Vitamin B12 Test - Book at Affordable Cost

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is also known as cobalamin or cyanocobalamin. It is a water-soluble vitamin. Animal-based foods are the natural sources of vitamin B12 such as eggs, poultry, meat, fish, cheese and dairy products.  It is one of the most essential vitamins which is needed for the proper functioning of the body. It helps in the maintenance of  DNA and production of red blood cells.

It is released from food in the acidic environment of the stomach and requires an Intrinsic factor for its absorption. There are two metabolically active forms of Vitamin B12 in our body, Methylcobalamin and Adenosylcobalamin.

Functions of vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 perform many important functions in our body such as

• DNA synthesis
• Formation of blood cells
• Myelination of neurons
• Act as a cofactor for enzymes such as Methionine synthase and Methylmalonyl CoA mutase.
• Development and proper functioning of CNS (central nervous system).
• It improves the mood and the symptoms of depression
• Impacts the energy level
• Support the growth of skin, hair and nails.

Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are as follows

• Tingling sensation
• Numbness
• Paraesthesia
• Muscle weakness
• Anemia
• Fatigue
• Lethargy 
• Irritation
• Mental abnormalities
• Cognitive impairment
• Unexplained drowsiness

Reasons for the vitamin B12 deficiency

There could be the many reasons for the low level of vitamin B12 in your blood  some are listed below

• Pernicious anemia is the most common condition , in this condition your body doesn't make enough intrinsic factor which is needed for the absorption of vitamin B12.
• Excessive alcohol consumption leads to the low level of vitamin B12 in a body
• Autoimmune disease such as crohn's disease, celiac disease can affect the vitamin B12 absorption
• People who follow a vegan diet means that they don't eat any animal products such as eggs. Meat ,milk etc due to which they may also have a B12 deficiency as animal products are the rich source of vitamin B12

Tips to maintain your vitamin B12 level

• People can maintain their vitamin B12 level only by eating a well balanced diet rich in vitamin B12 such as meat, seafood, dairy products and eggs
• If you follow a vegan diet and cannot take animal products then you can consider eating plant based food high in vitamin B12 level such as mushroom , cereals, nutritional yeast etc
• If you have autoimmune disease or any other medical conditions which can limit your B12 absorption then vitamin B12 supplementation can be used but only take these supplements after your doctor suggestions

How do I prepare for the Vitamin B12 test at home?

Follow these simple steps if you need a Vitamin B12 test at home:

• Fasting is usually not required for a Vitamin B12 test. Take a light meal the night before your test.
• Medications : Inform your doctor about all the drugs and supplements that you are currently taking. Certain drugs may alter the test result. Your doctor may advise some modifications before the test if required.  
• Alcohol : Avoid alcohol intake before the test as it may alter the test results.

What is the procedure for a Vitamin B12 test at home?

The procedure for Vitamin B12 test includes the following steps:

• A phlebotomist will come to your doorstep for blood sample collection according to the scheduled date and time.
• All aseptic precautions will be taken before the procedure begins.  
• First a tourniquet will be tied around your arm.
• Then a cotton swab soaked with 70% alcohol is used to clean/disinfect the injection site before needle insertion.
• Then a small needle will be inserted in the vein of your arm and the required amount of blood is withdrawn from it and collected in a test tube.
• Then the needle is removed and an adhesive sticker is placed on the puncture site to prevent it from infections.
• Sample is sent to the laboratory for further processing and testing.

Vitamin B12 normal range

The normal range for vitamin B12 is 190-950 pg/mL

Cost of Vitamin B12 Test at home in Delhi?

Vitamin B12 test price in Delhi is  INR 500 to INR 2000 depending upon many factors such as city and locality. Different diagnostic labs charge according to the quality of machines they have and various offers that they are providing to their customers.

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging centre (GDIC) is currently offering 50% discounts on various tests including Vitamin B12 test. 

Best diagnostic centre for Vitamin B12 test at home in Delhi?

Ganesh diagnostic centre is considered as the best diagnostic lab for Vitamin B12 test in Delhi. We have many branches in different locations of Delhi including Hari Nagar, Yamuna Vihar, Nangloi, Derawal Nagar, Rohini and Mangol puri. 

• We provide high standard quality services to our patients. 
• Free home sample collection services are available.
• We also offer facilities of online reporting.
• Our labs are NABL certified. 
• Facility of latest cutting-edge technologies.
• Highly Skilled Radiologists and Pathologists
• Facility of emergency test services at night.
• Affordable Diagnostic lab with up to 50% discount on many tests. Currently, we are offering upto 50% discount on various types of blood tests.
• We are open 24X7 and 365 days.
• Lakhs of satisfied customers.
• We are also open on sundays.