B12 Complete Lab Test – At-Home Sampling

Do you want a broader picture of your B12 status? B12 Complete measures both total vitamin B12 and holotranscobalamin, also known as active B12. You collect a liquid capillary blood sample at home and receive two quantitative laboratory values ​​digitally.

The test in brief

• Sample collection entirely at home
• Liquid capillary blood from the fingertip
• Quantitative laboratory values
• Medical laboratory accredited according to ISO 15189
• Quality assurance according to Rili-BÄK
• Digital results in your personal health portal

What does B12 Complete measure?

Vitamin B12

Total B12 includes both bioavailable and protein-bound vitamin B12 in the blood. The vitamin is essential for functions such as the nervous system, normal blood cell formation, and cellular metabolism.

Holotranscobalamin – active B12

Holotranscobalamin is the fraction of vitamin B12 bound to the transport protein transcobalamin, which can be taken up by the body's cells. Active B12 can therefore provide complementary information to the total level.

Common symptoms and when the test may be relevant

A B12 test may be relevant if you experience symptoms associated with deficiency, follow a diet with few or no animal products, have a condition affecting absorption, or wish to monitor a previous result. The symptoms are non-specific and can have many other causes.

• fatigue and reduced energy
• tingling or numbness
• difficulty concentrating
• paleness
• sore or burning tongue

Neurological symptoms or severe fatigue should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Who is this test for?

• For those who want to analyze both total and active B12.
• For those who follow a vegan or predominantly plant-based diet.
• For those who want to monitor their B12 status over time.
• For those experiencing symptoms and wanting a lab result to aid further assessment.

How the at-home lab test works

1. Order the test. You receive a complete sample collection kit.
2. Read the instructions. Prepare the materials and warm your hands to promote blood flow.
3. Take the sample at home. Prick your fingertip and collect liquid capillary blood in the sample tube according to the instructions.
4. Send the sample. Label, seal, and pack the sample, then send it to the laboratory using the provided return materials.
5. Laboratory analysis. The sample is analyzed using a quality-assured laboratory method.
6. View the result digitally. The laboratory result is displayed in your personal health portal.

Before sample collection

Follow the instructions in the sample collection kit. List any dietary supplements and medications if the service requests this information. Do not alter prescribed treatment prior to sample collection without consulting a healthcare professional.

Laboratory and quality

The sample is analyzed at a medical laboratory accredited according to ISO 15189. The laboratory’s quality assurance also complies with Rili-BÄK—the German Medical Association’s guideline for quality assurance in laboratory medical testing.

• Sample material: liquid capillary blood
• Sampling location: at home
• Result: digital laboratory report
• Turnaround time: transport time and the scope of the analysis affect the total time

Results and reference values

You will receive a quantitative result, including the laboratory's unit of measurement and the applicable reference ranges, in your personal health portal. Reference ranges may vary between laboratories and can sometimes be influenced by individual factors. An abnormal result is not a diagnosis in itself.

Do you want to measure only active B12?

Active B12 Lab Test measures holotranscobalamin as a single marker.

Important information regarding the result

The test provides information about the analyzed markers but does not provide a diagnosis and does not replace medical assessment or treatment. Contact a healthcare provider in the event of abnormal results, clear or persistent symptoms, or concerns.

Frequently asked questions about B12 testing

What is the difference between total and active B12?

Total B12 encompasses several forms of the vitamin, whereas active B12 measures the fraction bound to transcobalamin that is available to the body's cells.

Can B12 deficiency cause fatigue?

Yes, fatigue can occur with B12 deficiency, but it is a non-specific symptom that can have many other causes.

Can I develop a B12 deficiency if I follow a vegan diet?

Vitamin B12 is naturally found primarily in animal-based foods. Those following a vegan diet generally need to ensure adequate intake through fortified foods or supplements.

Can dietary supplements affect the results?

Yes, B12 supplements can influence measured levels. Interpret the results in the context of your intake, and do not alter prescribed supplements without medical advice.

Can the test diagnose B12 deficiency?

The results provide important information but may need to be supplemented with other analyses and a medical assessment.