Folate, RBC
Order Code: FOLRBC
Test Summary
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.
Aliases
- RBC Folate
- RBC Folic Acid
- Red Blood Cell Folate
- Folate RBC
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
2 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube. Protect from light
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Instructions
Whole blood EDTA (lavender-top) tube sent at room temperature will have folate and hematocrit testing performed. Immediately transfer blood to an amber vial or wrap entire tube in aluminum foil to protect from light. 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.
Dietary supplements containing biotin may interfere in assays and may skew analyte results to be either falsely high or falsely low. For patients receiving the recommended daily doses of biotin, draw samples at least 8 hours following the last biotin supplementation. For patients on mega-doses of biotin supplements, draw samples at least 72 hours following the last biotin supplementation.
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
N/A
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
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
Frozen whole blood EDTA submitted in a plastic screw-cap vial
Unacceptable Specimens
N/A
Order Code
FOLRBC
EPIC (Premier) Code
LAB202
Includes
N/A
CPT Code
- 82747
Billing Code
- 670302
CPT Statement
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
FDA Status
FDA Approved
Physician Attestation of Informed Consent
N/A
Testing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly VA, 20153
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly VA, 20153
Department
Reference Testing
Reference Range
>280 ng/mL RBC
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Monday - Friday; Report available: 1 day
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
2 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube. Protect from light
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Instructions
Whole blood EDTA (lavender-top) tube sent at room temperature will have folate and hematocrit testing performed. Immediately transfer blood to an amber vial or wrap entire tube in aluminum foil to protect from light. 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.
Dietary supplements containing biotin may interfere in assays and may skew analyte results to be either falsely high or falsely low. For patients receiving the recommended daily doses of biotin, draw samples at least 8 hours following the last biotin supplementation. For patients on mega-doses of biotin supplements, draw samples at least 72 hours following the last biotin supplementation.
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
N/A
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
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
Frozen whole blood EDTA submitted in a plastic screw-cap vial
Unacceptable Specimens
N/A
Result Information
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
Testing Laboratory
N/A
Reference Range
>280 ng/mL RBC
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
Monday - Friday; Report available: 1 day