Folate, Serum

Casandra

Casandra Test Code AR14641Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab ARUP LaboratoriesLab Test ID 0070070CPT Code 82746

Also known as: FOL

Clinical Use

Order Test

Use

The Folate, Serum test is used to aid in the detection of folate deficiency. Folate, also known as Vitamin B9, is essential for numerous bodily functions including DNA synthesis and repair, cell division, and amino acid metabolism. Folate deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia and other hematological disorders. This test helps in the assessment of nutritional status and the detection of any deficiency that may support diagnosis and treatment plans, particularly in conditions like bariatric surgery recovery, and in determining vitamin deficiencies and toxicities.

Special Instructions

The specimen should be protected from light during collection, storage, and shipment. It should be collected in a serum separator tube, and also green tubes (sodium or lithium heparin) are acceptable. It's important to transfer at least 1 mL (minimum 0.5 mL) of serum or plasma to an ARUP Amber Transport Tube. This test requires accurate handling since refrigerated specimens exposed to light for more than 24 cumulative hours are not acceptable.

Limitations

Hemolyzed specimens and those exposed to inappropriate light conditions can result in inaccurate test results. The test is not suitable for EDTA plasma specimens, and samples that do not meet the stability conditions may compromise the integrity of the results. Ambient exposure of specimens must not exceed 2 hours, and refrigerated exposure cannot exceed 8 hours. The test is designed to detect folate deficiency and may not identify other possible causes of anemia.

Test Details

FDA Approved