How do I prepare for this test?

Fasting for 8-12 hours before your test (water only) is recommended where glucose, cholesterol or triglyceride accuracy matters. Book your sample between 7:00am and 10:00am. Stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous exercise, heavy meals and supplements including iron, B12, multivitamins and biotin for 48 hours beforehand. Continue any prescribed medication unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

Do I need a doctor's referral?

No referral is needed. You can book directly, and your results are reviewed by a doctor before you receive them. This test is not a diagnosis on its own, so discuss anything unexpected with your GP or a clinician.

Active B12 Blood Test | From £39 | Nuvivo Health – Nuvivo Health – Private Blood Tests

Active B12 Blood Test

1 Biomarker | Venous or Capillary Blood Test | UKAS-accredited laboratory

Holotranscobalamin, the fraction of vitamin B12 your cells can actually use. Designed for people investigating fatigue or neurological symptoms who want a more sensitive measure than total B12, this test gives you a clear laboratory result alongside the reference range so you can see exactly where you sit.

Results are typically available within 2 working days from when your sample reaches the laboratory (excluding weekends and bank holidays).

Doctor's comments are optional on individual markers. Add them for £15.00 at checkout, or your result is issued as a laboratory report showing your value alongside the reference range.

A laboratory result is not a diagnosis. If you have urgent or worrying symptoms, contact your GP or call 111. In an emergency call 999.

£39.00

Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Collection method Finger-prick kit at home Venous draw at our Livingston clinic Self-arrange professional collection Partner clinic visit (+£35.00) Nurse home visit (+£63.00)

Doctor's comments Laboratory report only Add doctor's comments (+£15.00)

Frequently asked questions

This test measures Active B12, also called holotranscobalamin. This is the fraction of vitamin B12 that is bound and available for your cells to use, so it can pick up a developing deficiency earlier than a total B12 measurement.

People with fatigue, brain fog, or tingling and numbness in the hands and feet. It is also a common choice for those following vegan or vegetarian diets, anyone with absorption problems such as coeliac or Crohn's disease, and people already supplementing who want to check their status.

Fasting required 8-12 hours before the test (water only), recommended for glucose and cholesterol/triglyceride accuracy
Sample timing: between 7:00am and 10:00am
Stay hydrated; avoid strenuous exercise, heavy meals, and supplements (iron, B12, multivitamins, biotin) for 48 hours prior
Continue prescribed medications unless otherwise directed

You can choose either a venous draw or a finger prick sample for this test. Venous draws are available at our Livingston clinic, at a partner clinic, or at home with a visiting nurse. Finger prick collection is done yourself using the kit we send out.

Results are typically available within approximately 2 working days of your sample reaching the laboratory. Every result is reviewed by a doctor before release and delivered securely to your online account. All testing is carried out in a UKAS-accredited laboratory.