FOLATE, rbc (red blood cell) (087-0380)
CPT 4 Code: 82747
Test Order Mnemonic: RBC-FOLATE
Test Includes: Serum Folate, RBC Folate
Lab: Clinical Chemistry
Request Form: Special Chemistry Form 2
Collection: Routine venipuncture; AM collection is
preferred. Test requires both SST and EDTA tubes.
Storage Instructions: SST (Serum Separator Tube):
Centrifuge and refrigerate until delivered to lab. Remove serum from red cells and freeze
serum if delivery delayed more than 24 hours.; Red-topped Tube: Centrifuge, remove
serum from cells, refrigerate serum until delivered to lab. Freeze serum if delivery
delayed more than 24 hours. Lavender-topped (EDTA preservative) Tube: DO
NOT centrifuge; refrigerate until delivered to lab. Do not freeze lavender-topped
tube; keep refrigerated.
Causes for Rejection: Gross hemolysis, Improper
collection, improperly labeled, incomplete information, improper storage of sample. See
special instructions.
Availability: Samples are received 24 hours per day at
Sample Management, Room 5.136 McCullough.
Turnaround Time: 48 - 72 hours; test performed Monday -
Friday.
Special Instructions: The test can be ordered only once
per inpatient admission or once per month for outpatients. Additional requests must have
the approval of the laboratory director.
Specimen: Blood
Volume: 7 mL blood preferred, 5 mL blood acceptable
Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL serum and entire volume of
lavender-topped tube
Container Required: 7 mL SST and 5 mL
lavender-topped (EDTA) tubes (see storage Instructions).
Reference Ranges: Serum: 1.6-12 ng/mL;
RBC Folate: 280-791 ng/mL
Reviewed/revised April 2007 by P. Harris
