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Folate RBC 467

Test Code
RBCFOLATE


Alias/See Also
RBCFOLATE


CPT Codes
82747

Preferred Specimen
2 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube


Minimum Volume
1


Other Acceptable Specimens
Whole blood EDTA submitted in a plastic screw-cap vial, frozen


Instructions
Submit 1 EDTA tube at room temperature. Hct and folate done


Transport Container
LAV


Transport Temperature
T


Specimen Stability
Folate (EDTA)
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



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.