Folate, RBC and Serum

TEST: 285700
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CPT: 82746; 82747; 85014
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Synonyms

  • Folates, RBC and Serum (With Hct)

Test Includes

RBC folate; serum folate; hematocrit

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.

Expected 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.

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

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.

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

Test Details

Use

Detect folate deficiency; monitor therapy with folate; evaluate megaloblastic and macrocytic anemia

Methodology

Folates: Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA); Hematocrit: Automated cell counter

Reference Interval

RBC folate: 499−1504 ng/mL; serum folate: >3.0 ng/mL

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

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The LOINC® codes are copyright © 1994-2021, Regenstrief Institute, Inc. and the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) Committee. Permission is granted in perpetuity, without payment of license fees or royalties, to use, copy, or distribute the LOINC® codes for any commercial or non-commercial purpose, subject to the terms under the license agreement found at https://loinc.org/license/. Additional information regarding LOINC® codes can be found at LOINC.org, including the LOINC Manual, which can be downloaded at LOINC.org/downloads/files/LOINCManual.pdf