12 and Folate - Labplus Order Code: Alpha Code: HBFO, Numeric Code:1500 Labplus Fee Code: Alpha Code:B H8

Sample Stability

2 hours at 15-25°C, 48 hours at 2-8°C, 56 days at -20°C

Associated Tests

Synonyms

B12, Cobalamin

Turnaround Time

1 day

Specimen Type

  • Plasma
  • Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
Acceptable
  • Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
  • Plain (Red Top)
  • SST II (Gold Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

5

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

3.5

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Plain (Red Top)
Acceptable
  • SST II (Gold Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Additional Specimen Information

0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer Plain Blood (Preferred)
0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer SST Blood

Last updated: 19/08/2026