Folic Acid (Folate, Serum)

Message

For Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.

Test Code

FOL

Alias/See Also

466;
Folate;
Folate Serum;
Vitamin B9

CPT Codes
82746

Preferred Specimen

serum

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Instructions

Barrier tubes (serum separator tubes) are preferred. If non-barrier tubes are utilized, the serum must be removed immediately after centrifuging and placed in a screw-cap transfer tube.

Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.

Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.

Transport Container

Original tube preferred, may be sent in a screw-top transfer tube.

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature or Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature = 3 days
Refrigerated = 4 days
Frozen = 1 month

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

Hemolysis, Lipemia, incorrect specimen type, insufficient sample volume, improper storage conditions, exceeds specimen stability guidelines, contaminated sample.

Methodology
immunoassay

Setup Schedule

24/7
AU

Report Available

daily

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 B 12 deficiency that decreases the ability of cells to take up folic acid.

Performing Laboratory
Compunet Clinical Laboratories, LLC
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine, OH 45439

Last Updated: July 6, 2023

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.