What are normal values for holotranscobalamin?

The reference range can vary slightly between laboratories, but the threshold for deficiency is usually around < 35–40 pmol/L. Other test results and clinical symptoms must be considered when making a diagnosis, which means the value can be interpreted in different ways depending on the overall context.

The sample collection fee is a fixed cost that refers to the visit to the clinic where you submit your sample. The fee is not affected by how many tests you have ordered, but varies depending on the order value:

For order values under SEK 350, the sampling fee is SEK 129.
For order values between SEK 350 and SEK 1000, the fee is SEK 59.

Free sampling fee

For purchases over 1000 SEK, the sampling fee is included.

Holotranscobalamin

~~279 kr~~189 kr

This test can only be performed at specific receptions See the list here

HTC

New

Holotranscobalamin

Q: How is low holotranscobalamin treated?

To treat low holotranscobalamin, vitamin B12 must be supplemented — either in tablet form or through injections, depending on the cause and the body’s ability to absorb it. If the deficiency is due to an underlying medical condition, lifelong treatment is often required.

Q: What can cause low holotranscobalamin?

The most common cause of low holotranscobalamin is insufficient intake of vitamin B12 through the diet — for example, in individuals who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. Other possible causes include reduced absorption in the intestines (such as in cases of gastritis, celiac disease, or after stomach surgery), pernicious anemia, or the use of medications that affect stomach acid or nutrient absorption.

Q: What is holotranscobalamin?

Holotranscobalamin is the active form of vitamin B12 — that is, the portion that the body can actually absorb and use. It is bound to the transport protein transcobalamin, which enables the vitamin to be taken up by the cells.

Q: What is the difference between holotranscobalamin and total B12?

Total B12 measures the overall amount of the vitamin present in the blood, including both active and inactive forms. Holotranscobalamin, on the other hand, shows only the active portion — the part that can be absorbed and used by the cells. Therefore, a holotranscobalamin test can provide a more accurate picture of your vitamin status and makes it possible to detect a B12 deficiency at an earlier stage.

Q: Why test holotranscobalamin instead of total B12?

This test is useful for confirming a suspected B12 deficiency even when total B12 levels appear normal. Since holotranscobalamin reflects the amount of active B12, its levels decrease before the total B12 value is affected — allowing an early-stage deficiency to be detected sooner.

Q: What symptoms can low holotranscobalamin cause?

The symptoms are similar to those of a vitamin B12 deficiency — for example, fatigue and reduced energy, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, memory or concentration difficulties, pale or slightly yellowish skin, and sores in the mouth or on the tongue. The symptoms may develop gradually over time.

Active B12

1 marker

~~279 kr~~189 kr

zample is a digital test answer service with safe and secure login.

Get test answers and information about your values in zample.

1/22/2

-32%

Measures active vitamin B12

Detects B12 deficiency earlier than total B12

Used in the investigation of anemia, neurological or psychological symptoms

Suitable for risk groups such as the elderly, vegans, and people with impaired absorption

10% discount on your first order

Use code TESTM10 at checkout

Always low prices

Certified labs

Registered caregiver

Holotranscobalamin – a more reliable marker than total B12

Holotranscobalamin measures the active part of B12 that can truly be used by the cells. Since holotranscobalamin levels reflect the amount of active B12, the value often drops before total B12 levels are affected. This makes holotranscobalamin a more sensitive and reliable marker for detecting an early or functional B12 deficiency. Combined with other markers such as methylmalonic acid (MMA) and homocysteine, holotranscobalamin levels provide a complete picture of the body’s B12 status and can help prevent long-term neurological or hematological damage.

The function of holotranscobalamin in the body

When the small intestine absorbs vitamin B12, it binds to two transport proteins: haptocorrin and transcobalamin II. Only transcobalamin II forms holotranscobalamin, which is then transported into the cells via their receptors. Once inside the cell, the vitamin is released to participate in vital functions such as:

DNA synthesis: Vitamin B12 is needed for cells to copy their DNA and divide normally. It also helps convert homocysteine into methionine – an important building block for new cells and proteins.
Blood formation: The vitamin plays a crucial role in the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. In cases of B12 deficiency, this process is disrupted, which can lead to anemia.
Nervous system: B12 helps protect and repair nerves. It prevents the buildup of harmful substances such as methylmalonic acid and helps maintain myelin, the protective sheath around nerve cells.

When should I test for holotranscobalamin?

If you experience fatigue, dizziness, concentration difficulties, numbness, or psychological symptoms such as depression or low mood, it may be due to a vitamin B12 deficiency. Testing is especially important if you:

follow a vegan or vegetarian diet
are older and have reduced stomach acid production
have celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or atrophic gastritis
have undergone gastrointestinal surgery (e.g., gastric bypass)
are undergoing long-term treatment with metformin or proton pump inhibitors

How to improve your B12 levels

If you suffer from a B12 deficiency, you can often improve your status through diet or supplements. Animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy are rich in vitamin B12. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, regular supplementation is often required to maintain normal levels of vitamin B12. In cases of severe B12 deficiency, injections may be necessary, especially if you have impaired absorption or autoimmune gastritis.

Holotranscobalamin, often abbreviated HTC, is the active form of vitamin B12 – the fraction that can be absorbed by the body’s cells. A holotranscobalamin test is used to detect early signs of B12 deficiency and to assess the body’s nutritional status.

Before visiting a reception for sampling, you need to do the following:

Activate referral and select reception

To activate your referral, simply follow the instructions that you will receive via email after completing the purchase. The email contains an activation code, by clicking on the link in the email you enter the flow to fill in any information, activate the referral and select reception in the sample answer service zample.

Before the sampling

Rest for 15 minutes in place on the sampling unit.
Bring valid identification.

The referral is available digitally at the sampling unit after you activate it, follow the instructions you receive via email. Here you can read our guidelines before taking samples.

Holotranscobalamin is the active form of vitamin B12 — that is, the portion that the body can actually absorb and use. It is bound to the transport protein transcobalamin, which enables the vitamin to be taken up by the cells.

Total B12 measures the overall amount of the vitamin present in the blood, including both active and inactive forms. Holotranscobalamin, on the other hand, shows only the active portion — the part that can be absorbed and used by the cells. Therefore, a holotranscobalamin test can provide a more accurate picture of your vitamin status and makes it possible to detect a B12 deficiency at an earlier stage.

This test is useful for confirming a suspected B12 deficiency even when total B12 levels appear normal. Since holotranscobalamin reflects the amount of active B12, its levels decrease before the total B12 value is affected — allowing an early-stage deficiency to be detected sooner.

The symptoms are similar to those of a vitamin B12 deficiency — for example, fatigue and reduced energy, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, memory or concentration difficulties, pale or slightly yellowish skin, and sores in the mouth or on the tongue. The symptoms may develop gradually over time.

The reference range can vary slightly between laboratories, but the threshold for deficiency is usually around

The most common cause of low holotranscobalamin is insufficient intake of vitamin B12 through the diet — for example, in individuals who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. Other possible causes include reduced absorption in the intestines (such as in cases of gastritis, celiac disease, or after stomach surgery), pernicious anemia, or the use of medications that affect stomach acid or nutrient absorption.

To treat low holotranscobalamin, vitamin B12 must be supplemented — either in tablet form or through injections, depending on the cause and the body’s ability to absorb it. If the deficiency is due to an underlying medical condition, lifelong treatment is often required.

Blood test

Almedal

Mölndalsvägen 30 C, Göteborg

Time booking

Cart

Sampling fee?

Shortcuts

Live

Holotranscobalamin

Active B12

10% discount on your first order

Information about Holotranscobalamin

Holotranscobalamin – a more reliable marker than total B12

The function of holotranscobalamin in the body

When should I test for holotranscobalamin?

How to improve your B12 levels

Markers included1

Other

Holotranscobalamin

Prior to testing or scanning

Questions and answers about Holotranscobalamin

What is holotranscobalamin?

What is the difference between holotranscobalamin and total B12?

Why test holotranscobalamin instead of total B12?

What symptoms can low holotranscobalamin cause?

What are normal values for holotranscobalamin?

What can cause low holotranscobalamin?

How is low holotranscobalamin treated?

Find the nearest test location

Almedal

Alvik local laboratory

Axelsberg local laboratory

Bromma local laboratory

Brommaplan local laboratory

Carlanderska sjukhuset

Engelbrekt local laboratory

Gärdet närlaboratorium

Hässelby local laboratory

Hötorget local laboratory

Jakobsberg sjukhus local laboratory

Johannes local laboratory

Järva local laboratory

Kista local laboratory

Kullbergska sjukhus

Liljeholmen local laboratory

Luna local laboratory

Mälarsjukhuset

Nyköpings lasarett

Ringen local laboratory

Rinkeby local laboratory

Rosenlund local laboratory

S:t Eriks local laboratory

S:t Göran local laboratory

Sabbatsberg local laboratory

Salem local laboratory

Serafen local laboratory

Sibylle local laboratory

Skaraborgs sjukhus

Skärholmen local laboratory

Spånga local laboratory

Surbrunn local laboratory

Tallhöjden local laboratory

Tumba local laboratory

Vällingby local laboratory

Älvsjö local laboratory

Östermalm local laboratory

Products in the same category

Vitamin A

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Folate

Homocysteine

Vitamin B12

How does it work?

1. Order a health check

2. Activate the referral

3. Leave the blood sample

4. Test answers and statement

Your test answers in zample™

Easy to use – right from the start

Keep track of your values over time

You don't need to download an app

Why Testmottagningen.se?

Simon Mäntylä