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Folate, RBC
Test Code467
CPT Codes
82747
Preferred Specimen
2 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
1 mL frozen (EDTA) whole blood in a plastic screw-cap vial
Note: HCT testing cannot be performed on a frozen specimen. A default HCT result will be used for calculation of the RBC folate value.
Note: HCT testing cannot be performed on a frozen specimen. A default HCT result will be used for calculation of the RBC folate value.
Instructions
Whole blood EDTA (lavender-top) tube sent at room temperature will have folate and hematocrit testing performed.
Both the HCT and folate will be performed on this tube. If sample is sent frozen, a default hematocrit will be used for calculation of the RBC folate. Do not freeze as this will affect the HCT.
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.
Both the HCT and folate will be performed on this tube. If sample is sent frozen, a default hematocrit will be used for calculation of the RBC folate. Do not freeze as this will affect the HCT.
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 Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Folate (EDTA)
Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 60 days
Folate (light protected)
Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 60 days
Hematocrit
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
Setup Schedule
A.M. Sets up 5 days a week.
Clinical Significance
Folate levels have diagnostic significance in nutritional deficiencies, especially in cases of severe alcoholism, function damage to the upper third of small bowel, pregnancy and various forms of megoblastic anemia. Since serum folate levels are subject to rapid changes reflecting diet and absorption, RBC folate may be a better diagnostic tool since the levels remain fairly constant.