Specimen Reception
Canterbury Health Laboratories
Christchurch Hospital
Corner of Hagley and Tuams Street
Christchurch
Refer to link below for more information:
Serum/plasma MMA is increased in vitamin B12 deficiency.
A level less than 0.3 umol/L rules out B12 deficiency with high probability.
A raised MMA level is not specific for B12 deficiency. Other causes of elevated MMA include renal impairment , small bowel bacterial overgrowth , and unexplained raised MMA levels in the presence of normal B12 status are not uncommon.
Ref : Carmel, R. (2011). "Biomarkers of cobalamin (vitamin B-12) status in the epidemiologic setting: a critical overview of context, applications, and performance characteristics of cobalamin, methylmalonic acid, and holotranscobalamin II." Am J Clin Nutr 94 (1): 18.
Emails to chemicalpathologist@adhb.govt.nz will receive priority attention from the on-call chemical pathologist.
If the query concerns a specific patient please include the NHI number in your email.
If email is not a suitable option, please contact the on-call chemical pathologist via Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995).
Individual chemical pathologists may be contacted but will not be available at all times.
After-hours : contact Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995) or hospital operator for on duty staff after hours.
Dr Samarina Musaad (Clinical Lead) : SamarinaM@adhb.govt.nz ext. 22402
Dr Cam Kyle: CampbellK@adhb.govt.nz ext 22052
Dr Weldon Chiu: WeldonC@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
Dr Campbell Heron: CHeron@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
Dr Sakunthala Jayasinghe: Sakunthala@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
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Specimen Collection |
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| Patient Specimen | Blood 5 mL Plain (T15), Heparinised or EDTA OK. |
| Paediatric Specimen | Blood 1 mL Plain, Heparinised or EDTA OK. |
| Sample Delivery to Lab | Ambient |
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Instructions for Referral to CHLabs |
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| Aliquot Instructions | 2.0 mL plasma or serum 0.3 mL minimum |
| Aliquot Transport to CHL | 4 C or frozen |