What is methylmalonic acid lab test?
What is a methylmalonic acid (MMA) test? This test measures the amount of methylmalonic acid (MMA) in your blood or urine. MMA is a substance made in small amounts during metabolism. Metabolism is the process of how your body changes food into energy. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in metabolism.
Is methylmalonic acid the same as B12?
Vitamin B-12 is required for methylmalonic acid (MMA) to be converted to succinyl-CoA, and in combination with folic acid, for homocysteine (HC) to be converted to methionine [9]. Therefore, MMA is clearly more specific to vitamin B-12 deficiency compared to HC.
What is methylmalonic acid and homocysteine test?
The methylmalonic acid (MMA) test may be used to help diagnose an early or mild vitamin B12 deficiency. It may be ordered by itself but generally with a homocysteine test as a follow-up to a vitamin B12 test result that is in the lower end of the normal range.
When do you check methylmalonic acid?
When is the test ordered? The methylmalonic acid test isn’t typically ordered as part of a routine physical exam. Your doctor may order the test if the result of your vitamin B-12 test is abnormal. In addition, the test may be ordered if you have symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency.
What is the B12 blood test called?
The vitamin B12 level is a blood test that measures how much vitamin B12 is in your blood.
How do you test for B12 deficiency?
Your doctor will do a physical exam and might order one or more of these tests:
- Complete blood count. This test checks the size and number of your red blood cells.
- Vitamin B12 level.
- Intrinsic factor antibodies.
- Schilling test.
- Methylmalonic acid level (MMA).
Does MMA blood test require fasting?
Fasting is typically required for the blood test. For a random urine sample, you should fast overnight, discard the first urine sample of the morning, and then collect the second sample.
What is MMA and homocysteine?
Serum homocysteine and methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels are helpful confirmatory tests for cobalamin and folate deficiencies. Both are increased in cobalamine deficiency. Homocysteine but not MMA is increased in folate deficiency.
What ICD 10 codes cover vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, unspecified D51. 9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM D51. 9 became effective on October 1, 2021.
Is there a specific blood test for B12 deficiency?
To help diagnose vitamin deficiency anemias, you might have blood tests that check for: The number and appearance of red blood cells. The amount of vitamin B-12 and folate in the blood. The presence of antibodies to intrinsic factor, which indicates pernicious anemia.
What is the code for B12 on a blood test?
001503: Vitamin B12 | Labcorp.
What happens if your body is low on B12?
Constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or gas. Nerve problems like numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and problems walking. Vision loss. Mental problems like depression, memory loss, or behavioral changes.