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HelpTest Code FOLR Folate, RBC
Specimen and Container/Tube
Whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Alternative Specimen(s): 2 mL frozen (EDTA) whole blood in a transport tube
Collection Instructions
Both the HCT and folate will be performed on this tube.
If sample is sent frozen, a default hematocrit will be used for calculation of the RBC folate. Do not freeze as this will affect the HCT.
Specimen Handling and Transport Instructions
Room temperature
Reference Values
>280 ng/mL RBC
Clinical Indications
Folate, RBC - Folate levels have diagnostic significance in nutritional deficiencies, especially in cases of severe alcoholism, function damage to the upper third of small bowel, pregnancy and various forms of megoblastic anemia. Since serum folate levels are subject to rapid changes reflecting diet and absorption, RBC folate may be a better diagnostic tool since the levels remain fairly constant.
LOINC Codes
2283-0
Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)
Synonyms/Keyword Search
Red Blood Cell Folate,RBC Folic Acid,Folic Acid, RBC,Red Cell Folate,RBC Folate
CPT Code(s)
82747
Turnaround Time
Set up: Mon-Sat (Day shift and Night shift); Report available: 2 days
Specimen Stability
Folate (EDTA)
- Room temperature: 5 days
- Refrigerated: 5 days
- Frozen: 60 days
Hematocrit
- Room temperature: 48 hours
- Refrigerated: 48 hours
- Frozen: Unacceptable
Volume
Specimen Volume: 2 mL (EDTA) whole blood
Minimum Volume: 0.2 mL
Performing Laboratory
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