Folate, RBC

Test code

467

CPT code(s)*

82747

In-home collection may be available in your area for purchase through Quest Mobile.

Clinical significance

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.

Test resources

Test FAQ

Biotin: Interference with Laboratory Assays

Details

Test details

Methodology

Immunoassay (IA)

Alternative name(s)

Red Blood Cell Folate,RBC Folic Acid,Folic Acid, RBC,Red Cell Folate,RBC Folate

Specimen requirements
Patient preparation	None Specified
Preferred specimen(s)	2 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Alternative specimen(s)	Frozen whole blood EDTA submitted in a plastic screw-cap vial
Minimum volume	0.2 mL
Collection instructions	Whole blood EDTA (lavender-top) tube sent at room temperature will have folate and hematocrit testing performed. Wrap tube in aluminum foil to protect from light. 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. Dietary supplements containing biotin may interfere in assays and may skew analyte results to be either falsely high or falsely low. For patients receiving the recommended daily doses of biotin, draw samples at least 8 hours following the last biotin supplementation. For patients on mega-doses of biotin supplements, draw samples at least 72 hours following the last biotin supplementation.
Transport temperature	EDTA Lavender-top tube: Room temperature Plastic screw-cap vial: Frozen
Specimen stability	Folate (EDTA) Room temperature: 5 days Refrigerated: 5 days Frozen: 60 days Hematocrit Room temperature: 48 hours Refrigerated: 48 hours Frozen: Unacceptable

Reference range(s)

>280 ng/mL RBC

LOINC® codes

The Result and LOINC® information listed below should not be used for electronic interface maintenance with Quest Diagnostics. Please contact the Quest Diagnostics Connectivity Help Desk for more information at 800-697-9302.

NOTE: The codes listed in the table are not orderable Test Codes

Result code	Result name	LOINC code	Component name
55066600	Folate, RBC	2283-0	Folate
55131700	Hematocrit	4544-3	Erythrocyte/Blood

Performing lab & setup schedule

Performing laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153

Setup schedule

Set up: Mon-Fri; Report available: Next day

Reference ranges are provided as general guidance only. To interpret test results use the reference range in the laboratory report.

*The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidance and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.

This material contains content from LOINC® (http://loinc.org). The LOINC Table, LOINC Table Core are copyright © 1995-2019, Regenstrief Institute, Inc. and the Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) Committee and is available at no cost under the license at http://loinc.org/license.

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