Folate
Serum Folate
Testing Information
Sample Type
Serum
Test Codes
630210
CPT Code
82747
Testing Area
Core Lab - Chemistry
Test Methodology
Abbott Alinity - Chemiluminescence Immunoassay
Reference Range
>5.0 ng/mL
Expected Turnaround Time
Results Available 24 hours from Receipt
Specimen Collection Criteria
Collect one gold top SST tube (minimum whole blood: 4 mL). Let specimen clot for 30-60 minutes and then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Refrigerate after centrifugation.
Rejection Criteria
Grossly hemolyzed specimens, quantity not sufficient, improperly labeled
Specimen Validity and Retention
Centrifuged SST Tubes:Room Temperature (20-25°C): 2-4 HoursRefrigerated (2-8°C): 7 DaysFrozen (-20°C or greater): UnacceptableSerum Aliquots:Room Temperature (20-25°C): UnacceptableRefrigerated (2-8°C): 7 daysFrozen (-20°C or greater): 1 yearSpecimens retained for 7 days after testing
Courier Transportation
Transport centrifuged tube refrigerated (2-8°C)
Clinical Utility
Folate assay is used to detect nutritional deficiency and classify anemia.
Special Notes
Biotin is a known interfering substance in the folate assay. It is recommended patients taking multivitamins or supplements with Biotin refrain from taking them for 24 hours.
