Folate

Test Code

FOLATE

Alias/See Also

Chemistry

Preferred Specimen

Gold Top Tube

Minimum Volume

2 mL

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days. Separate if not tested within this time.
Frozen (-10°C or colder): 30 days
Max freeze/thaw cycles: 3

Methodology
Chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay

Setup Schedule

M-F

Report Available

TAT 1 - 5 days

Reference Range

> 5.2 ng/mL

Clinical Significance

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.

Performing Laboratory
Test performed in these BACL Chemistry Labs
Contact: Jonathan Dryjowicz-Burek, West Roxbury 857-203-5973
Alternate contact Diane Robert BR 774-826-2294

Last Updated: April 4, 2019

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.