A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

FOLATE, RBC

Test Code
LAB8007


CPT Codes
82747, 85014

Includes
  • Hematocrit
  • RBC Folate


Preferred Specimen
2 Lavender tubes (EDTA)


Note: Send one lavender tube refrigerated and send one lavender tube frozen. Do not centrifuge - freeze entire tube. 


Patient Preparation
None

Minimum Volume
0.5 mL (1 mL optimal)


Other Acceptable Specimens
1 Lavender tube (EDTA)


AND

1 Green tube (Heparin)


Note: Send one lavender tube refrigerated and one green tube frozen. Do not centrifuge - freeze entire tube.
 


Instructions
Note: Include Hematocrit %, if hematocrit is performed by the sending facility, please include the value with the tube sent to Alverno Central Lab. Please note that the Hematocrit % must be collected within 24 hours of RBC Folate collection. 

Process samples WITHIN 4 hours of collection as below:
  • Refrigerate one lavender tube to perdform HCT% (must submit EDTA whole blood)
  • Freeze second lavender or green tube to perform RBC Folate (do not centrifuge or aliquot; freeze enitre lavender or green tube)


Transport Container
2 Lavender tubes OR 1 Lavender tube and 1 Green tube


Transport Temperature
Refrigerate one whole blood tube AND Freeze the second whole blood tube


Specimen Stability
  • 2-8°C up to 4 hours
  • The hemolysate may be frozen up to 30 days


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Improper storage temperature


Setup Schedule
M, W, F

Batched; Day shift


Report Available
Results available within 24 hours of set up


Reference Range
366 - 1356 ng/mL packed RBCs


Clinical Significance
Folate is an essential vitamin vital to normal cell growth and DNA synthesis. It is present in a wide variety of foods such as dark, leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, yeast, beans, eggs, and milk. It is absorbed by the small intestine and stored in the liver. A folate deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia and ultimately to severe neurological problems.


Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab



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.