Vitamin B12 is drawn in a Serum separator tube (SST) at Quest, a Gel-barrier tube (preferred) or red-top tube at LabCorp, and a SST Tube at BioReference.
Lab comparison
Vitamin B12: Quest vs LabCorp vs BioReference, tube, code & requirements
. This page shows collection requirements for all three major reference labs in one view, so you don’t have to cross-check three portals.
Always verify against your lab’s current collection manual before drawing.
Every value on this page is verified by a nurse practitioner in active clinical practice, not scraped from an automated source.
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| Requirement | Quest Diagnostics | LabCorp | BioReference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test code | 927 | 001503 | 0160-2 |
| Primary tube | Serum separator tube (SST) | Gel-barrier tube (preferred) or red-top tube | SST Tube |
| Specimen type | 1 mL serum | Serum | 1 mL SST Tube |
| Patient prep | Fasting specimen preferred; must draw before Schilling test, transfusions or B12 therapy is started. | Fasting specimen preferred; must draw before Schilling test, transfusions or B12 therapy is started. | Fasting specimen preferred; must draw before Schilling test, transfusions or B12 therapy is started. |
| Minimum volume | Stated with specimen 1 mL | Minimum Volume 0.7 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.) | Qty 1 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Quest Diagnostics order code for Vitamin B12?
The Quest Diagnostics order code for Vitamin B12 is 927.
What tube color does LabCorp use for Vitamin B12?
LabCorp uses a Gel-barrier tube (preferred) or red-top tube for Vitamin B12.
Does Vitamin B12 require fasting?
Vitamin B12 patient prep: Fasting specimen preferred; must draw before Schilling test, transfusions or B12 therapy is started.. Always confirm with the ordering lab before the draw.
Data provenance
Source: Quest Diagnostics specimen collection manual, LabCorp directory of services, and BioReference laboratory collection guide.
Verified by: a licensed nurse practitioner in active clinical practice. Values are reviewed against each lab’s published collection requirements. Always confirm against your lab’s current manual before drawing.
Quest verified by: Mandi Boss B Franklin, Jul 4, 2026
LabCorp verified by: Mandi Boss B Franklin, Jul 4, 2026
BioReference verified by: Mandi Boss B Franklin, Jul 8, 2026
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