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Folate, Serum or Plasma
MessageDraw sites requiring courier transport please separate and send serum or plasma frozen and protected from light.
Inpatient specimens that will be tested immediately should not be rejected if not protected from light.
Inpatient specimens that will be tested immediately should not be rejected if not protected from light.
Test Code
FOL - NCMC
Alias/See Also
Folic Acid
CPT Codes
82746
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL serum from SST protected from light
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Note: For neonate requirements see Neonate Minimum Blood Volumes
Note: For neonate requirements see Neonate Minimum Blood Volumes
Other Acceptable Specimens
1 mL plasma from Green top (Lithium Heparin) or 1 ml serum from Red Top
Instructions
- Protect from light.
- This test should not be requested on patients who have recently received methotrexate or other folic acid antagonist.
Specimen Stability
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | |
| Serum SST | Protected from light | Refrigerated | 48 hours |
| Protected from light | Frozen | > 48 hours | |
| Red Top – Separated * | Protected from light | Refrigerated | 48 hours |
| Protected from light | Frozen | > 48 hours | |
| Plasma (Li Hep) – Separated * | Protected from light | Refrigerated | 48 hours |
| Protected from light | Frozen | >48 hours |
*Centrifuge and aliquot into a plastic vial.
Methodology
Chemiluminescence
Setup Schedule
Monday through Sunday; Continuously
Report Available
Same day
Reference Range
3.1-17.5 ng/mL
Performing Laboratory
North Colorado Medical Center Laboratory
