Methylmalonic Acid, Plasma (Plasma/Serum)

Diagnostic Use

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Department

Specialist Biochemistry

Delphic Registration Code

MMA

Laboratory Handling

Laboratory

Gross haemolysis OK, gross lipemia OK, gross icterus OK

Test Adds

Refrigerated (preferred) 48 days, frozen 48 days

Synonyms

MMA

Turnaround Time

14 days

Test Code

3179

Specimen Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Serum (Red Cap)

Preferred if West Coast

• SST II (Gold Cap)

Acceptable

• SST II (Gold Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Light Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

5.0

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Serum (Red Cap)

Acceptable

• SST II (Gold Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
• Lithium Heparin - Gel (Light Green Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

1.0

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Minimum Volume (ml)

0.3

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Frozen

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

2.0 mL plasma or serum 0.3 mL minimum. MMA is very stable even kept at 20C for several days

Reference Intervals

<0.4 umol/L

Test Method

LC tandem mass spectrometry

Non-Funded Test Cost

$125.97 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

3179

Used to assess Vitamin B12 status.

Contact Information

Enquiry Form