Folate, Serum : 466

Test Code
FOLATC or 466


Alias/See Also
Folic Acid


CPT Codes
82746

Instructions
Dietary supplements containing biotin may interfere in assays and may skew analyte results to be either falsely high or falsely low. For patients receiving the recommended daily doses of biotin, draw samples at least 8 hours following the last biotin supplementation. For patients on mega-doses of biotin supplements, draw samples at least 72 hours following the last biotin supplementation.


Transport Container
Preferred Specimen:
1 mL serum
 
Alternative Specimen:
Amber vial
 
Minimum Volume:
0.5 mL


Transport Temperature
Room temperature.
Note: If transport to performing laboratory will exceed 24 hours please transport refrigerated (cold packs).


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 36 hours; Refrigerated: 7 days; Frozen: 30 days


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Hemolysis


Methodology
Immunoassay

Setup Schedule
Sunday - Saturday


Report Available
1 day


Reference Range
≤4 years Not established 
5-9 years >7.1 ng/mL 
10-17 years >8.0 ng/mL 

≥18 years   
  Low <3.4 ng/mL 
  Borderline 3.4-5.4 ng/mL 
  Normal >5.4 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
med fusion



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.