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Folate, RBC
Test CodeFOLRBC
Alias/See Also
467;
RBC FOLATE,
RBC FOLIC ACID,
RED BLOOD CELL FOLATE,
FOLATE RBC
RBC FOLATE,
RBC FOLIC ACID,
RED BLOOD CELL FOLATE,
FOLATE RBC
CPT Codes
82747
Preferred Specimen
2 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube. Protect from light
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
EDTA (lavender-top) completely wrapped in foil.
Instructions
Immediately transfer whole blood to an amber vial.
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Folate (EDTA)
Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 60 days
Hematocrit
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable
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
Set up: Mon-Fri; Report available: Next day
Reference Range
>280 ng/mL RBC
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.
Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153
Last Updated: May 28, 2024
