HTA Details
Serum Vitamin B12 Testing
- Publication date
-
2012-December-01
- Status
- Final
- Topic Area
- Diabetes and Other Endocrinal, Nutritional and Metabolic
- Recommendation
-
Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee Recommendation:
- The Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee recommends that vitamin B12 be removed from the Ontario laboratory requisition form.
- Ministry Response
-
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has accepted this recommendation.
-
To read the full OHTAC Recommendation Report for this topic, contact our Health Innovation team using the contact form to request a digital copy.
Vitamin B12 is most commonly found in dairy and meat products. Low levels of vitamin B12 in the blood can lead to disorders of the blood or nervous system, or to mental health problems. It is not known how many people in the general population have low levels of vitamin B12, but it is more common among long-term vegans, and among the elderly.
Ontario Health reviewed the evidence to find out who should be tested for low vitamin B12 levels, and how often they should be tested.
Supporting Documents
Last Updated: February 24, 2026
