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HelpTest Code FOL1 Folate, Serum
Specimen Required
Patient preparation:
1. Patient should be fasting for 8 hours.
2. Do not order on patients who have recently received methotrexate or other folic acid antagonists.
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Specimen Volume: 0.6 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and aliquoted within 2 hours of collection.
Useful For
Investigation of suspected folate deficiency
Special Instructions
Reporting Name
Folate, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 48 hours | LIGHT PROTECTED |
| Frozen | 28 days | LIGHT PROTECTED | |
| Ambient | 2 hours | LIGHT PROTECTED |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
Reference Values
≥4.0 mcg/L
<4.0 mcg/L suggests folate deficiency
Performing Laboratory
MCHS- MankatoTest Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
82746
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| FOL1 | Folate, S | 2284-8 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| FOL1 | Folate, S | 2284-8 |
Testing Algorithm
For more information, see Vitamin B12 Deficiency Evaluation.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday