Folate, Serum
Also known as: Folic Acid
Use
Measurement of folate (vitamin B9) levels in serum is useful for evaluating nutritional status and diagnosing folate deficiency, which can contribute to macrocytic or megaloblastic anemia, impaired DNA synthesis, and increased risk of neural tube defects during pregnancy. Folate is essential for red blood cell production and neurologic function.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Not provided.
Methodology
Immunoassay
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2284-8
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Serum separator tube (SST); alternate red top serum tube
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge, separate serum from cells and send refrigerated in an amber screw-capped plastic vial; protect from light
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis; plasma
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 21 days |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant
