Test Name

Folate

Specimen Type & Acceptability

Serum
1 day refrigerated

General Use

Used in the diagnosis of folate deficiency. The main causes of folate deficiency are absence of intestinal microorganisms, poor intestinal absorption (surgical resection, celiac disease), increased demands (pregnancy, liver disease, and malignancies), insufficient dietary uptake (alcoholism), anti-folate drugs (methotrexate) and anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid).

CPT Code(s)

82746

Special Instructions

Let clot for 10-20 minutes. After the sample is fully clotted, centrifuge the sample. Verify complete separation of cells and serum. Protect from light and refrigerate.

Container/Tube Type

Volume

1 mL Min. vol. = 200 ul

Suggested Tube Types

Description

Typical Volume

Gold Top Serum Separator Tube (SST)

⋜ 5 mL

Tiger Top Serum Separator Tube (SST)
^For larger volume tests

> 5 mL

Red Top Tube (No additive)

⋜ 5 mL

EDTA Whole Blood

3 mL

3.2 % Sodium Citrate Whole Blood

2.7 mL

Lithium Heparin Plasma Separator Tube

⋜ 5 mL