Feeling constantly tired, experiencing memory problems, or wondering if your fatigue and neurological symptoms could be related to vitamin B12 deficiency?
The Vitamin B12 Blood Test measures levels of B12 (Cobalamin), a vitamin essential for making red blood cells, protecting nerves, and supporting energy production. Low B12 can cause fatigue, anaemia, memory issues, and nerve problems, while healthy levels are vital for brain function and overall wellbeing.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
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How It Works
Getting your health measured shouldn't be hard! We're here to help you every step of the way.
1
Order a test
Order the private test that suits you and your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.
2
Collect the sample
Attend one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Search locations.
3
Receive your results
View all your lab results in your secure health dashboard. Easy!
Testimonials
What Our Customers Say
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Olga B.
New South Wales
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Getting a referral was easy. Laverty pathology accepted it. Bloody Good offers an affordable and convenient way to check essential blood markers.
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Overview
Think of Vitamin B12 as your body's master electrician and energy crew chief all rolled into one. This essential vitamin keeps your nerve pathways running smoothly like well-maintained electrical wiring, while also supervising the production of healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body. The B12 test measures how much of this crucial vitamin is circulating in your blood, giving you a clear picture of whether your body has enough fuel to keep your nervous system sharp and your energy levels steady.
When B12 levels drop too low, it's like having faulty wiring in your house – you might experience tingling or numbness in your hands and feet, brain fog, unusual fatigue, or even mood changes. This test is especially valuable if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet (since B12 is mainly found in animal products), have digestive issues that might prevent proper vitamin absorption, or have been feeling unusually tired or mentally foggy. By catching B12 deficiency early, you can address it with targeted supplements or dietary changes before it leads to more serious nerve damage or anemia, helping you maintain the sharp thinking and steady energy your body depends on.
Symptoms
Critical for vegetarians, vegans, and people over 50 who have increased risk of deficiency. Essential for those experiencing unexplained fatigue, memory problems, mood changes, or neurological symptoms. Important for individuals with digestive conditions, those taking certain medications (particularly proton pump inhibitors or metformin), or anyone with symptoms suggesting B12 deficiency.
Questions
B12 is unique because it's the only vitamin that contains a metal (cobalt), requires complex absorption mechanisms, can be stored in the liver for years, and is found almost exclusively in animal products.
It's extremely difficult for vegans to get adequate B12 from food alone since it's primarily found in animal products. Fortified foods and supplements are essential for vegans to prevent deficiency.
Standard B12 measures total vitamin including inactive forms, while Active B12 (holotranscobalamin) measures only the form that can actually be used by cells, providing a more accurate picture of functional status.
B12 injections typically maintain elevated levels for 1-3 months, but frequency depends on individual absorption, underlying conditions, and severity of deficiency. Your doctor will determine the appropriate schedule.
B12 is water-soluble and excess amounts are usually excreted safely. However, very high levels may indicate liver disease, kidney problems, or certain blood disorders requiring investigation.
B12 supplements only improve energy if you're actually deficient. Taking B12 when levels are already adequate won't provide additional energy benefits.
Dr. Vu Tran Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer
Biomarkers
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
How to prepare
No fasting required. Can be taken at any time of day. If taking B12 supplements, maintain your usual routine unless specifically advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. Avoid biotin supplements for 3 days before testing as they can interfere with results.
After the test
If levels are low or borderline, discuss B12 supplementation with your healthcare provider. Treatment typically involves oral supplements or injections depending on the cause and severity. Additional testing may include methylmalonic acid (MMA) and homocysteine to confirm functional B12 status. Investigate underlying causes such as dietary intake, absorption issues, or autoimmune conditions. Retest in 3-6 months to monitor treatment effectiveness.
Your test results will be available in your private dashboard. If there are any urgent issues, we'll let you know so you can follow up with your health professional.
Understanding results
Normal range: 180-900 pmol/L (240-900 ng/L). Deficient: <180 pmol/L; Borderline: 180-300 pmol/L; Sufficient: >300 pmol/L. Some experts recommend levels above 400 pmol/L for optimal function. Low levels may indicate dietary deficiency, absorption problems, or pernicious anaemia. Very high levels are rarely harmful but may indicate liver disease or certain blood disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.
If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.
Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)
Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.
They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.
Some of our tests include Urine, Stool, Saliva and more. Each test will have a clear description on what sample you will need to give and instructions on how.
