Home
HelpTest Code LAB69 Folate
Performing Laboratory
Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Billing Code
2070167
Methodology
Chemiluminescence (CLIA)
Specimen Requirements
Yellow (Gold) top tube (SST) (Preferred)
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
82746 - Folic acid; serum
Additional Information
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
Not centrifuged and refrigerated within 2 hours of collection
Quantity not sufficient (QNS)
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