Folate (Folic Acid), Serum
Use
Detect folate deficiency; monitor therapy with folate; evaluate megaloblastic and macrocytic anemia; evaluate alcoholic patients and those with prior jejunoileal bypass for morbid obesity or those with intestinal blind-loop syndrome
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Folate assays of samples from patients receiving therapy with certain pharmaceuticals (e.g., methotrexate or leucovorin), are contraindicated because of the cross-reactivity of folate-binding protein with these compounds. Serum samples should not be altered with additives (biocides, antioxidants, or substances possibly changing the pH of the sample) in order to avoid erroneous folate recovery. Hemolysis may significantly increase folate values due to high concentrations of folate in red blood cells; therefore, hemolyzed samples are not suitable for this assay. Samples with extremely high total protein concentrations (e.g., patients suffering from Waldenström macroglobulinemia) are not suitable for use in this assay, since they may lead to the formation of protein gel in the assay cup. Erroneous findings may be obtained from samples taken from patients who have been treated with monoclonal mouse antibodies or have received them for diagnostic purposes. In rare cases, interference due to extremely high titers of antibodies to streptavidin and ruthenium can occur.
Methodology
Immunoassay (ECLIA)
Biomarkers
Folate (Folic Acid)
Analyte
LOINC Codes
- 2284-8 - Folate SerPl-mCnc
- 2284-8 - Folate SerPl-mCnc
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Container
Gel-barrier tube (preferred) or red-top tube
Collection Instructions
If a red-top tube is used, transfer separated to a plastic transport tube.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature or refrigerate
Causes for Rejection
Plasma specimen; hemolysis; improper labeling
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
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