Folate, RBC
Test Code
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 Details
Methodology
Reference Range(s)
Alternative Name(s)
Preferred Specimen(s)
Whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube sent at room temperature will have folate and hematocrit testing performed.
Alternative Specimen(s)
2 mL frozen (EDTA) whole blood in a transport tube.
Note: HCT testing cannot be performed on a frozen specimen. A default HCT result will be used for calculation of the RBC folate value.
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
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.
Transport Container
EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
- Folate (EDTA)
- Room temperature: 5 days
- Refrigerated: 5 days
- Frozen: 60 days
- Hematocrit
- Room temperature: 48 hours
- Refrigerated: 48 hours
- Frozen: Unacceptable
Setup Schedule
Note: HCT testing cannot be performed on a frozen specimen. A default HCT result will be used for calculation of the RBC folate value.
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.
Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 60 days
Hematocrit
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable