Test Details
Methodology
Folates: Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA); Hematocrit: Automated cell counter
Result Turnaround Time
1 - 2 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Test Includes
RBC folate; serum folate; hematocrit
Use
Detect folate deficiency; monitor therapy with folate; evaluate megaloblastic and macrocytic anemia
Special Instructions
This test may exhibit interference when sample is collected from a person who is consuming a supplement with a high dose of biotin (also termed as vitamin B7 or B8, vitamin H, or coenzyme R). It is recommended to ask all patients who may be indicated for this test about biotin supplementation. Patients should be cautioned to stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection of a sample.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Whole blood (two tubes) and serum
Container
Two full lavender-top (EDTA) tubes and one red-top tube or gel-barrier tube
Collection Instructions
Transfer 7 mL from one whole blood tube into a plastic transport tube and freeze. Refrigerate second whole blood tube. If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated serum to a plastic transport tube. To avoid delays in turnaround time when requesting multiple tests on frozen samples, please submit separate frozen specimens for each test requested.
Reference Range
RBC folate: 499−1504 ng/mL; serum folate: >3.0 ng/mL
Storage Instructions
Freeze whole blood transport tube and refrigerate all other specimens.
Patient Preparation
Verify that the patient has not had vitamins containing folic acid during the previous three to five days; if so, consult the physician.
Causes for Rejection
No frozen whole blood; no refrigerated whole blood; plasma specimen; hemolysis; transport tubes with whole blood for the hematocrit portion
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 285700 | Folate, RBC and Serum | 266019 | Folate, Hemolysate | ng/mL | 2282-2 | |
| 285700 | Folate, RBC and Serum | 005058 | Hematocrit | % | 4544-3 | |
| 285700 | Folate, RBC and Serum | 266022 | Folate, RBC | ng/mL | 2283-0 | |
| 285700 | Folate, RBC and Serum | 002020 | Folate (Folic Acid), Serum | ng/mL | 2284-8 | |
| Order Code | 285700 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Folate, RBC and Serum | |||||
| Order Loinc | ||||||
| Result Code | 266019 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Folate, Hemolysate | |||||
| UofM | ng/mL | |||||
| Result LOINC | 2282-2 | |||||
| Order Code | 285700 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Folate, RBC and Serum | |||||
| Order Loinc | ||||||
| Result Code | 005058 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Hematocrit | |||||
| UofM | % | |||||
| Result LOINC | 4544-3 | |||||
| Order Code | 285700 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Folate, RBC and Serum | |||||
| Order Loinc | ||||||
| Result Code | 266022 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Folate, RBC | |||||
| UofM | ng/mL | |||||
| Result LOINC | 2283-0 | |||||
| Order Code | 285700 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Folate, RBC and Serum | |||||
| Order Loinc | ||||||
| Result Code | 002020 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Folate (Folic Acid), Serum | |||||
| UofM | ng/mL | |||||
| Result LOINC | 2284-8 |