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Medical information Clinical review pending

Metabolic Testing

Vitamin B12 Active Holotranscobalamin Test

Measures the active form of Vitamin B12 (Holotranscobalamin) in your blood to assess your body's B12 status accurately. Essential for nerve function and red blood cell production.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
Blood sample (Serum)
Results
Same-day reporting available for samples collected by 4 PM.
Preparation
No special preparation is required for this test.
Test priceKSh 3,744

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Vitamin B12 Active Holotranscobalamin Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of B12 deficiency (fatigue, weakness, numbness, tingling).
  • ✓Monitoring B12 status in individuals with risk factors (e.g., vegan/vegetarian diet, gastrointestinal surgery, malabsorption conditions).
  • ✓Evaluating neurological or haematological abnormalities potentially related to B12 deficiency.
  • ✓Assessing response to B12 supplementation.
  • ✓Investigating cognitive changes or memory issues.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

Assesses the body's functional Vitamin B12 status by measuring the active, bioavailable form (Holotranscobalamin). Helps identify deficiencies that may impact neurological function and red blood cell production.
The Vitamin B12 Active Holotranscobalamin Test is a diagnostic tool used to measure the active form of vitamin B12 in your bloodstream. Vitamin B12 plays a critical role in many bodily functions, including the formation of red blood cells and maintaining a healthy nervous system. This test helps identify deficiencies that could lead to health problems.

This test specifically measures Holotranscobalamin, the bioavailable form of vitamin B12 used by the body. It offers a more precise assessment of your B12 status compared to other tests.

Individuals experiencing symptoms like fatigue, weakness, numbness, tingling, or cognitive changes may benefit from this test. It is also recommended for those at higher risk of deficiency, such as vegetarians, vegans, or people with absorption difficulties.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationNo special preparation is required for this test.
SampleBlood sample (Serum)
MethodologyImmunoassay
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical presentation and other relevant laboratory findings. Certain medications or conditions may interfere with test results. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Holotranscobalamin is the active form of Vitamin B12 that is readily available for use by the body's tissues.
This test measures the active form of B12, providing a more accurate picture of your body's B12 status compared to tests measuring total B12.
Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, balance problems, and cognitive difficulties.
No special preparation or fasting is required for the Vitamin B12 Active Holotranscobalamin Test.
Results are typically reported as a numerical value, indicating the concentration of Holotranscobalamin in your blood. Your doctor will interpret these results for you.
We offer this test at our branches in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. Home sample collection is also available. Contact us to book.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

Explore partnerships
09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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