The Vitamin B12 test measures serum cobalamin, essential for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis and nerve function. Deficiency is very common in India, especially among vegetarians and the elderly, and can cause anaemia, fatigue and nerve symptoms like tingling and numbness.
Clinical use cases
Why doctors order it
Megaloblastic anemia evaluation
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Megaloblastic anaemia
Peripheral neuropathy
Pernicious anaemia
B12 deficiency assessment
About this test
The Vitamin B12 test measures serum cobalamin, essential for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis and nerve function. Deficiency is very common in India, especially among vegetarians and the elderly, and can cause anaemia, fatigue and nerve symptoms like tingling and numbness.
Clinical significance
Low B12 impairs red-cell production (causing megaloblastic anaemia) and damages nerves, leading to tingling, numbness, memory and balance problems. Because over half of Indian vegetarians have low B12, testing helps catch deficiency before nerve damage becomes permanent. Long-term metformin and acid-reducing medicines also lower B12.
Get tested if you have these symptoms
Tingling, pins-and-needles or numbness in hands and feet
Persistent fatigue or weakness
Memory problems, poor concentration or mood changes
Sore, red tongue (glossitis) or mouth ulcers
Vegetarian or vegan diet
Long-term metformin or antacid use
What this test detects
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Megaloblastic anaemia
Peripheral neuropathy
Pernicious anaemia
Normal ranges
Deficient: < 200 pg/mL
Borderline: 200–300 pg/mL
Normal: 200–900 pg/mL
Reference ranges vary by lab and patient demographic. Interpret with a clinician.
Sample & preparation
Sample type
Blood (Serum)
Fasting
Not required
Report TAT
24–48 hours
Home collection
Available
How to prepare
1No special preparation
Frequently asked questions
What is the Vitamin B12?
The Vitamin B12 test measures serum cobalamin, essential for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis and nerve function. Deficiency is very common in India, especially among vegetarians and the elderly, and can cause anaemia, fatigue and nerve symptoms like tingling and numbness.
What conditions does the Vitamin B12 detect?
The Vitamin B12 helps detect and monitor conditions including Vitamin B12 deficiency, Megaloblastic anaemia, Peripheral neuropathy, Pernicious anaemia.
How should I prepare for the Vitamin B12?
No special preparation
What is the normal range for the Vitamin B12?
Deficient: < 200 pg/mL
Borderline: 200–300 pg/mL
Normal: 200–900 pg/mL Note: reference ranges may vary by laboratory and should be interpreted by your doctor in the context of your overall health.
How much does the Vitamin B12 cost?
The Vitamin B12 is available at ₹699 (MRP ₹1299) on PingMeDoc with free home sample collection. Prices are inclusive of sample collection charges.
Can vitamin B12 deficiency cause tingling and numbness?
Yes. B12 is essential for healthy nerves, so deficiency commonly causes tingling, pins-and-needles or numbness in the hands and feet, sometimes with weakness or balance problems. Early treatment usually reverses symptoms, so testing is important.
Why is vitamin B12 deficiency so common in India?
B12 is found mainly in animal foods, so vegetarian and vegan diets — very common in India — often fall short. Over half of Indian vegetarians have low B12, which is why screening is widely recommended.
Do I need to fast for the vitamin B12 test?
No fasting is needed. If you're checking for deficiency, stop B12 supplements or injections for about 24 hours beforehand so they don't mask a low level.
What is a normal vitamin B12 level?
Roughly 200–900 pg/mL is considered normal, 200–300 pg/mL is borderline, and below 200 pg/mL indicates deficiency. Results are interpreted alongside symptoms and a blood count.
Does the Vitamin B12 test require fasting?
No fasting is required for the Vitamin B12 test. You can eat and drink normally before sample collection.
How much does the Vitamin B12 test cost at PingMeDoc?
The Vitamin B12 test costs ₹699 at PingMeDoc (MRP ₹1299). Free home sample collection is included. NABL-accredited lab processing. Reports delivered digitally in 24–48 hours.
How long does it take to get Vitamin B12 test results?
Vitamin B12 test results are typically available within 24–48 hours after sample collection. You can view and download your digital report from your PingMeDoc dashboard.
What type of sample is needed for the Vitamin B12 test?
The Vitamin B12 test requires blood (serum). A trained phlebotomist will collect the sample at your home at your preferred time slot.
Is the Vitamin B12 test NABL accredited?
Yes. All lab tests on PingMeDoc, including the Vitamin B12 test, are processed by NABL-accredited and ISO-certified labs. Reports are reviewed and available on your dashboard.
Is home sample collection free for this test?
Yes. Home sample collection for the Vitamin B12 test is free when booking through PingMeDoc. A phlebotomist visits your home or office at your scheduled time slot.
What conditions does the Vitamin B12 test help screen for?
The Vitamin B12 test measures serum cobalamin, essential for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis and nerve function. Deficiency is very common in India, especially among vegetarians and the elderly, and can cause anaemia, fatigue and nerve symptoms like tingling and numbness. It is commonly used for: Vitamin B12 deficiency, Megaloblastic anaemia, Neurological symptom investigation, Vegetarian health monitoring, Fatigue and weakness assessment.
How should I prepare for the Vitamin B12 test?
No fasting required. Stop B12 supplements or injections 24 hours before testing if assessing for deficiency. Inform about metformin use as it can reduce B12 absorption.
Test details are for general information only and not a substitute for medical advice. Reference ranges vary between labs. Always discuss results with a registered medical practitioner before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.
₹699₹1,29946% OFF
Free home collection
What this test measures
1 parameters in the Vitamin B12
The Vitamin B12 reports the following parameters. Reference ranges are typical adult values from NABL-accredited partner labs and may vary slightly by lab, age and sex — always read results with your doctor.
Tingling, pins-and-needles or numbness in hands and feet
Persistent fatigue or weakness
Memory problems, poor concentration or mood changes
Sore, red tongue (glossitis) or mouth ulcers
Vegetarian or vegan diet
Long-term metformin or antacid use
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vitamin B12?
The Vitamin B12 test measures serum cobalamin, essential for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis and nerve function. Deficiency is very common in India, especially among vegetarians and the elderly, and can cause anaemia, fatigue and nerve symptoms like tingling and numbness.
What conditions does the Vitamin B12 detect?
The Vitamin B12 helps detect and monitor conditions including Vitamin B12 deficiency, Megaloblastic anaemia, Peripheral neuropathy, Pernicious anaemia.
How should I prepare for the Vitamin B12?
No special preparation
What is the normal range for the Vitamin B12?
Deficient: < 200 pg/mL
Borderline: 200–300 pg/mL
Normal: 200–900 pg/mL Note: reference ranges may vary by laboratory and should be interpreted by your doctor in the context of your overall health.
How much does the Vitamin B12 cost?
The Vitamin B12 is available at Rs 699 (MRP Rs 1299) on PingMeDoc with free home sample collection across India. Prices are inclusive of sample collection charges.
