Blood Deficiency & Anemia - Bloody Good
Vitamins & Minerals

Active Vitamin B12 (HoloTC)

The Active Vitamin B12 Test, also called the HoloTC Test, measures the form of B12 that your body can actually use. This test may help detect early deficiency that total B12 tests can miss, supporting the prevention of anaemia, fatigue, and nerve-related problems.

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Early Detection

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Experiencing brain fog, memory issues, or unexplained fatigue and wondering if you're getting the active form of vitamin B12 your nerves and brain need to function optimally?

Overview

Think of vitamin B12 as your body's master electrician and repair crew all rolled into one. This essential vitamin keeps your nerves firing properly, helps build healthy red blood cells, and ensures your DNA can repair itself effectively. The Active Vitamin B12 test specifically measures the form of B12 that your cells can actually use—not just what's floating around in your bloodstream. It's like checking whether you have working batteries in your flashlight, not just batteries sitting in a drawer.

This test is particularly valuable because it can catch B12 deficiency early, before you develop serious symptoms like nerve damage, severe fatigue, or cognitive problems. If you're experiencing unexplained numbness, memory issues, or persistent tiredness—or if you follow a vegetarian diet, have digestive issues, or take certain medications—this test can reveal whether low B12 is the culprit. Since B12 deficiency can cause irreversible nerve damage if left untreated, getting an accurate picture of your active B12 levels helps ensure your body's electrical system stays running smoothly for years to come.

Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran
Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer

Symptoms

You may benefit from this test if you experience:

Feeling tired all the time Extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest Difficulty concentrating on tasks Mind feeling foggy or cloudy Problems with short-term memory Tingling in hands or fingers Numbness in feet or toes Feeling sad or down most of the time Lack of motivation to do usual activities Difficulty finding the right words Getting lost in familiar places

Purpose

Essential for individuals with neurological symptoms, dietary restrictions, absorption problems, or anyone needing comprehensive active B12 and neurological assessment.

How to prepare

No special preparation required. Inform healthcare provider of B12 supplements, dietary habits, and any factors that might affect B12 levels or interpretation.

Understanding results

Results show active B12 levels compared to normal ranges. Low levels may indicate B12 deficiency requiring supplementation and investigation of underlying causes.

After the test

Address B12 deficiency through appropriate supplementation (oral or injection), dietary modifications, and treatment of underlying absorption problems. Work with neurologists for complex cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Active B12 (holotranscobalamin) is the biologically available form of vitamin B12 that cells can actually use for nerve function and DNA synthesis.
  • Active B12 measures only the usable form, while total B12 includes inactive forms, making active B12 a more accurate indicator of deficiency.
  • Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, memory problems, fatigue, depression, balance problems, and in severe cases, irreversible nerve damage.
  • Causes include inadequate dietary intake (especially in vegetarians), pernicious anemia, gastrointestinal disorders, and certain medications affecting absorption.
  • Treatment typically includes B12 supplements (oral or injection), dietary modifications, and addressing underlying absorption problems.
  • Yes, severe B12 deficiency can cause irreversible neurological damage, making early detection and treatment crucial.

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How it works

What to expect

We want you to feel bloody good—inside and out. Regular testing isn’t just about checking your current health; it helps you spot abnormal values you might not know about.

1

Book your referral

Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.

2

Collect your sample

Easy sample collection at one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Find nearest

3
Receive your results

Receive your results

View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.

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