Folate

Overview

  • EPIC Code:
  • LAB69
  • Soft Test Code:
  • FOL1
Alternate Names
  • FOLAT
  • Folate Serum
  • Folic Acid
  • Serum Folate
  • Vitamin B9

Specimen Collection & Preparation

Patient Preparation

Patient should discontinue taking Biotin, Vitamin B7, or Vitamin H 48 hours before getting blood drawn.


Specimen Requirements:

-OR-

1.0 mL Serum from a SST Gold Top Tube, placed in an opaque bag
Minimum Volume:
0.2 mL Serum*

* This volume does not allow for repeat testing

Collection Instructions:

Protect from light by placing in an opaque plastic bag immediately after collection


Rejection Criteria:

Avoid hemolysis


Transport and Storage:
  • Ambient (18-24°C): 2 Hours
  • Refrigerated (2-8°C): 48 Hours
  • Frozen (-20° C or colder): 28 Days

    Specimen must be frozen if testing is delayed

Clinical Interpretation

Reference Range:

> 4.5 ng/mL


Test Comments:

Patients taking vitamin supplements containing high doses of biotin (> 5 mg/day) may have falsely increased test results generated.

Excessive light exposure may alter Vitamin B12 and Folate values.


Methodology:
  • Chemiluminescence (CL)

Production Schedule

Sites Performed
  • Parkview Regional Medical Center
Days Performed
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Departments
  • Chemistry
Turn Around Time

Same Day/1 to 2 days


Coding & Compliance

CDM

01423973


CPT Coding

82746


Medical Necessity Documentation

Recommended as outpatient testing only