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HelpTest Code FOL Folate, Serum
Reporting Name
Folate, SUseful For
Investigation of suspected folate deficiency
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Patient preparation:
1. Fasting: 8 hours, required
2. Do not order on patients who have recently received methotrexate or other folic acid antagonists.
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume:0.6 mL Serum
Collection Instructions:
1. Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge the specimen.
2. For red-top tubes aliquot the serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Serum: 0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 90 days |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
≥4.0 mcg/L
<4.0 mcg/L suggests folate deficiency
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Test 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 |
|---|---|---|
| FOL | Folate, S | 2284-8 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| FOL | Folate, S | 2284-8 |
Report Available
1 to 3 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
Method Name
Competitive-Binding Receptor Assay
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Benign Hematology Test Request Form (T755) with the specimen.