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HelpTest Code LAB105 Folate
Additional Codes
| Test Name in EPIC | EPIC Test Code | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|
| FOLATE | LAB105 | FOLAT |
Useful For/Utility
Investigation of suspected folate deficiency
Methodology
Chemiluminescent Microparticle Folate Binding Protein Assay
Clinical Information
The term folate refers to all derivatives of folic acid. For practical purposes, serum folate is almost entirely in the form of N-(5)-methyl tetrahydrofolate.(1)
Approximately 20% of the folate absorbed daily is derived from dietary sources; the remainder is synthesized by intestinal microorganisms. Serum folate levels typically fall within a few days after dietary folate intake is reduced and may be low in the presence of normal tissue stores. RBC folate levels are less subject to short-term dietary changes.
Significant folate deficiency is characteristically associated with macrocytosis and megaloblastic anemia. Lower than normal serum folate also has been reported in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders, in pregnant women whose fetuses have neural tube defects, and in women who have recently had spontaneous abortions.(2) Folate deficiency is most commonly due to insufficient dietary intake and is most frequently encountered in pregnant women or in alcoholics.
Other causes of low serum folate concentration include:
-Excessive utilization (eg, liver disease, hemolytic disorders, and malignancies)
-Rare inborn errors of metabolism (eg, dihydrofolate reductase deficiency, formiminotransferase deficiency, 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency, and tetrahydrofolate methyltransferase deficiency)
Specimen Requirements
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Serum
Container/Tube: Red Top or Serum Gel SST
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.4 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.
2. Separate serum from cells within 2 hours of draw.
3. Specimen must be protected from light. Specimens not protected from light for >8 hrs will be rejected.
4. Specimen must be poured over into plastic amber vial and sent to main laboratory. Refrigerate transport is preferred but frozen is acceptable.
Additional Information:
1. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
2. Label specimen appropriately (Serum)
Sample will be unacceptable for testing and rejected if not aliquoted within 24 hrs.
Alternate:
Specimen Type: Plasma
Container/Tube: green top lithium heparin
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.4 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.
2. Separate plasma from cells within 2 hours of draw.
3. Specimen must be protected from light. Specimens not protected from light for >8 hrs will be rejected.
4. Specimen must be poured over into plastic amber vial and sent to main laboratory. Refrigerate transport is preferred but frozen is acceptable.
Additional Information:
1. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
2. Label specimen appropriately (Plasma).
Sample will be unacceptable for testing and rejected if not aliquoted within 24 hrs.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Refrigerate preferred; 5 days/Frozen OK/Ambient NO
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Performing Laboratory
Chemistry-
St. Joseph's Medical Center Lab
SMDC Clinical Lab
Fargo Hospital Lab, St. Mary's - Detroit Lakes Hospital Lab
Test Classification and CPT Coding
82746
Reference Values
Normal: 7-31.4 ng/mL
Indeterminate: 3.5-6.9 ng/mL
Deficient: <3.5 ng/mL