Folate RBC FOLRBC

Synonyms

Allscripts (AEHR) Order Name

Folic Acid, RBC

Sunrise Clinical Manager (SCM) Order Name

Folic Acid, RBC

Clinical Info

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.

Specimen Type

Blood

Container

Lavender Top Tube

Collection Instructions

Container/Tube:  Lavender-top (EDTA) tube(s)
Specimen:  4 mL of EDTA whole blood
 
Note:  If collected more than 24 hours before transport to the lab frozen whole blood for RBC Folate must be sent along with a refrigerated lavender tube in order to run the HCT.

Transport Instructions

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Whole blood stability:
2 hours Room temperature
24 hours Refrigerated

Methodology

Chemiluminescence Immunoassay

Days Performed

Monday through Friday

Performing Laboratory

Northwell Health Laboratories

CPT

82747

PDM

5911000

Result Interpretation

499 - 1504   ng/mL

Forms