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Test Code LAB5192 Vitamin B12 and Folate

Performing Laboratory

Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center

Billing Code

2070654    B12

2070167    Folate

Methodology

Chemiluminescence (CLIA)

Specimen Requirements

Yellow (Gold) top tube (SST)  (Preferred)

Plain Red top tube

Patient should be fasting if possible

Protecting specimen from light is not required but is best practice. Indoor fluorescent lighting has been shown to have little effect on folate for up to one week.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

82607 Vitamin B12
82746 Folate

Additional Information

Vitamin B12 is necessary for hematopoiesis and for normal neuronal function.  In men, it is obtained only in association with animal protein and requires intrinsic factor for absorption.  Deficiency of intrinsic factor secretion by gastric mucosa results in pernicious anemia.  Reduced serum concentration of B12 accompanies malabsorption syndromes as well.  Many other conditions are known to cause increase or decrease in the serum Vitamin B12 concentration that may lead to misinterpretation of assay results.

Folate:
The term “folate” refers to all derivatives of folic acid.  Approximately 20% of the folate absorbed daily is derived from dietary sources; the remainder is synthesized by intestinal microorganisms.  Folate deficiency is most commonly due to insufficient dietary intake and is most commonly encountered in pregnancy or in alcoholics.  Other causes of low serum folate concentration may be excessive utilization, as seen in liver disease, hemolytic disorders and malignancies.  In men, folate deficiency is characteristically associated with macrocytosis and megaloblastic anemia. 

Reasons for Rejection

Hemolysis

Quantity not sufficient (QNS)

Not centrifuged and refrigerated within 2 hours of collection

Lack of Two Patient Identifiers:

         1-Patient’s First & Last name 

         2-Patient’s Date of Birth

Performing Department

Chemistry

Specimen Transport Temperature and Stability

Centrifuge and refrigerate within 2 hours of collection

Spun SST or aliquoted red top is stable 48 hours at 2° to 8° C

Freeze serum if testing is delayed