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Test ID FOL Folate, Serum

Useful For

Investigation of suspected folate deficiency

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Serum


Specimen 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 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

CPT Code Information

82746

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia OK

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Benign Hematology Test Request Form (T755) with the specimen.

Secondary ID

9198