Folate
Test Code
FOL
Description
Folic acid deficiency is common in pregnant women, alcoholics, in patients whose diets do not include raw fruits and vegetables, and in people with structural damage to the small intestine. The most reliable and direct method of diagnosing folate deficiency is the determination of folate levels in both erythrocytes and serum. Low folic acid levels, however, can also be the result of a primary vitamin B12 deficiency that decreases the ability of cells to take up folic acid.
Collect
Collect 4mL blood in a serum separator tube or 4mL in a plain red top tube. Separate serum from cells immediately by centrifuge, and aliquot into a labeled polypropylene or similar plastic tube.
Preferred volume: 1 mL serum
Pediatric Collection
Minimum volume: 0.3mL serum
Unacceptable Conditions
Grossly hemolyzed specimens, exposure to sunlight
Storage Transport Temp
Frozen. Send frozen serum Priority Overnight via FedEx and in a well insulated container, on dry ice.
Stability
Stability after cell separation:
7 days refrigerated at 2-8°C
30 day frozen at -20°C (3 thaws only)
Performed
Weekdays
Methodology
2 Step Competitive Chemiluminescent
Turnaround Time
48-72 hrs from when specimen is received in the laboratory.
Department
Core Lab
Synonyms
Folic Acid (Folate, serum);FOLICX
Study Offerings
Not offered
Reference Interval
All: 4.0 - 20.0 ng/mL
CPT Code
82746
New York Approved
FDA Approved or Cleared
FDA
Approved or Cleared