| 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 (FORBC)
Test CodeLAB70
Quest Code
467
Alias/See Also
FORBC
CPT Codes
82747
Preferred Specimen
Whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube sent at room temperature will have folate and hematocrit testing performed.
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
2 mL frozen (EDTA) whole blood in a transport tube.
Note: HCT testing cannot be performed on a frozen specimen. A default HCT result will be used for calculation of the RBC folate value.
Note: HCT testing cannot be performed on a frozen specimen. A default HCT result will be used for calculation of the RBC folate value.
Instructions
Both the HCT and folate will be performed on this tube.
If sample is sent frozen, a default hematocrit will be used for calculation of the RBC folate. Do not freeze as this will affect the HCT.
If sample is sent frozen, a default hematocrit will be used for calculation of the RBC folate. Do not freeze as this will affect the HCT.
Transport Container
EDTA (lavender-top) tube
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
8am M-f
Report Available
4 days
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 - South Region |
