Anemia Profile

Test ID: 

703517

CPT code:

82136, 83918

Synonyms:

Megaloblastic Anemia

Clinical Use:

Diagnose megaloblastic anemia. Elevated levels of methylmalonic acid provide an early indication of cobalamin (B12) deficiency.

Test Information:

The megaloblastic anemia profile monitors four compounds: methylmalonic acid, 2-methylcitric acid, homocysteine, and cystathionine

Specimen Type:

Serum or plasma

Requested Volume: 

2 mL

Minimum Volume: 

1 mL

Container Type: 

Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (heparin) tube

Collection:

Separate serum or plasma from cells within one hour of collection and transfer to a plastic transport tube.

Storage Instructions:

Room temperature

Expected Turnaround Time:

1 to 2 Days

Rejection Criteria

Specimen received not separated from cells; plasma from a blue-top or yellow-top tube; citrate interferes with assay; homocysteine results increase by approximately 35% and 75% for specimens not centrifuged and/or not separated from the clot for periods of four and 24 hours respectively