| Test Name: | Folate, Serum (Folic Acid) |
| Epic Order Code: | LAB69 |
| CPT Code: | 82746 | | |
| Specimen(s) Type: | Serum, 1.0 mL |
| Acceptable Container(s): |   Tops are gold and red. |
| Testing Schedule: | Monday-Friday |
| Turn Around Time: | STAT: NA |
| | Routine: 48-72 hours |
| Collection Information: | A fasting specimen is preferred. Obtain by standard collection procedures. |
| Transport Information: | Deliver to lab immediately. All specimens must be signed into the laboratory. |
| Reference Client: | If unable to deliver to the lab within 1 hour, centrifuge the specimen and remove serum from the red cells. Store and transport at 2-8° C within 48 hours. If longer storage is required, store and transport the sample at -20° C up to 1 month. |
| Causes for Rejection: | Improperly labeled, incorrect container, contaminated, insufficient volume, incorrect/delay in transport, hemolysis. |
| Reference Range: | 3.1 - 17.5 ng/mL |
| Additional Information: | Hemolysis may significantly increase folate values due to high concentrations of folate in red blood cells. |