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HelpTest ID FOL Folate, Serum
Useful 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.
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume:0.6 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged, and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
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 daysReject 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.