Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: Fasting for at least 12 hours is required. Patient should stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection. Must be drawn before Schilling test, transfusions, or B12 therapy is started.
- Turnaround: 1-2 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What's Included
B Vitamin Levels
- Vitamin B12: Measures B12 in your blood, supporting nerve health, red blood cell production, and DNA formation.
- Folate (Folic Acid): Measures folate (vitamin B9) in your blood, supporting red blood cell production and DNA formation.
Benefits
- Measures vitamin B12 and folate together in one convenient panel.
- Screens for low levels that can be linked to anemia.
- Helps you monitor levels if you have a known deficiency.
- Supports follow-up after a CBC shows large red blood cells.
- Gives you clear results to discuss with your healthcare provider.
Who Is This Test For?
- You have ongoing fatigue, tingling, or memory concerns and want to check B vitamin levels.
- You have a condition that affects nutrient absorption, such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease.
- You take medicines such as anticonvulsants or proton pump inhibitors.
- You have a known B12 or folate deficiency and are monitoring treatment.
- Your CBC showed large red blood cells and lower hemoglobin.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This panel measures vitamin B12 and folate (folic acid) in your blood. Both vitamins support red blood cell production, DNA formation, and a healthy nervous system. Checking them together gives you a fuller picture of your B vitamin status and can screen for low levels that may lead to anemia. Results are one piece of the puzzle and do not diagnose a condition on their own.
2. Who should consider this test?
This test may be right for you if you have symptoms such as fatigue, tingling, or memory concerns, or if you have a condition that affects nutrient absorption, such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease. It may also suit you if you take certain medicines, including anticonvulsants or proton pump inhibitors. If you have a known B12 or folate deficiency, this panel can help you monitor treatment, and it can also serve as a useful follow-up if a CBC showed large red blood cells and decreased hemoglobin. If you have questions about timing for your specific situation, your healthcare provider can help.
3. Do I need to fast before this test?
Yes. Fasting for at least 12 hours is required before this test.
4. How quickly will I get my results?
Results are typically available in 1-2 days, though this may take longer based on weather, holidays, or lab delays.
5. How do I interpret my results?
Your B12 and folate results are often most helpful when viewed together, alongside your symptoms, health history, and other lab work — patterns across your values can be more meaningful than any single number. Your healthcare provider can review your results and explain what they mean for you specifically.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
6. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Share your results with your healthcare provider. They can weigh them against your broader health picture and discuss appropriate next steps. An abnormal value on its own does not confirm a condition, so it's best to avoid drawing conclusions before that conversation.
7. How often should I get tested, and why does tracking matter?
How often you should retest depends on your situation. If you're monitoring a known deficiency or ongoing treatment, retest as directed by your healthcare provider; if you're testing for general screening, your provider can help you decide whether repeat testing makes sense for you. Checking your levels periodically can help you and your provider notice low levels sooner and support timely conversations, since low B12 and folate levels can be linked to anemia and nervous system issues.
Pre-test preparation
Fast for at least 12 hours prior to collection. Stop taking biotin at least 72 hours before collection. The test must be collected before starting a Schilling test, blood transfusions, or vitamin B12 therapy.
