What is this test?
This test measures the amount of vitamin B12 in the blood. The body needs this B vitamin to make blood cells and to maintain a healthy nervous system.
 
Sample required
Blood.
 
Patient preparation
Inform the doctor if you are on any medications, or have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before this test. Ask your healthcare practitioner or lab for specific instructions.
 
Turn-around time (How long does it take?)
5 Hours.
 
Basis of the Test
The main role of vitamin D is to help regulate blood levels of calcium, phosphorus, and (to a lesser extent) magnesium. Vitamin D is vital for the growth and health of bone; without it, bones will be soft, malformed, and unable to repair themselves normally, resulting in diseases called rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous(D3), which is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight, and exogenous(D4), which is ingested in foods and supplements.