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Test Directory

Test Directory Folate, RBC

Folate, RBC

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

Immediately transfer whole blood to an amber vial.

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

EDTA (lavender-top) completely wrapped in foil.

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

Department

Reference Testing

Reference Range

>280 ng/mL RBC

Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time

Monday - Friday; Report available: Next day