Folate, Serum
Also known as: FOL
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
Not provided.
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.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (CLIA)
Biomarkers
Folate
Analyte
LOINC Codes
- 2284-8 - Folate SerPl-mCnc
- 2284-8 - Folate SerPl-mCnc
Result Turnaround Time
0-1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
ARUP Amber Transport Tube
Collection Instructions
Collect using a serum separator tube. Protect from light during collection, storage, and shipment.
Storage Instructions
Frozen. Protect from light.
Causes for Rejection
EDTA plasma. Hemolyzed specimens. Refrigerated specimens exposed to light for more than 24 cumulative hours.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2 hours |
| Refrigerated | 8 hours |
| Frozen | 6 months |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant