Methylmalonic Acid (Blood)

Referring Laboratory

SENDAWAYS - Chromatography

Testing Laboratory

Canterbury Health Laboratories Christchurch Hospital

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

MMA

Test Code (Numeric Code)

3578

Synonyms

MMA

Specimen Type

• Plasma
• Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Plain (Red Top)

Acceptable

• Heparin (Microtainer)
• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
• Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
• SST II (Gold Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

5

Laboratory notes:
Aliquot 2mL plasma or serum (0.3mL minimum)
Send on ice or frozen
NOTE: MMA urines go to NBS at LabPlus

Diagnostic Use and Interpretation:
Serum/plasma MMA is increased in vitamin B12 deficiency. A level less than 0.3 umol/L rules out B12 deficiency with high probability. A raised MMA level is not specific for B12 deficiency. Other causes of elevated MMA include renal impairment, small bowel bacterial overgrowth, and unexplained raised MMA levels in the presence of normal B12 status are not uncommon.

Ref : Carmel, R. (2011). "Biomarkers of cobalamin (vitamin B-12) status in the epidemiologic setting: a critical overview of context, applications, and performance characteristics of cobalamin, methylmalonic acid, and holotranscobalamin II." Am J Clin Nutr 94 (1): 18.

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