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HelpTest ID FOL Folate, Serum
Useful For
Investigation of suspected folate deficiency
Special Instructions
Method Name
Competitive-Binding Receptor Assay
Reporting Name
Folate, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Specimen Required
Patient preparation:
1. Patient should be fasting for 8 hours.
2. Do not order on patients who have recently received methotrexate or other folic acid antagonists.
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
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 within 2 hours of collection.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 90 days |
Reference Values
≥4.0 mcg/L
<4.0 mcg/L suggests folate deficiency
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
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 |
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.Report Available
1 to 3 daysNY State Approved
YesForms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Benign Hematology Test Request Form (T755) with the specimen.
Testing Algorithm
For more information, see Vitamin B12 Deficiency Evaluation.