Folate
Test Code
FOL
Description
Collect
Collect 4mL blood in a serum separator tube or 4mL in a plain red top tube. Separate serum from cells immediately by centrifuge, and aliquot into a labeled polypropylene or similar plastic tube.
Preferred volume: 1 mL serum
Pediatric Collection
Minimum volume: 0.3mL serum
Unacceptable Conditions
Grossly hemolyzed specimens, exposure to sunlight
Storage Transport Temp
Frozen. Send frozen serum Priority Overnight via FedEx and in a well insulated container, on dry ice.
Stability
Stability after cell separation:
7 days refrigerated at 2-8°C
30 day frozen at -20°C (3 thaws only)
Performed
Weekdays
Methodology
2 Step Competitive Chemiluminescent
Turnaround Time
48-72 hrs from when specimen is received in the laboratory.
Department
Core Lab
Synonyms
Folic Acid (Folate, serum);FOLICX
Reference Interval
All: 4.0 - 20.0 ng/mL
CPT Code
82746