Lab test · Vitamins
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin B12, nerves & anaemia
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 24 hours
- Home collection
What this test is for
Vitamin B12, nerves & anaemia
This test measures vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in your blood. The body needs vitamin B12 to make healthy red blood cells and to keep the nerves working properly. Low levels can cause a type of anaemia with large red cells and, over time, can damage the nerves, causing tingling, numbness or memory problems. Vitamin B12 comes mainly from animal foods such as meat, fish, eggs and milk.
Why a doctor may order it
- If you feel very tired or a blood count shows anaemia with large red cells
- If you have tingling, pins and needles or numbness in the hands or feet
- If you eat a vegetarian or vegan diet
- If you have taken metformin or acid-reducing medicines for a long time
- After stomach or bowel surgery, or with conditions that affect absorption
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
You do not need to fast unless your doctor asks you to. If you take vitamin B12 tablets or injections, or a multivitamin, tell your doctor, as recent supplements can raise the result. Keep taking your other medicines as usual unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm by the collector at your home. It takes a few minutes, and you can eat and go about your day as usual afterwards.
- Report
- Within 24 hours of collection.
What the results can mean
The report shows your vitamin B12 level next to the laboratory's reference range. A low level can explain anaemia, tiredness or nerve symptoms, and can be caused by a diet low in animal foods, poor absorption or some medicines. A borderline result may need further tests. Your doctor will interpret the result together with your blood count and symptoms.
What's included
One test: Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin), from one blood sample.
Related tests
- Folate (Folic Acid)This test measures folate, a B vitamin (vitamin B9) found in green leafy vegetables, pulses and fortified foods; folic acid is the form used in supplements.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)A complete blood count looks at the three main types of cells in your blood: red blood cells, which carry oxygen; white blood cells, which fight infection; and platelets, which help blood to clot.
- Serum FerritinIron stores, anaemia৳550
- Peripheral Blood Film (PBF)In a peripheral blood film, a drop of your blood is spread thinly on a glass slide, stained and examined under a microscope.
- Serum IronIron status, anaemia৳450
- Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC)Iron status, anaemia৳450
Questions people ask
What are the symptoms of low vitamin B12?
Common symptoms include tiredness, pale skin, breathlessness, a sore red tongue, and tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. Some people notice memory or mood changes.
Can vegetarians get enough vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is found mainly in animal foods. Vegetarians who eat eggs and milk get some, but vegans often need fortified foods or supplements. Ask your doctor for advice.
Why are B12 and folate often tested together?
Both are needed to make healthy red blood cells, and a lack of either can cause anaemia with large red cells. Testing both helps your doctor find the cause.
Can metformin cause low vitamin B12?
Yes. Taking metformin for a long time can lower vitamin B12 in some people, so doctors may check it from time to time. Do not stop your diabetes medicine without talking to your doctor.
How much does a Vitamin B12 test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳950, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the Vitamin B12 test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the Vitamin B12 report take?
The report is usually ready within 24 hours of the sample being collected.