FOLATE, RBC

• This test requires two tubes:  One refrigerated lavender for the Hematocrit % value and one frozen lavender or green for the RBC Folate.
• If the Hematocrit is performed by the sending facility, please include the Hematocrit % value with the tube sent to the Central Laboratory.
• Please note that Hematocrit % must be tested within 24 hours of RBC Folate collection.
• Note: Send one lavender tube refrigerated and send one lavender or green tube frozen. Do not centrifuge - freeze entire tube.

Hematocrit and RBC Folate

0.5 mL

• Process samples as indicated within within 4 hours of collection.
• Refrigerate one lavender tube to perfrom HCT% (must submit lavender EDTA whole blood).  This sample is stable for 48 hours to perform the HCT%.
• Freeze second lavender or green tube to perform RBC Folate (do not centrifuge or aliquot; freeze entire lavender or green tube)

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

Refrigerated tube:  2-8°C up to 48 hours
Frozen tube:  -20C up to 30 days

Improper storage temperature

M, W, F

366 - 1356 ng/mL packed RBCs

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.