Folic Acid (Folate, Serum)
Test Summary
Folic acid deficiency is common in pregnant women, alcoholics, in patients whose diets do not include raw fruits and vegetables, and in people with structural damage to the small intestine. The most reliable and direct method of diagnosing folate deficiency is the determination of folate levels in both erythrocytes and serum. Low folic acid levels, however, can also be the result of a primary vitamin B 12 deficiency that decreases the ability of cells to take up folic acid.
Aliases
- Folate
- Folate Serum
- Vitamin B9
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Instructions
Barrier tubes (serum separator tubes) are preferred. If non-barrier tubes are utilized, the serum must be removed immediately after centrifuging and placed in a screw-cap transfer tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
Original tube preferred, may be sent in a screw-top transfer tube.
Transport Temperature
Room Temperature or Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
- Room Temperature = 2 hours
- Refrigerated = 48 hours
- Frozen = 28 days
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
N/A
Unacceptable Specimens
Hemolysis, Lipemia, incorrect specimen type, insufficient sample volume, improper storage conditions, exceeds specimen stability guidelines, contaminated sample.
Order Code
FOL
EPIC (Premier) Code
LAB201
Includes
N/A
CPT Code
- 82746
Billing Code
- 300237
CPT Statement
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
FDA Status
FDA Approved
Physician Attestation of Informed Consent
N/A
Testing Laboratory
CompuNet Clinical Laboratories, LLC
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine OH, 45439
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine OH, 45439
Department
Chemistry
Reference Range
See Report
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
24/7; Report available: Daily
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Instructions
Barrier tubes (serum separator tubes) are preferred. If non-barrier tubes are utilized, the serum must be removed immediately after centrifuging and placed in a screw-cap transfer tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
Original tube preferred, may be sent in a screw-top transfer tube.
Transport Temperature
Room Temperature or Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
- Room Temperature = 2 hours
- Refrigerated = 48 hours
- Frozen = 28 days
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
N/A
Unacceptable Specimens
Hemolysis, Lipemia, incorrect specimen type, insufficient sample volume, improper storage conditions, exceeds specimen stability guidelines, contaminated sample.
Result Information
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
Testing Laboratory
N/A
Reference Range
See Report
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
24/7; Report available: Daily