Based on data collected from an ACS:180®
analyzer, serum specimens for vitamin B12
analysis need to be frozen if not analyzed
immediately. Light protection is necessary for
vitamin B12 if the assay is not done within 4
hours. Refrigerated specimens for serum
folate analysis are acceptable if the test is done
within 3 days from collection; otherwise, specimens
need to be frozen. Light protection is not
necessary for folate in the conditions employed
here. W hen collecting specimens in remote
locations, serum folate is a robust analyte
whereas vitamin B12 is not. In the later case,
recom m endation is m ade to use m ethylmalonic
acid for the evaluation of vitamin
B12 status.