Vitamin B12 in Human Serum and Plasma with Roche e801
Detection of Vitamin B12 in Human Serum and Plasma with Roche e801
| Test Name: | Immunoassay for the in vitro quantitative determination of vitamin B12 in human serum and plasma. |
| Method Name: | The Elecsys Vitamin B12 II assay employs a competitive test principle using intrinsic factor specific for vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 in the sample competes with the added vitamin B12 labeled with biotin for the binding sites on the ruthenium labeled intrinsic factor complex. |
| Results: | Technical Range: 150-2000 pg/mL Reportable Range: 177-1033 pg/mL |
| Reference Ranges: | 211-911 pg/mL |
| Clinical Significance: | Vitamin B12, also referred to as cobalamin, is a complex organometallic compound in which a cobalt atom is situated within a corrin ring. It is a water-soluble vitamin which is synthesized by microorganisms. It cannot be synthesized in the human body and is seldom found in products of plant origin. Main sources of vitamin B12 are meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. The uptake in the gastrointestinal tract depends on intrinsic factor, which is synthesized by the gastric parietal cells, and on the “cubam receptor” in the distal ileum. The most frequent cause of severe vitamin B12 deficiency is a lack of intrinsic factor due to autoimmune atrophic gastritis. The disease is historically called “pernicious anemia”, even though many patients present with mainly neurologic manifestations. Examples of other causes for vitamin B12 deficiency are malabsorption due to gastrectomy, inflammatory bowel disease or dietary deficiency, e.g. in strict vegetarians (vegans).
Vitamin B12 is the cofactor for two enzymes, methionine synthase and methylmalonyl CoA mutase. Methionine synthase, located in the cytoplasm, requires vitamin B12 in the form of methylcobalamin and catalyzes the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, an essential amino acid. During this step a methyl group is transferred from methyltetrahydrofolate to the amino acid. This enzyme links the methylation pathway through synthesis of the methyl donor S adenosyl methionine and the pathway in which purine and pyrimidine are synthesized via generation of tetrahydrofolate. In the form of 5’ deoxyadenosylcobalamin, vitamin B12 is also required for the mitochondrial enzyme methylmalonyl CoA mutase, which converts methylmalonyl CoA to succinyl CoA. This is a step in the oxidation of odd chain fatty acids and catabolism of ketogenic amino acids. Thus, vitamin B12 is important for DNA synthesis, regenerating methionine for protein synthesis and methylation, as well as for the development and initial myelination of the central nervous system (CNS) and for the maintenance of normal CNS function. Vitamin B12 deficiencies are common in wealthier countries principally among the elderly and are most prevalent in poorer populations. In general the prevalence increases with age. Vitamin B12 deficiency impacts red blood cell synthesis, resulting in megaloblastic anemia due to abnormal DNA synthesis. In addition it impairs neurological function, in particular demyelination of nerves in part due to abnormal methylation, leading to peripheral neuropathy, dementia, poor cognitive performance, and depression. Other effects of vitamin B12 deficiency or depletion are increased risk of neural tube defects, osteoporosis, cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. Early diagnosis is essential, because of the latent nature of this disorder and the risk of permanent neurological damage. Generally, the primary test performed to confirm the diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is measurement of serum vitamin B12 level. Recent publications suggest that in addition the following biomarkers should be measured to improve the specificity of diagnosis: folate, methylmalonic acid (MMA), homocysteine and holotranscobalamin. |
| Submission Criteria: | For specimen collection and preparation, only use suitable tubes or collection containers. Only the specimens listed below were tested and found acceptable. Serum Plasma: Li-heparin and K2-EDTA plasma Do not use fluoride plasma The sample types listed were tested with a selection of sample collection tubes that were commercially available at the time of testing, therefore not all available tubes of all manufacturers were tested. Sample collection systems from various manufacturers may contain differing materials which could affect the test results in some cases. When processing samples in primary tubes (sample collection systems), follow the instructions of the tube manufacturer. Storage and Stability: 56 days at -20°C 48 hours at 2-8°C |
| Rejection Criteria: | Rejection criteria include but are not limited to: 1. Specimens containing fibrin or clots. 2. Excessive platelet clumping 3. Leaking specimens 4. Substandard mixing or collection 5. Expired or improperly stored collection tubes. 6. Improperly filled tubes based on collection tube manufacturer’s guidelines. 7. Contaminated specimens (IV fluid, foreign particles, etc.) 8. Specimens not analyzed within the appropriate time frame. 9. Samples not shipped at appropriate temperature. 10. Samples without 2 proper identifiers or samples having identifiers that do not match the electronic or paper lab requisition. |
| Authorization: | Diagnostic testing can only be performed with approval from an authorized provider/agency. |
| Turn Around Time: | 1 day. |
